Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-01-06

I
the good understanding between the two
countries, shv question arising out of the
adverse claims uf lhe parties TO the is
land Of San Juan. under the Oregon
treaty OF the 18th OF June, 1876, sud
denly assumed threatening prominence.
In order TO prevent unfortunate colli-
sions on that remote frontier. the late
Secretary of State, on the l7,h of July,
1883, addressed note 10 Mr.. Champion,
the British Minister'S at Washington, COM
municaling TO him n copy OF the instruc-
lions which hr (Mr. Marcy had given,
on the l4Ih Of July, to Governor Stevens
Of Washington Territory, having a spe-
eial reference to nm apprehended con-
llici between our citizens and the British
subjects OF the Island OF San Juan" To
1 prevent this the Governor was instructed,
a" that the officers Of the Territory should
abstain from all acts on the disp0ted
grounds ahich are calculated to provoke
any conflicts, so far as il can be done
without implying the concession 10 the
authorities of Great Britain of an ex-
elusive right over the premises. The
title ought 10 be settled before either
party should attempt to exclude the 9TH
er by force, or exercise complete and ex-
elusive sovereign rights within the fairly
di-pI;ed limits
In acknowledging the receipt on the
next day Of Mr Marcy's note, the Brit
ish Minister expressed his entire concur
renee in the propriety of the course
recommended TO the Governor ef WASH
ington Territory by your (Mr, Marcy'-)
instructions to that officer" and stating
he had lost no time in transmitting a
copy OF that document to the Governor
General Of British North America" and
had earnestly recommended TO his Ex-
cellency to take such measures a. 10 him
may appear best calculated 10 secure, on
the part Of the British local authorities
and the inhabitants of the neighborhood
OF she line in question, the exercise OF
the same spirit Of forbearance which is
inculcaled by you (hlr. Marcy on the
authorities and citizens Of the United
States.
Thus matters remained upon the faith
of this arrangement until the 9th of July
last, when General Harney paid visit
to the Island. He found upon it twen-
ty-fve American gesidents with their ia
miles, and also an establishment Of the
Hudson's Bay Company for the purpose
Of raising sheep. A short time before
his arrival, one these residents had shot
an animal belonging 10 the company,
whilst trespassing upon his premises, for
which, however, he offered to pay twice
is value bat that was refused. Soon
after the chief factor Of the company
at Victoria. Mr. Dalles, son-in-law of
Governor Douglas, came 10 the Island in
the British sloop-oi-war Satellite, and
threatened to take this American (AIr
Cuurr) by force to Victoria, 10 answer
for the tre-pass he had committed. The
American seized his rife, and told Hr.
Dallcs if any such attempt was made
he would kin him on the spot Tie af-
fair then ended"
Under these circumstances the Ameri-
can re'llers presented petition TO the
Grnrra, 50 through the United States In
sprrtor Of Customs, Mr. Hubbs, TO place
force upon rbe island, 10 protect them
from The Indians as well rs the oppress-
i've interference Of the authorities Of llse
Hudson Bay Company at Victoria with
their rights a American citizens" The
{ General Immediately responded to this
, petition and ordered Capt. Geo. r. Pick
eft 9ih Infantry, TO establish his com
, pany OF Bellevue, or San Juan Island,
on some suitable position near the harbor
: at the southeastern extremity. This or
. der was promptly obeyed, and a military
: post established 81 the place designated.
. The force WAS afterwards increased, so
b that by the last return the whole number
+ OF troops then on tle island amounted in
: the aggregate TO 69l men.
4 Whilst / do not deem it proper on the
= present occasion TO 20 further into the
4 subject, and discuss tho weight which
ought 70 b. attached 10 the statements Of
. the British colonial authorities. contest
r ing the accuracy Of the Information on
= which tbs gall nt General acted, il was
J. due - him that | should thus present his
: own r.aeoHs for i-suiug the order TO Capt.
. Pickett. From these il l. quite clear bis
p oi.lsei was 10 prevent the British author
= iliss on Vancouver Island from sxerci-
d sing Jurisdiction over American residents
d on ilse island Of San juan. as weli a. TO
= prolees them against the ineuiaions af the
J. Indtans