Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1889-12-08


Gen. VIM. S. Haxney. the veteran SOL
der of the Florida, Mexican and Indi-
an wars, thus rel ites an interesting his
toyical event, in which he was a proMi-
nent actor-that of the military occu-
patton of the island of San juan III Pu-
get Sound, in defiance of the British au-
liberties, and which threatened to ter
inmate in q war between the two coun-
triss. This war, hal IL occurred, would,
in tbs eyes of many. have engendered
national spirit that would have averted.
or at least postponed, the civil war,
which soon broke out and diverted pub
lie sentiment into anotbor channel.
San Juan 10 IN island of Washington
Territory, between the Gulf Of Georgia
on the north, the Strait Of Fuca ON the
south, Rosario strait on the east and the
Canal de Haro on the west. The island
has q length of fifteen miles and it,
greatest breadth il seven miles. 1t has
an area Of seventy square miles. The
adjacent waters abound in fish. The ISL
and derives its chief importance from
tine dispute respecting its possession be-
tween Great Britain and the United
States. Great Britain claimed that RO-
sario strait was the channel intended by
the treaty of 1916, while the United
States insisted upon the Canal de Haro.
leaving Washington Sound with its NO.
nerous islands in dispute. President
Buchanan became alarmed and sent
Gen. Scott to the Pacific coast with Or
ders to counfermand what Gen. Harvey
had done. This episode in our history
is related by Gen. Harvey, who held the
rank of brIgadier- general, substantially
as follows:
oES. HARNEY's VERSION.
81 was sent to the island of San Juan,
which was in dispute. ! found the
British had taken possession. and estab-
lished a sheep ranch on it. l went over
to the town of Victoria to purchase furs
from the Russians, who brought them
down from Alaska. At this tune i did
not know about the difficulties. called
upon and paid my respects to the Brit
ish governor at Victoria. He received
me very politely, as did his two daugh-
ters He said, Il want to show You our
fort. and as we entered 1t the fort fired
a salute in honor of my visit. The gov
ernor invited myself and party to dine
with him, and we received the most
courteous attentions. After dinner l
took leave of the governor, going over
in steamer, when little fellow came
up to me and said he was the magistrate
OF the island. and that the Britisd did
not respect his authority at all. This
was the first | heard of it. said to
him, Don't you say word about it, i
then went over to the other side of the
channel and told the captain of the
steamer to get ready in an hour, as the
British had taken passion of the island,
and was satisfied they had no claim to
it. did not know, in fact, till then
that they had set up any claim. then
sent an order to Capt. Picket, a game
fellow, to select 100 of bis best men /.
give them the best arms and supply of
ammunition. and come down as soon as
po ,sible on the steamer to the island. l
landed the troopsan took possession of
the island. knew. egad, it was our ISL
and. / had examined both channels,
and was satisfied was in the right.
camped the soldiers and told every man
to select each large f1r tree, from be-
hind which shelter they could fire on
the British in case of attack. Fir trees
abounded upon that portion Of the isl
and. ! stayed there several days and
began to satisfy myself that they didn't
intend to trouble US. Then / went to
my headquarters up at Vancouver.
Capt. Picket remained in command,
with orders to resist a landing. The
British knew I'd fight for it. II they
made the attack they would be the ag
gressors and be responsible for the re-
suit, probably war between the two
countries. There was vessel lowering
in sight all the time. One day Il senti-
mel reported. five ships coming over
II, so1o he oh
commands by whistles.
THEY FORMED LINE
and got out their boats, which were
soon filled with marines. They maneu-
vered around and made great
display, with the evident purpose of III
tlmid .ting Capt. Picket, but the captain
was prepared for the emergency, and
had his men in readiness placed behind
the trees. His orders we're to remain in
position and hold the ISLAM. The
British, after maneuveiing around and
making flourish of forces. seemed to
conclude that the Americans were not
to be inundated. and they went back
on board their ships. Matters contin-
ued If this state for some time, when
one day u steamer came to Fort Van
couver with Gen. Scott, and received
an order from him to come on board.
He occupied long cabin, and there
were many persons who crowded around
to see the outcome of his visit. Gen.
Scott appeared to receive me cordially.
told him what had done. He then
informed me his mission was to restore
the island to its former condition and
allow the two countries to enjoy joint
possession. then said:
~ r
the honor Of my country up to this mo-
ment, and If you consent to joint oc-
oupancy shall consider it disgrace to
the country He then struck his cane
on the floor and said: 1--WE have both
got our auperiOrs and we've GOT to obey