1784. The ancient difficulties with New-York were by no means settled; and altho' that state had probably little hope or desire of enforcing its demands, still they would not publickly and avowedly relinquish their pretended claims.

The secretary of Vermont was arrested in New-York on account of his conduct in his own state. The subject of course was laid before the general assembly and they unanimously resolved, that the lands in Vermont belonging to the citizens of New-York should be sold, until a sufficient sum should be raised to make full restitution to the secretary for all the damages which he might have sustained.

SEC. 9. New-York had made frequent attempts to disturb the government of Vermont, but they had generally recoiled upon her and were never attended with success. She had made violent and unceasing exertions to obtain jurisdiction, but had uniformly met with a determined and effectual resistance from the inhabitants.

She had assumed at one time the language of menace and threatened an attack, and at another had made fair promises. But she found that her threats, promises, and power, were alike treated with indifference by the hardy and determined inhabitants of Vermont, and finally she was obliged to relinquish all hopes of subduing them by force, or entrapping them by policy.

When Vermont first asserted her independence and assu med the powers of government, the people were not fully united or unanimous in favour of the measure, some timid

9. How bad New-York conducted towards Vermont? Was her policy successful? Were the people united on the first organization of the government of Vermont? Were they now?

ones fearful of the event, and others desirous of adhering to New-York. But the government began gradually to acquire strength and maturity, and the affairs being so prosperously and happily conducted the inhabitants were satisfied and inclined quietly to settle down under so promising auspices.

SEC. 10. At the close of the war the prospects of Vermont, were far more flattering than those of any other state. The quality and low price of the lands which she had to dispose of, and the mildness and equity of the government, induced many to emigrate thither from the other states, and large additions were made to their numbers and property in consequence.

10. What were the prospects of Vermont now? Was there much emigration from the other States?

CHAPTER IX.

FROM 1789 To 1828.

Settlement of the New-York controversy. Admission of Vermont into the Union. Indian claims. Party contentions. War with Great Britain. Censors report to amend the Constitution.

SEC. 1. Notwithstanding the success which had attended the revolutionary struggle and the consequent independence of the

1. Was the system of general government found sufficient at the close of the war? Were the powers of Congress limited? Was it found necessary to enlarge them? What plan was proposed? What did the convention do? Was it ratified? When was the new government to take effect?

E

United States, a short time was sufficient to demonstrate that some other system of general government than that which already existed was necessary, in order to realize the anticipations of publick and private prosperity which all had so fondly cherished.

Relieved from a sense of common and imminent danger, the articles of confederation, by which the States were held together, were found insufficient to accomplish the purposes of government. Under these articles, Congress had no power except to make requisitions upon the States. Having no authority to enforce obedience, these requisitions were not unfrequently disregarded.

They had no power to regulate commerce, and of course could form no treaties, and trade languished. The revenue was deficient; the publick creditors remained unpaid; the national securities depreciated in value, and were sold in many instances at one eighth part of their nominal value.

Under these circumstances it became apparent that an enlargement of the powers of Congress was absolutely necessary. The time had come when it must be decided whether the general government should be supported or abandoned-whether the objects of the glorious revolutionary struggle should be realized or lost.

During this state of things, it was proposed that a convention of delegates from the thirteen States should be held, for the purpose of revising the articles of confederation, and proposing such amendments as should seem neA convention was accordingly held, and after' some deliberation a constitution was agreed upon and reported to Congress, and submitted to the several States for ratification.

cessary.

Eleven States agreed to it; and by an unanimous vote of the electors, George Washington was elected President. March 4, 1789, was the day fixed upon for the new government to commence operations. The remaining two States soon after acceded to the new constitution, and the goverament was organized under the most flattering prospects, which have been already more than realized.

SEC. 2. Some disputes had arisen as to the location of the seat of government of the United States, and the decision seemed to waver between New-York and Philadelphia. Vermont not being represented, the balance of power was against the eastern States, and this proved a disadvantage to New-York.

New-York now, therefore, became anxious to have the Federal Union completed by the admission of Vermont, and accordingly appointed commissioners with full powers to negociate with her, and to settle all matters of controversy between them.

Vermont began to be inspired with more confidence in the general government, and was no longer averse to a union with the other States under the new constitution.

In October, 1789, commissioners were appointed on the part of Vermont, to treat with those from New-York on the controverted subjects, and to arrange all matters in dispute which prevented the union of Vermont with the United States.

Several meetings were held by the commissioners, and as those from both States were anxious to effect the objects of their appointment, the negociations were soon terminated in a manner satisfactory to all.

SEC. 3. 1790. In October the commissioners from New-York declared the consent of the Legislature of that State, to the admission of Vermont into the Union, and

2. Was New-York still opposed to the admission of Vermont into the Union? Why was she anxious for it? How was Vermont affected towards the general government? How did the negociations with New-York terminate?

8. What declaration was made by the New-York commissioners? Where was the boundary line fixed? What compensation was required by New York?

the relinquishment on their part of all claim to jurisdiction, immediately on that event taking place.

It was settled that the boundary line between the two States should be, (where it now runs,) the west limits of the towns granted by New-Hampshire, and the middle channel of Lake Champlain.

New-York also relinquished all right and title to lands in Vermont, on the payment to her of thirty thousand dollars.

SEC. 4. The Legislature of Vermont accepted the proposals of New-York, and immediately authorised their treasurer to pay the sum specified for extinguishing the New-York claims to lands.

Thus was terminated a controversy, which had been carried on for twenty-six years with untiring animosity by both parties. Considering the state of things, the high excitement which prevailed, and the comparatively trifling consequences which ensued from it, it presents one of the most astonishing political phenomena that has been witnessed in America.

Notwithstanding the exasperation produced by continued acts of aggression and retaliation, all parties had cautiously and carefully avoided the shedding of blood.

The sturdy Vermonters were ever on the alert, and ready to defend to the last extremity what they considered their rights; but were not willing to involve themselves hastily in a civil war, or to stain the escutcheon of liberty by acts of slaughter and carnage.

SEC. 5. Being thus relieved from all external troubles and difficulties, a conven

4. Did Vermont agree to the proposal? Was the controversy remarkable? Why?

5. What resolution was passed at Bennington? When was Vermont ad mitted into the Union?