.MjEwMQ.MjYzNzk

VII

unsettled. The reference of this question to an Umpire without the consent and against the protestation of this State, having resulted in an obvious departure from the terms & purposes of the submission, and the recommendation of the Umpire having been rejected by our government, I cannot but consider the way as now open for the ultimate attainment of our rights. The determination of the present National Administration "to submit to nothing that is wrong" in its negotiations with foreign powers, furnishes a guaranty, that the territorial and Jurisdictional rights of Maine will not again be put in jeopardy by any arrangement to which this State is not a party; or to which its assent shall not first be obtained. What considerations may grow out of the negotiation now pending, to induce the people of this State to assent to any proposed modification of their rights, I will not presume to anticipate. If any should arise in connexion [?] with a proposition of that character, our obligations as public servants acting under a Constiution which gives to us but limited powers, point directly to the people themselves, both for instruction and for the measure of authority that will be essential to a proper action upon the subject. Experience has fully demonstrated that a well regulated Militia composed of the great body of the people, is the surest safeguard of our existing institutions. It has already identified itself with the glory of the country, and is well adapted to the spirit & principles of a free government. The laws of this State regulating the organization and discipline of the Militia, have lonf been deemed defective