WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1827
120
Nashville bank, was no less politic than humane; considerable collections were thereby effected in a species of fund which, though not immediately available, wi!l become so at no distant day. From the earliest history of our government, and even before we had existed as an independent state, the question of boundary and territorial limits had presented obstacles to the harmonious intercourse which ought ever to exist between sister republics. I am not aware that at this time there can any possible mis- understanding arise as to our boundary of jurisdiction on the north; but in the application of one particular provision of the compact made with Kentucky in the winter of 1820, there seems to be a difficulty of construction, which ought no longer to exist. Acting on the spirit of compromise and conciliation ever enter- tained by us, it was conceded that whilst WalkE:r's line should continue to be the true jurisdictional boundary between us, the state of Kentucky should have the benefit and privilege of entc:r- ing and perfecting grants to all vacant lands lying between that line and the true latitude of 36° and 30' north. The terms of the compact made ample provision for ascertaining at any time the line of boundary, but there was no stipulation whereby either state could at her own pleasure or in a1iy other way, establish or run the degree of latitude. More than two yEars ago the authori- ties of Kentucky, without our participation, fixed and ran a line which she contends is a true line of latitude; and we have subsequently employed mathematicians on our part, who have without the participation of Kentucky, taken observations and made a report differing materially from the views of our sister state. From this unsettled state of affairs, it is but reasonable to expect that unpleasant controversies will arise, especial!y be- tween those citizens of the ~ifferent states who reside on or adjoining the disputed territory, and it is very desirable that the Jegislature should at the present session, take such definite meas- ures as will put the subject for ever at .rest. The cheering prospect which we have of a permanent fund for the establishment and support of common schools, is the source of much comfort and gratification to the heart of every patriot, and friend to the perpetuity of our free institutions. It is not to be presumed that the limited means on which we have had to commence, will enable us to mature any practical plan of opera- tions within a year or two; but the good work has been seriously commenced, and we have every ground for reasonable hope that it
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