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ment of the United States, and accepted by the British government, to endeavor to establish this boundary by amicable negotiation, rather than by submission to the decision of a foreign power, as provided by the Treaty. This management is believed to be satisfactory to Maine, and we have reason to feel a confidence that the negotiation will be conducted as to secure to this State its just right. I lay before you the annual return of the militia of this State, by which it appears that our effective force consists of upwards of thirty five thousand infantry, and three thousand cavalry and artillery, generally well armed and properly organized. Congress possess the power to provide for organizing, arming and disciplining the militia ; and, as the subject in all its branches, has been specially recommended by the President to the attention of the national Legislature, at its present session, we have reason to expect that it will now receive the consideration which its importance demands. From information communicated by the commanding officers of artillery, in different parts of the State, it appears that many of the buildings erected for the preservation of the ordnance attached to their respective companies, are in such a State of decay as not to answer the purpose for which they now provided. In some of the most urgent