The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-08-09
From tie Hartford Daily Cosuan,. August s.

"
Scott and the Boundary Question.
Another situation In which WIsvisLD Scor1
showed the versatility Of his talents, and the adapt.
edness of bis mind to the affairs Of peace as well
war, was in his agency in settlng the difficult
ties that arose from the disputed boundary be-
tween the United States and the British pro-
vinces.
The origin of this dispute, it's progress and its
termination, are we'll known. for they are Of too
recent date not to be remembered. They grew
out of the geographical ignorance of those who
made the treaty of 1888, fixing the boundaries OF
the United States and the British provinces. Each
claimed certain territory; each had exercised
sovereign powers within it, and each, exasperated
by opposition, was preparing to resort to arms.
The danger Of war was imminent. SO strongly
was this felt, that measure was promptly passed
by both Houses-unanimousy by the Senate-con-
fer'ing upon President Van Buren, power to call
out the militia for six months, and to enlist fifty
thousand volunteers. They likewise appropriated
ten millions Of dollars for these objects. This was
according to the advice of Scott, although II con
ferred an immense power upon the President; but
the Democrats Of those days did not indulge in the
silly twaddie Of they never
do only when out Of power.
Maine had sent q land agent, with O posse, to
drive out timber cutters from the disputed terrific
ry. This body Of men were seized and confined
were much excited, and after trying in vain ne
gotiatons with and letters to Sir John Harvey, the
Governor Of New brunswick, they organized a
military force. The Legislature placed eight
er Of their Governor Sir John took the same steps,
and British troops were marched towards the con-
tested territory. Every thing threatened war.
The people, on both sides, were eager for it.
Things were in this condition when General
Scott reached the frontier. Here was glorious
opportunity to gather a new crop Of military lau.
rels-a new situation where "the feathers and
epaulettes" Of a merely military chieftain would
peace better than war. He knew that the crop of
laurels could not be gathered without the aid Of
the sickle of death. To their growth it was neces.
sary that they should be nourished with tears and
blood. The least irritation on his part-the least
encouragement of the belligerent spirit every.
where breathing around him-would have excited
two nations to q long, expensive, and bloody war.
fare, destructive alike Of the interests Of both. But
Winfield Scott did not choose 10 manifest that irri-
tation; he did not wish to place the torch to the
pile of combustible materials he saw around him
He negotiated, calmed, soothed, Quoted, and the
affair was settled, the excitement queed, and the
way paved for the acceptance OF the Ashburton
treaty, SO ably negotiated by Daniel Webster.
SCOTS first efforts we're directed to calming the
excitement of the Legislature and people of Maine
In this he successft'. and obtained from them
desired that the Governor of New Brunswick should
take the ntiatory Of 20. But Sir John Harvey had
quarrelled with the Governor Of Maine, and nc
Communication existed between them. 1t 30 hap.
pencd, however, that Scott and Harvey had been
on friendly terms. Their intercourse had COM
menced early on the field of battle, and the friend
ship Of generous foes existed between them. "A re.
newal Of their correspondence took place, and Har
vey was induced to take those conciliatory steps
that would satisfy the Maine Legislature, and pre-
serve peace. That body were then persuaded BY
Scott 10 withdraw their troops from the disputed
territory, and both parties united in submitting
the subject to negotiation.
Thus was settled by one man a quarrel tha
might have led to the most serious consequences
Has not the Wing candidate then earned the titl'
OF THE PAcIrIcAToR, as we'll as that of the creates
military commander of the day? What servic'
has General Pierce ever rendered to his country
in Congress out Of it, that has ever equalled u
greatness, in importance, this one act of ScotG !
stands alone in it's grandeur as much above tn
deeds of such an ordinary man as the Pyramid
tower above the felt-buiN tents of the Arabs OF tn
| desert. Into what unutterable littleness and in
significance do the petty trivial votes of Franklin
Pierce dwindle when compared to this act OF Paci
fcation with all it's consequences?