Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1872-12-10

hands As member Of the cabinet
| at the date of the treaty which has
| given rise to the discussion between
the two governments, as the Minister
from this government to Great Brit
ain when the construction now pro
nounced anfounded was first advanc-
ed, and as the agent and representa-.
tive of this government to present the
case and to receive the award, be
has been associated with the question
in all its phases, and in every stage
has manifested great ability and
patriotic yea, in the claim of the Unit
ed States. He is entitled to much
credit for the success which has at
tended his labors.
After patient investigation of the
case, full hearing Of the statements
of each party, His Majesty, the EN-
peror of Germany, on the 2lst day OF
October signed his award, in writing,
decreeing that the claim of the Gov
eminent Of the United States, that
the boundary line between the terri
tories of her Britannia Majesty and
the United States should be drawn
through Haro channel is most in &C
| cordance with the true Interpretation
OF the treaty concluded on the 18th of
June, lS48, between the agents Of her
Britannia Majesty and those of the
United States. Copies of the case
presented on behalf of each govern
ment, and of the statement in reply to
each, and the statement of the award
are transmitted herewith.
This award confirms the United
States in their claim to the important
archipelago of islands lying between
the continent and Vancouver's Island
which for twenty-six years-ever
siuce the ratification of the treaty
with Great Britain-has been con
tested, and it leaves us, for the first
time in the history of the United
States as a nation, without a question
of disputed boundary between our
territory and the possessions of Great
Britain on this continent.
1t is my grateful duty to acknowl-
edge the prompt and spontaneous ac-
ton of Her Majesty's Government in
giving effect to this award In an
ticipation of any request from this
government, and before the reception
in the United States of the award
signed by the Emperor, Her Majesty
had given instructions for the renov
al of her troops, which had been sta
toned there, and tor the cessation of
all exercise or claim of iurisdiction,so
as TO leave the United States in con
elusive possession of the lately dis
puted territory.
| am gratitied to be able to an
nounce that the orders for the remov-
al of the troops have been executed,
and the military joint occupation of
San Juan has ceased. The Islands
are now in the exclusive possession of
the United States.
Ii now becomes necessary to CON-
plete the survey and determination of
that portion of the boundary line thro'
the Haro Channel upon which the
Commission, which determined the
remaining part of the line, were una
bic to agree. recommend the APP
pointment of a commission to act
jointly with one which may be named
by Her Majesty for that purpose.
BOUNDARY BETWEEN BRITISH POSSES
sIONs AND ALASKA.
An experience of the difficulties at.
tending the determination of an ad-
mitted line of boundary, after the oc.
cupation of the territory and lis set.
Element by those owing allegiance to
the respective governments, point to
the Importance of establishing, by
national monument or other means,
the actual line between the posses
sions of the United States acquired
by purchase from Russia and the ad.
joining possessions of Her Britannia
Majesty. The region is so sparsely
occupied that no conflicting interest
of individual or of jurisdiction are
likely to delay or cause embarrass
ment as 10 the actual location of the
line. If deferred until the population
shall enter and occupy the territory,
some trivial contest of neighbors may
again array the two governments in
antagouism. therefore recommend
the appointment of a commission, to
act jointly with one that may be APP
pointed on the part of Great Britain,
to determine the line between our
territory of Alaska and the posses
sions of Great Britain.
THE INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES.
In my last annual message | rec
commended such legislation as might
be necessary on the part of the Unit
ed States to bring into operation the
articles of the Treaty of Washington
of May, 1871. concerning the tishe
ries, and other matters touching the
relations of the United States towards
the British North American Posses
s'ons-to become operative SO soon
as the proper legislation should be
had on the part of Great Britain and
its possessions. That legislation on
the part of Great Britain and its pos
sessions had not then been had; and
during the session of Congress a
question was raised which for the
time rendered it doubtful whether
any action by Congress in the direc-
ton indicated would be had-an i'm
portant question, which has since
been disposed Of; and have receiv-
ed notice that the imperial Parlia-
ment and the legislature Of the Pro-
vincial governments have passed laws
to carry the provisions Of the Treaty
on the matters referred TO into oper-
alton. | therefore recommend your
early adoption of the Legislation in
the same direction necessary on the
part of this government.
THE MANITOBA BOUNDARY.
The joint Commission for determ-
lining the boundry line between the
United States and the British Posses
sions between the Lake of the Wood:
and the Rocky Mountains, has organ
lied and entered upon its work. Il