The Daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1845-1850, 1850-08-10

tons have thought the occasion called for res
pecting constitutional obligations which may arise, in
the further progress of things and may devolve on
me to be performed, | hope shall not be regarded
as stepping aside the line ofmy duty, notwth-
standing thatI am aware that the subject is now be-
fore both Houses, if express my deep and earnest
conviction of the importance of an immediate dec-
sion, arrangement or settlement of the question of
boundary between Texas and the Territory of New
Mexico. All considerations of Justice, general ex-
pedency and domestic tranquility call for this. 1t
seems to be in its character andby positions the first,
of the FIRST of the questions growing out Of the
acquisition of California and New Mexico, and now
requiring decision.
No Government can be established for New Mex
leo, either State Territory, until it shall beirst
cerained what New Mexico is, and what are her
limits and boundaries. These cannot be fixed or
known, till the line ofdivison between her and Tex
shall be ascertained and established-and numer-
Gus and weghty reasons conspire, in my Judgment,
to show that this divisional line should be establish
ed by Congress, with the assent of the government
of Texas In the first place, this seems by far the
most prompt mode of proceeding, by which the end
can be accomplished. If judicial proceedings were
resorted to, such proceedings would necessarily be
Slow and years would pass by, in all probability be-
fore the controversy could be ended. So great de-
lay sin this case,s to be avoided if possible So great
be the occasion OF disturbances and collisions For
the reason, would with the utmost Difference
to the wisdom of Congress, express doubt of the
expedlency OF the appointment ofcommssioners, and
OF an examination, estimate, and award Of lndenl-
nifty to be made by them. This would be but species
of arbitration, which might last as long as suit at
law.
So far as am able TO comprehend the case, the
general facts now all KNOWN and Congress is as
capable of deciding on it, justly and properly now ,as
| it probably would be after the report of the Com
missioners If the claim of title on the part of Tex
as appears to be well founded in whole or in part il
is IN the competency of Congress to offer her an in
demnity for the surrender of that claim. In case
like this, surrounded as it is, by many cogent con-
slderatons, all calling for amcable adjustment and
immediate settlement, the Government of the United
States would be justified in my opinion, in allowing
an indemnity to Texas, not unreasonable and extra
VACANT, but fair liberal, and awarded in just spiri
of accommodation.
think no event would be hailed with more graft
fcaton by the people of the United States, than the
amlcable ad justment of questions of difficulty which
have now for long time, agitated the country ant
occupied, to the exclusion of other subjects the time
and attention of Congress.
Having thus freely communicated the results O
my own reflection, on the most advisable mode o
adjusting the boundary question: shall nevertheless
cheerfully acquiesce in any other mode which the
wisdom of Congress may devise
, And, in conclusion, repeat my conviction, tina
every consideration of the public interest," manifest
the necessity of provision by Congress for the set
Element of this boundary question: before the presen
; session be brought to close. The settlement o
other questions, connected with the same subjects
within the same period, is greatly to be desired; bu
the adjustment of this appears TO me, to be in the
highest degree important. In the train of such mr.
adjustment, may well hope that there will fol.
low return of harmony and good will, an increased
attachment TO the Union, and the general satsfac
2 ton of the country. WILLARD FILLMORE. .
Washington, August 6, 1850.