Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1859-09-21
Letter from washington.


Washington, Sept, 10, 1859.
The Oregon boundary Question The Main
Channel.-The Smithsonian Institute
Rockville Fair. .-Fsrenaun's Visit, dc
When the United States and Great Brit
ian agreed upon :he treaty, that the 49th pa.
allel of latitude, should be the Northern boun
dary of Oregon Territory, every body sup
posed that the question was finally settled.
Had this 49th line been extended to the Pa
cifc, it would have divided Vancouvers Is
land, which it was conceded belonged to
Great Britian, therefore the treaty stipulated
that the 49th PARALLEL should run only as far
West as the main channel, which separated
Vancouvers from the shore, then follow the
channel so as to exclude Vancouver then
due West to the ocean. Now it appears there
are two channels between Vancouver and the
main land; that of the canal De Haro, which
lies between Vancouver and the Island of
San Juan, aud the Rosario Straits. lying be-
tween San Juan and the main shore of Wash
ington Territory. The Americans contend
that as the canal De Haro is the widest, deep
er and more direct, that it is, therefore, the
main channel, whilst the British say the Is
land of San Juan has always been considered
as an appendage of Vancouver, therefore,
the channel referred to in the treaty is the
Rosario, SO that the present difficulty in that
section OF country rests upon the several in
terpretations of the treaty. San Juan has
been partly at least, in the possession of our
government for several years. aud u. S Of
ticers have resided and done business there.
Gen Harvey in taking exclusive possession
OF the Island acted without positive authority
from the Government, and although matters
III that quarter look like hostilities between
| two peaceful Nations, the question oe boun-
dary will undoubtedly be arranged to the sat
lsfaction of both parties in peaceful man
ner.
The visitors to the Smithsonian Institute
this week has been unusually large, most of
them strangers in the Metropolis. There is
much to see and wonder at, in examining the
Museum, wherein are profuse collections of
specimens of Natural History, contributed by
individuals and tie various governmental ex-
peditioDs. The standing Gallery of Indian
Patriots, embracing al! the distinguished In
dian Chiefs tor the past century, attracts
great admiration. Prof Henry is at present
engaged in ciphsring out the causes of the
Aurora Boreals, the late influence of this
unaccountable phenomena with the telegraph
wires being the inducement for such solu-
ton
The annual Fair of Montgomery county,
Md at Rockville, IA miles distant, attract
ed many of our leading citizens during the
past week. The exhibition of farm products.
vegetables and articles of female industry are
spoken of in highest terms The George
town Light Infantry were present and went
through number of Military evolutions.
This is combining the arts of Peace and War
in new and yet not Objectionable man
ner
The American Engine Company of Phila-
delphia, will visit this city on Monday even
ing, and while here will be the guests of the
Franklin Fire Company. Beck's celebrated
Band accompanies them, on Wednesday, they
take an excursion down the Potomac to Mount
Vernon and Glymont, and return home on
Thursday.
The Sons of Malta are making grand prep
arations for their Tournament on the 18th inst.
Delegations will be here from Baltimore,
Philadelphia, New York and Boston, and it
is expected large influx of strangers will be
present to witness the exploits of the gallant
knights.
The nomination of Ex-Sheriff Durbin, as
State Senator, is high compliment to mau
OF sterling integrity and strict hoEesty 1t
is such men that are needed at Harrisburg to
stand against all corrupt and base Influences.
and your district may well feel assured that in
him they have a man who will never betray
bis trust nor the interests of his District
and State. [ consider his election certain.
and am confident the black guardism of the
Tribune and Wig will, as it ought 20, make
him friends and votes
Briefly Yours.