Morning journal and courier., 1880-03-04
The House.


 The House met at 1o:3O a. m., and after disposing of some unimportant routine busi- ness took up the order of the day, being the report of the commissioners on the boundary line between New York and Connecticut Mr Morris in the chair.
 Mr. Gardner, of Derby, detailed some of the operations of the commissioners. He said that one of the principal differences was as to the western boundary on the southwest cor ner. The first attempt to fix line was in 1885, and from this arose the disputed tract, sometimes known as the s'oblong" tract. The agreement was to run straight line north and south, twenty miles east from the Hudson river. Some Connecticut people objected and so there was made the oblong tract, now in cluding Greenwich. A hundred years or so later line was run, but inaccurate1y depriv- ing Connecticut of 5000 acres. This was dis covered in 1856, and the commissioners dis agreed about 1t and split upon this rock. Yet the then existing line has since been regarded as the real and proper line. However, the tract is of little value comparatively, and it's residents prefer to remain in New York iuris- diction. Therefore the commissioners have agreed to let the boundary remain where it has been for many years. It is noteworthy dents of that section. The next difference was as to the line at Fishers Island, and the commission has given that tract to New York It is argued that by this Connecticut relin- quishes the last and all her claims. In fact the land is of comparatively no value on the western line. Fishers Island is of some value, but the question is not whether we should have the island or not, but whether we really own it. If we have no claim that will stand court we do not own 1t. The commissioners say that there was 8 time when the island honestly belonged to Connecticut, and when she should have asserted her rig ht, but that time has not existed within hun dro7r NaSu Work hoc ho11 Ro,- over that period, and twice has worked change of title. This is in accordance with the law as laid down by the United States Su- preme Court. We may make claims for the island, but cannot support them. While we have lost the island, what have we gained {? There is pending in the United States Su- preme Court to- day case in which New York claims jurisdiction over all the Sound right up to the shores of Connecticut, including all the islands. The result of that suit is uncertain :; it might go against Connecticut, and it is agreed that by accepting the report of the commission and letting Fishers Island go, the suit will be withdrawn. So long as that case is pending, 1t would be useless to try to ne gotiate with New York for the purchase of the island, for its possession would be one of the most important points in the case. Ac- cept the report, let the suit be withdrawn as agreed, and then you are in position to nego- tiate the purchase, and will find New York most unwilling.
 MT. Gardner read an extract from 8 com munication written by 8 Stonington gentle man favoring the acceptance of the commis- sioners' report, provided there was no general opposition to the boundary throughout the State, and protesting against overturning the result of the arbitration and taking the risk of future results in the courts. This said the speaker, presents the real points very forci- ply.
 MT. Stanton, of Hartford, moved to con- tinue the whole matter to the next General Assembly. He offered 8 resolution that as the line adopted by the commission is disadvan- tageous, through the loss of Fishers Island, a new commission be appointed to negotiate with New York for different boundary line, so that Connecticut may acquire that island. The speaker dwelt at some length on the mat ter of the western boundary, claiming that Connecticut had lost 8, 900 acres there by past agreements. It is a question whether New York could maintain this advantage in the courts. NewYork planted her foot on that land, has held it, and this last commission has against the plan of dividing Long Island Sound by artificial lines-a body of water over which the United States has jurisdiction. As to Fishers Island, it was once in Connecticut ju- risdiction and we are now asked to give it up to New York. It is seven miles long by one in width, and only two miles from our coast. am opposed to this. It is 8 question wheth- CT we have lost it by not having possession. It is true that the owner has paid his taxes to New York, and that New York, in her statutes, defines the island as within her limits. We should make every effort to have that island;