Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/293

Rh by us, it was conceded that, whilst Walker's line should continue to be the true jurisdictional boundary between us, the State of Kentucky should have the benefit and privilege of entering, 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 any other way, establish or run the degree of latitude. More than two years ago the authorities of Kentucky, without our participation, fixed and run a line which she contends is the 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, especially between those citizens of the different States who reside on or adjoining the disputed territory; and it is very desirable that the Legislature should, at the present session, take such detinitive measure as will put the subject forever 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 operation within a year or two; but the good work has been seriously commenced, and we have every ground for reasonable hope that it will go on and prosper. Already has the fund set apart for that laudable object increased to an amount which promises the means of much positive usefulness to that portion of the community for whose benefit and advantage it was originally designed. No longer will the means of elementary learning be limited to those whose private resources are equal to the expense, but the road to distinction in every department of science and moral excellence will be equally open to all the youth of our country whose ambition may urge them on in the contest of honorable emulation.

I, D. A. NUNN, Secretary of State of the State of Tennessee, do certify that the above and foregoing is a true and perfect copy of the message of his Excellency Governor Sam Houston, the original of which is in said office.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my official signature; and by order of the Governor have hereunto fixed the great seal of the [L. S.] State at the department in the city of Nashville this November the 15th, 1881. Secretary of State.