Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1889 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVIII. West Virginia's Claim To The Jurisdiction Of The OHIO River. West Virginia now Occupying the Position of Virginia--Ohio and Virginia attempt to settle the Disputed Question--Commissioners appointed on the Part of each State--Their Meeting at the National Capital--Their Failure to agree--Hon. George W. Thompson's Investigations Relative to the Subject-- Text of his Report--Historical Review--Legal Deductions. For almost a century the title and jurisdiction of Virginia to the Ohio river was a matter of dispute, and many were the opinions submitted by eminent lawyers respecting it. It had become customary with several members of Congress, and especially with Mr. Callamar, of the Senate, on all occasions when any line of discussion permitted it, to assail the title of Virginia to the territory northwest of the Ohio river. In claiming compensation for the services of Virginia in the Revolutionary war as bounties out of the lands of the United States, it was natural for the Representatives and Senators from that State to lay some important stress upon the grant of that large domain to the general government by Virginia. This was the occasion generally used by these men in Congress for the attack upon the title of the "Mother" of the great States created out of that vast territory, though the assaults were not always confined to such opportunities. The political and legal questions relating to the jurisdiction of Virginia over this river depended in an important degree on the validity of the title of Virginia to the lands beyond the Ohio river. In order that an equitable and satisfactory solution of the vexed question might be reached, the two States of Ohio and Virginia in 1848 appointed a commission consisting of three members...