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is bound by constitutional duty as well as by interest to contribute, according to its means, to sustain the respectability, and support the legitimate authority of that government. So, on the other hand, the United States are under obligations to regard and enforce our just claims, to guarantee our republican institutions, and to protect our territory from the encroachments of foreign invasion.

In pursuance of these obligations, as I apprehend them, an inquiry has recently been instituted, under the authority of the general government, into the boundary of this State and the British Province of New Brunswick. In adopting this measure, it is not contended by the United States, that they have the power to alienate, by negociation or otherwise, from the jurisdiction of a sovereign State of the Union any portion of its territorial limits. And though this this State has never assented to a compromise of her rights by arbitration, yet it is hoped that no occasion will arise for future discussion in relation to this subject, as it cannot be otherwise than expected, that the result will be in conformity to stipulations of treaties, and the incontrovertible justice of our claim.

I regret that it is not in my power to give more definite information of the progress which has been made towards a final adjustment of this controversy between the two nations. The delay has probably been occasioned by the late disturbances in the dominion of the King of the Netherlands, the power to whom to whom this subject was referred for arbitrament, agreeably to the provisions of the Treaty of Ghent. In selecting this umpire to decide between the conflicting claims of independent nations, it cannot be doubted that regard was had to the efficient character as well as to the personal honor and private worth of the individual. But recent events having deprived that monarch of the greatest portion of his kingdom by a revolution, thus rendering him necessarily dependent upon foreign power for succor and support, his political situation has been so