The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-01-12
Green River Island.


There has existed for many years a controver-
sy between Kentucky and Indiana in relation TO
the boundary line between the States, at what IS
known as Green River island on the Ohio river.
Collisions between the citizens residing on and
adjacent to the island have been frequently i'm
minent growing out of disputes as to the loca-
ton of the boundary line. The courts OF both
States have at times taken jurisdiction over the
territory in controversy, thereby creating con-
fusion and bad feeling between the landowners.
Several of my predecessors attempted to effect
settlement of the controversy, but without sue
cess. Upon examination OF the question De-
came convinced that the only proper and am LEGAL
chancery in the United States Supreme Court,
and IN accordance with the statute passed FEB.
o Institute ana and
in the Supreme Court of the United
States, or other proper tribunal, in the name and
on behalf of the State of Indiana, a suit in chan
Gerry or other appropriate proceeding, against the
State of Kentucky, for the purpose of determln-
ing and settling the boundary of the State OF In
TO determine and put at rest the questions which
now exist as to wheth said island is within the
boundary and jurisdi lion of the State of 1ndi-
ana or OF the State OF Kentucky" and apprOprl-
ating So 900 ito be expended under the direction
of the Governor to defray the expenses, 1nclud-
ing reasonable attorneys fees of such litigation,
i employed as counsel the firm OF Mcdonald u
Butler (now Mcdonald, Butler d Snow) and
caused a suit in chancery to be brought In the
United states Supreme Court in the name or the
State Of Indiana against the State of Kentucky,
on the Sth day of August 1887, to determine
the boundary between the States at and
near Green River island. To the bill of the
State of Indiana the State Of Kentucky has filed
a crOssbill, claiming the boundary between the
States to be such as to include within the boun-
dairy of Kentucky both the sO-called Green River
island and tract of land north of 1.-THE latter
being claimed as an accretiOn 10 the island. In
this suit the testimony has been taken. and the
case will be ready for submission to the court
within the next three months. The testimony in
behalf of the State of Indiana has been largely
directed to prove that Green River island, so
called, has never, since 1884, when the deed of
cuted, been true island, since it has not been
surrounded with water, except for small portion
Of the year, when the water in the Ohio river
was near its highest point.
There has also been considerable testimony
presented in behalf of this State tending to show
the existence OF dispute regarding this So
sion of the Northwestern Territory
The facts regarding the line run by
the commissioners in 1875 have also been fully
IN behalf of this State, it is believed covers every
material fact in its favor, and the facts proved
tend strongly to sustain its claims. 1t is now
confidently expected that the Supreme Court will
settle this troublesome question in favor of the
State of Indiana. 1t may be that the present ap-
preparation is not sufficient to pay the expenses
If, upon proper showing, you find the same to
be insufficient, IL should be increased
My term as chief executive of the State will
soon expire In surrendering the important
trust cOnfided to my care by generous people,
can say that it has been my constant endeavor to
administer it with strict 1mpartiality toward all,
and In such manner as believed would best SUBJ
serve the interest of the State and promote the
welfare of the people Trusting that your rela-
lions may be agreeable and pleasant, 1 invoke
the assistance and direction of the Divine ruler
in your deliberations, and ask His blessings upon
us as people and State.