Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-03-05

to desire Vermont's confederation with the
United States. By the exclusion of Yer
mont from the Union, it was perceived
that the eastern states were deprived oi
their just representation in congress;
New York. that, once their old difficulties
composed, the interests and influence Of
Vermont would, in almost every instance,
coincide with her own. The result was,
public opinion called at once for recon-
ciiation Vermont" it was argued, " is
in full possession of independence; her
government is AS well organiged and nd
ministered as that of the other states
what sense, then, in permitting nitro
versy which originated in the cupidity
and oppression of royal governors and
councils whose authority has long been
extinct, to mar the constellation of
American states, and deprive the north OF
its just weight of influence and of opinion
in the councils of the nation"
In accordance with these conciiatory
views the legislature of New York, July
Is, 1889, passed an act appointing com
missioners with full powers to acknowl
edge the sovereignty of Vermont, and
adjust all matters of controversy with
that state. On the 23d of October follow,
ing. the legislature of Vermont appointed
commissioners, on their part, 10 treat with
those of New York, and to remove all OBJ
structions to the admission of Vermont
into the Union. The commissioners on
both sides were very anxious that an
adjustment should be effected and hence
approached the question in thoroughly
onciliatory spirit.
There was but one point that admitted
of any debate, and that was the amount OF
compensation which the claimants under
New York grants should receive from
Vermont on account of her having regrant-
ed the same lands, and excluded the New
York grantees from their possession. The
settlement of this point. after two or three
meetings, was amicably agreed upon.
Whereupon, October 7. 1890, the commits
sioners for New York, by virtue of the
powers to them granted for that purpose,
and in consideration Of the payment by
the state of Vermont to the state of New
York, on or before the first day of Janu-
ary, 1892, of the sum of $50 900, declared
the consent of the legislature of New
York, that the state of Vermont be admit
ted into the union of the United States
and that, Immediately upon such admis-
sion, all claims of jurisdiction of the state
of New York within the state of Vermont,
all rights and titles to lands within said
state, under grants from the government
of the colony of New York-shall forever
cease. On October 2S 1890. the Legislature
of Vermont, having formally and readily
agreed to the plan concerted by the com.
missioners-passeda an act to pay the sum
of $4,000 to the state of New York,
at the time proposed.
THUS was terminated controversy,
says Mr.. Thutnpsun, "hisl, h.~.l h""''
carried on with great spirit and animcsity
for twenty-six years; and which, on the
part of Vermont. had called into exercise
native courage and talents having few
parallels in ancient or modern times"
There remained now but single step
more to be taken in order to gain that
dignity and station after which this strug
Cling young state had SO long and heroic
ally aspired.
The difficulties with New York adjusted,
the legislature proceeded to call u conven-
ton for the purpose of ascertaining the
views of the people in regard to an union
with the United States. This convention
assembled at Bennington January 6, 1871.
and after deliberating and debating the
subject for four days, it WAS finally voted,
one hundred and five to two, that applica-
ton be made for admission into the Fed
eral Union.
On the 18th OF January, 179l the legs-
ature of Vermont, having been convened
at Bennington, chose Hon. Nathaniel
Chapman and Lewis r. Morris, Esq, COM
missioners 10 attend congress and negotiate
the admission of Vermont into the Union.
The proceedings of this convention and
legislature of Vermont having been duly
aid before the president, on the 18th of
February, 1901, congress passed an act,
which was passed without debate, or n
dissenting vote, which declared " that on
the fourth day of March, 1901, the said
state by the name and style of the state
of Vermont shall be received and admit
ted into their Union as new and entire
member of the United States of America. -
And thus was terminated finally all con-
troversies. both state and national with
regard to Vermont.