.MTczNw.MTk2OTk

225.

The decision of the dispute as to our North Eastern Boundary is referred to the King of the Netherlands, and white I submit that no reference in such a ease was warrantable, yet there seems to be no objection to the personage selected; for how can he the subject of impartial history, and not apparently dependent on any advantage from either party, being an umpire between nations, act but as the magnanimous dispenser of justice, who has the power to achieve the most glorious victory by the suppression of the most extreme error how can he act but in the fearlessness of his integrity, the incorruptibility of his virtue, the discrimination of his judgement, and for the honor of his throne. By his character he must be judged more favorably than to anticipate wrong.

It would seem to be improper with reference to the sentiments here entertained to omit any opportunity of repeating the views, most solemnly believed to be correct; as to the Massachusetts Claim, that is to say, of the claim for an allowance of the services of our Militia during the late war. No one will deny that the soldiers who came for instance, from the truly republican district if Oxford, for the defense of Portland, either advanced to their post or acted on any motive but that of the most disinterested patriotism. They undoubtedly matched to the seabound only to resist the invasion of a common enemy. It is equally evident from arithmetical calculation that if they have been paid from the Treasury of Massachusetts they have in fact been paid in the unequal proportion of that treasury to the common treasury of the whole country. That their patriotism should be taxed for mere official defaults, would be so discouraging as to similar exertions, that it would be at least impolitic. Indeed if we do not admit the