Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1859-09-29
From hs San Francisco Ball,finl
THE OCCUPATION OF SAN JUAN ISIAND-I1
TpIrg rATrsu


We have obtained, from a reliable source an interest.
ing statement Of the facts which Gen Harvey breav
ailudes II seems that Mr.. Griffin, Hudson's BAY Com
panys employee and Justice Of the Peace at San Juan
had lot OF Sandwich Island hogs-animals noted for
their predatory habits and peculiar facility for gettp
through almost any kind Of hedge or fence Some Of
these qu8druPeds had trepased upon the farm Of Mr.
cutler, an American settler and rooted IN his notatoes
he notified their OF the fact and announced his
Intention Of shooting Of them that might repat the
offence. Mr. Griffin paid no heed to the warning and
the consequence was that Mr. Cutler shot boar lie inn
mediaiely informed Mr.. Griffin what he had done aud
offered TO pay fair price for the animal but Griffin re-
fused, saying the matter would be otherwise settled
The next step the arrival Of two members of the
Executive Council of Vancouver the island Messrs
fsaser and Dallas who called On M Cutler and inform
ed him that he bad committed heinous offence for
"nich he was liable TO transportation but after some
tax, offered TO cOUDrOmiss the for 800 This
Cutler declined Subsequently, nan-of-war was sent 10
the island with orders to Cutler and bring him 10
victoria for trial but he evaded seizure 10y keeping out
OF the way He then drew up petition 20 General Uar
ney which, being signed by other residents on the island
caused the occupation. Il is disputed at Victoria that
,s'' of ar to seize Mr. Cutler sent but not deued
that the HudsOns Bay COmpanys vessel was II this st
b. true and we do doubtit Il places the Beevue
matter IN new light by making British authorities the
| hrst to violate the neutrality Of the island
We learn further that is due alone 20 the .e RIM
cntory and sensible course Of the British Admiral
Biines that Gov Douglass not permitted 70 precipi
taie collision between the two governments in connec.
ton With this affair. IL is currently reported and gene
rally believed in Victoria that on the day whom The t
ernor presented biz address TO the Assembly In which he
declared that the British troops should be landed upon
san Juan island he bad already given orders for M,
wnrke demonstration. Fortunately Admiral Baines ar.
rived the next day ia the Gauges With 200 men Upon
being made acquainted with the facts Of the caae he
proceeded 20 inform the Governor that his title Of Vice
Admiral was honorary merely, and gave him no right
nor power 10 direct the movements Of Her Britannia M,
estys feet 10 Of such character and importance
| a. this
The Admiral also took the ground that San Juan Island
could not be held to be Brifsh territory tho invasion Of
which could aud should be resisted by the Colonial Coz
eminent We maintained that IL territory ~ die
pe and that, therefore. the question which Gen Ilsrne,
had raised international question 20 be set,ed by
the two Governments In this view Of the subject m,
Admiral emphaically refused 20 interfere declaring ta
| he would wait orders from bis Government and moi
rashy perpetrate act Of Rumor also attrbute
m him the declaration that single broadside from h
slip against the United States force the island vour
cost more than the whole county Is worth.
Thus u will be that Notwithstanding the intens,
bitterness Of feeling which prevails between the adher
enw Of the two parties 70 the dispute nearest 10 th
scene Of difficulties, there is danger that an arme,
| struggle will be precpiiated upon ~.