Acting in accordance with the foregoing resolution, Governor Proctor appointed the following commission, of which he is ex officio chairman: Fletcher D. Proctor, chairman, Proctor; Walter E. Howard, Middlebury; Lynn M. Hays, Essex Junction; Horace W. Bailey, Newbury; M. D. McMahon, Burlington; R. W. McCuen, Vergennes; Walter H. Crockett, St. Albans.

The commission organized by electing Walter E. Howard chairman pro tempore and Lynn M. Hays secretary.

On March 23, 1907, committees were appointed to visit Albany, N. Y., and Ottawa, Canada, for the purpose of inviting the State and the Dominion to cooperate with Vermont in the proposed celebration. The committee to visit New York State presented the plan to his excellency Governor Hughes, and it met with his approval and was strongly indorsed by members of the New York legislature.

At Ottawa the committee was received by Sir Wilfred Laurier, who enthusiastically approved of the proposed celebration and said he would be pleased to have his country well represented on the occasion and that an invitation from the Government of the United States would be cordially welcomed.

September 6, 1907, the two commissions met at Hotel Champlain, Bluff Point, N. Y., and upon resolution the chairman of each commission appointed a subcommittee, one of its duties being to confer with the Secretary of State at Washington relative to the part France, Great Britain, and Canada should take in the proposed event.

The visit of these subcommittees to the Secretary of State is more fully stated further on in this joint memorial.

It may be well to state that the members of the subcommittee of the Vermont commission called on President Roosevelt, who approved of the project and promised to lend it his full support.

Governor Proctor will in his retiring message next October bring the whole matter fully to the attention of the Vermont legislature, making at that time recommendations to the legislature.

The report of the New York commission to the legislature, which sets forth the desires and intentions of that commission, is indorsed by the Vermont commission.

ACTION ON THE PART OF NEW YORK STATE.

The Lake Champlain Tercentenary Commission of New York State, created in April last by the legislature, was charged with the duty of conferring with a commission already existing representing the State of Vermont and with representatives of the Dominion of Canada, and to report to the legislature of 1908 a plan for the proposed celebration.

To this end various conferences have been held with representatives of Vermont. In September last members of the two commissions, including the governor of New York and the governor of Vermont, made a tour of inspection of historic points on Lake Champlain. On December 4, 1907, a subcommittee of the New York commission and members of the Vermont commission had the honor of a conference with the Secretary of State at Washington, with a view to enlisting the interest of the Federal Government in the proposed celebration. At a subsequent joint meeting of the New York and Vermont commissions in Albany, resolutions were adopted in which it was directed that a suitable memorial be submitted to the Federal Government through the Department of State, requesting that the Federal Government make suitable appropriation for the proposed celebration and that it be asked to invite therein the participation of Canada, and also to invite and entertain representatives of the Republic of France, the Kingdom of Great Britain, and the Dominion of Canada. Governor Hughes in his annual message to the legislature dwelt upon the proposed celebration with approval, and recommended it to the legislature for a suitable appropriation.

The New York State commission, after various conferences, drafted a report to the legislature, of which a copy is hereto appended, and to which we beg to refer you for a more detailed statement of the action of the New York commission. Incorporated in the report is a draft of a bill which has been introduced in the New York legislature providing for the creation of a permanent commission to carry out the purpose of the act and making a suitable appropriation therefor. The amount recommended by the senate finance committee is $50,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, in place of $100,000, as stated in the first draft of the bill attached hereto.

In view of the international character of the event which it is proposed to celebrate, your commissions feel that it is desirable to include in the celebration as guests of the United States, representatives of France, Great Britain, and Canada. It is also especially desired, and your memorialists most respectfully ask, that suitable provision be made for attendance at said celebration, or participation therein, of such civil, military, and naval representatives of the Government of the United States as may be hereafter designated.

In accordance with the suggestion made on the occasion of the visit of the subcommittee representing the two States, that the matter of inviting and entertaining representatives of France, Great Britain, and Canada be under the direction of the Department of State, and that the United States Government make adequate provision therefor, we, the undersigned members of the two commissions, hereby respectfully request that you lay this matter before the President and Congress of the United States, with such recommendation as may seem advisable.

In the hope that action may be taken at the present session of Congress, we do respectfully subscribe ourselves,

REPORT OF THE LAKE CHAMPLAIN TERCENTENARY COMMISSION OF NEW YORK

STATE.

(Transmitted to the legislature March 23, 1908.)

To the legislature of the State of New York:

STATE OF NEW YORK,

In Senate, March 23, 1908.

I have the honor to submit herewith the report of the Lake Champlain tercentenary commission of New York State.

CHARLES E. HUGHES,

Chairman.

REPORT.

To the Legislature of the State of New York:

The Lake Champlain Tercentenary Commission of New York State respectfully submits the following report of action taken and suggestions for proposed action in the matter for which the Commission was created.

April 15, 1907, Mr. Hill offered in the Senate the following concurrent resolution, authorizing the appointment of a commission to confer with commissioners from Vermont and the Dominion of Canada in relation to the observance of the tercentenary of Lake Champlain :

RESOLUTION CREATING THE COMMISSION.

"Whereas the discovery of Lake Champlain by Samuel Champlain, on July 4, 1609, antedates the discovery by the whites of any other portion of the territory now comprising the State of New York, and was an event worthy of commemoration in the annals of the State and nation; and

"Whereas the State of Vermont, in 1906, appointed a commission, consisting of the governor of that State and six other commissioners, to confer with commissioners to be appointed on the part of New York and the Dominion of Canada, to ascertain what action, if any, ought to be taken by such States

and the Dominion of Canada for the observance of such tercentenary: Therefore be it

Resolved (if the assembly concur) that a commission, consisting of the governor, who shall be chairman, ex-officio, two citizens to be designated by him, the lieutenant-governor, the speaker of the assembly, two senators, to be designated by the lieutenant-governor, and two members of the assembly, to be designated by the speaker, be appointed to represent the State of New York at such conference, with power to enter into negotiations with the commissioners representing the State of Vermont and those representing the Dominion of Canada for the observance of such tercentennary, and that such commission report the results of their negotiations, together with their recommendations thereon, to the legislature of 1908.

"That such commissioners receive no pay for their services and that their necessary expenses be paid by the State, but such payment shall not exceed the amount expressly appropriated therefor."

The above resolution was adopted by the senate April 15, 1907, and by the assembly concurring without amendment April 16, 1907.

For the expenses of the commissioners appointed under this resolution, $2,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, was appropriated by chapter 578 of the laws of 1907.

Governor Hughes appointed as members of said commission the Hon. Frank S. Witherbee, of Port Henry, and the Hon. John H. Booth, of Plattsburg.

The lieutenant-governor designated the Hon. Henry W. Hill, of Buffalo, and the Hon. John C. R. Taylor, of Middletown.

The speaker of the assembly named the Hon. Alonson T. Dominy, of Beekmantown, and the Hon. James A. Foley, of New York City.

JOINT MEETING OF THE NEW YORK AND VERMONT COMMISSIONS.

At a joint meeting of the Vermont and New York commissions, held at Hotel Champlain, Bluff Point, September 6, 1907, His Excellency Governor Hughes presiding, Governor Proctor, of Vermont, and six members of the Vermont commission were present, as were also all of the New York commission, except the lieutenant-governor, the speaker, and the Hon. Frank S. Witherbee, absent in Europe. Mr. Victor H. Paltsits, State historian of New York, also attended by invitation. Mr. Frank H. Severance, of Buffalo, was chosen secretary of the New York State commission.

The chairman stated the general purpose of the commissions and the desirability of reaching definite suggestions for carrying out the work. On motion of Senator Hill a subcommittee of three was created, to be appointed by the chair, the governor being chairman ex-officio of the said subcommittee, who should confer with the Secretary of State at Washington as to advisable steps to be taken in regard to bringing the proposed celebration to the attention of the Republic of France, the Kingdom of Great Britain, and the Dominion of Canada.

The subcommittee subsequently appointed consisted of Hon. Henry W. Hill, chairman, Hon. Frank S. Witherbee, and Hon. John H. Booth.

A TOUR OF INSPECTION.

A tour of inspection of historic sites on Lake Champlain having been determined upon, members of the two commissions, including the governor of New York, the governor of Vermont, and a few guests, left Hotel Champlain on the morning of September 7, 1907, on two yachts.

As they passed northward places of historic interest were pointed out, and every island. every bay and headland was found to have its associations. The attention of your commission was especially directed at the outset to Valcour Island, just off the New York shore near Plattsburg. This island, now in part owned by the Federal Government, has played an important part in three wars. On October 13, 1759, Captain Loring, of Amherst's army, pursued a French schooner and three sloops, under the shelter of Valcour. Two of the sloops were here sunk, and the third was run aground by her crew. The naval engagement of October 11, 1776, between the American and British fleets, was off Valcour, which was also within the theater of the engagement of September 11, 1814.

Other islands in this part of the lake share the history of these events. It was from Schuylers Island, October 12, 1776, that Benedict Arnold wrote to General Gates, announcing the loss of two vessels of the American fleet.

The commissioners crossed the bay which was the scene of Macdonough's brilliant victory of September 11, 1814, in which the American loss was over 200 and the British loss over 300. Special note was taken of Crab Island, where the Americans placed their sick, September 7 to 10, and where the convalescent soldiers built and manned a battery. Here is the burial ground where were interred the soldiers and marines killed in the battle of September 11, 1814.

Just beyond we passed Cumberland Head, with associations not only of the war of 1812, but of the Revolution. Here it was, in June, 1777, that Burgoyne's army rested for several days.

Farther north, on the New York side, Point au Fer was passed. This famous point, visited by many of the early expeditions, was fortified by General Sullivan in 1776. In June of the next year it was occupied by Burgoyne; and the British remained in possession until 1788, after the close of the war.

Near the north end of the lake, among other places noted by your commission, is Windmill Point, so named from a mill and settlement built there by the French in 1731. The Canadian boundary line runs about 2 miles north of this point. An interesting association relates to a visit made to this place in the autumn of 1766 by Sir Henry Moore, governor of New York colony, and Sir Guy Carleton, governor of the Province of Quebec. Their object was to ascertain where the boundary ran which had been fixed by royal order at the fortyfifth degree. "After encountering many difficulties," the governor of New York subsequently wrote to the lords of trade (November 7, 1766), “we fixed the limits on the River Sorell (now known as the Sorell or Richelieu, the outlet of Lake Champlain), about 24 miles below Windmill Point, which is farther to the northward than we imagined to find it from the observations which were said to be made there by the French some few years ago."

During this visit of the two governors at Windmill Point they were visited by a number of French gentlemen from Quebec, who sought a confirmation of their rights in seigneuries granted to them before the conquest of Canada and now found to extend south of the Canadian boundary line. The adjustment of these old seigneurial grants, and questions relating thereto, ran through many years, and constitutes a considerable chapter in the international history of this region. The boundary line was fixed by an order in council (Report of the Lords of the Committee of Privy Council) August 12, 1768.

Your commissioners made their first landing at Sandy Point, on Isle la Motte, the site of the first French settlement in the valley; thence, after dinner at the home of the Hon. Nelson W. Fisk, Isle la Motte, going to Burlington, where the commissions were the guests of the Burlington Commercial Club and of the Ethan Allen Club. Various points of interest in the city and vicinity were visited, and the following day as many of the commissioners as could arrange went by steamer to Crown Point and afterwards to Ticonderoga, where the sites and ruined fortifications were inspected.

CONFERENCE WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

On December 4, 1907, the Hon. Henry W. Hill and the Hon. Frank S. Witherbee, of the above-named subcommittee, visited Washington, where Messrs. Lynn M. Hays and Walter H. Crocket, of the Vermont commission, joined them in a visit to the Secretary of State, the Hon. Elihu Root, with whom a conference was held, at which there were also present, besides the commissioners, Senators Proctor and Dillingham and Representative David J. Foster.

The commissioners laid the proposed plan of celebration and commemoration before the Secretary of State, with a view of ascertaining the action which he would approve in the matter on the part of the Government of the United States. The Secretary inquired what New York State and Vermont were likely to do in the way of appropriations; and was informed that both States were expected to make suitable appropriations, and that it was deemed important that representatives of the Governments of France, of Great Britain and Canada be invited through the Federal Government to be present as its guests at such celebration.

Secretary Root expressed his approval. In his view the Federal Government might with propriety invite such representatives; and he stated his willingness to recommend to the President that a suitable appropriation be made for their entertainment.

The Secretary of State further expressed to the commissioners his most cordial approval of the proposed celebration, and deep interest in it, especially on account of its international features and because of its historical character, illustrating as it would the period of discovery and settlement, and the development of American institutions.

ACTION TAKEN AT ALBANY DECEMBER 21, 1907.

At a joint meeting of the New York and Vermont commissions, held at Albany, December 21, 1907, the following resolutions, which had been adopted by the special subcommittee and reported to a meeting of the whole commission at the executive mansion, Governor Hughes presiding, were adopted:

Resolved, That it is the judgment of the subcommittee of the Lake Champlain Tercentenary Commission that the tercentenary discovery of Lake Champlain and the historic events following during the colonial and revolutionary periods, and also of the war of 1812, be celebrated in an appropriate and fitting manner in July, 1909, in the valley of Lake Champlain, with appropriate exercises to be determined upon by the commission having that matter in charge.

Resolved, That a permanent memorial to commemorate the discovery by Samuel Champlain be erected at some point in the Champlain Valley; and that the State of New York make suitable appropriation for such celebration, and also a suitable appropriation toward defraying the cost of said memorial, sharing therein with the State of Vermont and any other contributors thereto. Resolved, That a suitable memorial be prepared on the part of the commission of the State of New York and on the part of the commission of the State of Vermont, if they concur, to be presented through the Secretary of State to the Federal Government, requesting that the Federal Government, through the Department of State, or a commission, as it may decide, participate in the proposed celebration; and that the Federal Government be requested to make suitable appropriation therefor; and that the Federal Government be requested to invite the participation of Canada and also to invite and entertain representatives of the Republic of France, the King of Great Britain, and the Dominion of Canada.

SUNDRY SUGGESTIONS.

In free discussion among the members of the commissions it was developed that in the judgment of the commissions the proposed celebration should include exercises to be held at Ticonderoga, Crown Point, Plattsburg, Burlington, Isle la Motte, and, if found feasible, at a convenient point in Canada, Other suggestions were:

That on Sunday, July 4, 1909, religious services of a character appropriate to the anniversary be held, if possible, at suitable points, especially at Cliff Haven, at Isle la Motte, and in the cathedral at Burlington, under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Church.

Also, that said celebration shall include such musical features as may be found desirable, and, if possible, an aquatic pageant, with fireworks, electrica? display, and other appropriate features. It is understood and expected that the annual meetings of regattas of canoe, motor boat, or yacht clubs may be held at this time on Lake Champlain, contributing attractive features to the celebration.

It was further suggested, with the approval of the members present, that the fraternal orders represented in the Champlain Valley be invited to join in the celebration and to appear in regalia in appropriate parades as opportunity may offer.

After some discussion as to the practicability of participation by patriotic societies, it was voted that the secretary of the New York commission procure data relative to the patriotic societies represented in the Champlain Valley and submit it at a future meeting of the commission, that the commission may act with more adequate information on this subject.

A MEMORIAL VOLUME RECOMMENDED.

A further suggestion, which appeals with force to your commission, is that there should be provided for, to be published by the State of New York, a suitable memorial volume, to be issued as soon as practicable after the celebration, which shall contain a general report of your commission; a report of the cele