Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-08-05
The Debate on the Fisheries in
the Senate.

UAO 0OA0GOs
We give below the remarks of our able SEN
| ator, Mr.. HAML1N, in the U. S. Senate, on the
23d Of July, on the question of British interfe
renee with our fishermen. Mr.. H. promptly
and ably sustained the resolution of Mr.. Ma
SON. In him our hardy fishermen will find
representative both able and willing to esponse
on the floor of the Senate their rights and pro-
tect most faithfully their interests. Mr.. Ham
lin said -
AS one of the representatives of a State most
deeply interested in the subject embraced in
the resolution desire to express my gratifca-
ton that the chairman of the Committee on
Foreign Relations has seen fit to call the atten-
ton of the Senate and country to it; and de-
sire to yield a most hearty and cordial approval
of every word and sentiment which have been
expressed by that Senate. We are not per-
mltted to know at this time precisely, what is
the state of affairs between this country and
Great Britain, and it is for the purpose of
knowing, so far as it may be compatible with
the public interest, what is the precise state of
affairs, that this resolution has been offered
1t is, indeed, wonderful, that after a treaty had
been acquiesced in, and after a construction had
been given by acquiesence for a long period of
time, without notice, an armament from that
Government should be sent into those waters.
What are its peculiar objects, it is impossible
for us to tell. That there is some Interior pur-
pose beyond that which is borne upon the face
of the matter, in my judgment, is quite certain.
Indeed, it has been hispered-rumors have
come to my ears-that it is taken in connection
with the question Of reciprocity of trade with
the British colonies surrounding us. Whether
negotiation is to be demanded, or legislation
to be asked under dureas, | am sure we are
not permitted to know. But if that be the
case, it was well said by the Senator from
Virginia, that in this age, aye, at this hour, it
is wonderful indeed, if either negotiation or
Legislation should be attempted by such a
course. We could neither legislate nor nego-
tlate under such state of things, without dis
honor or disgrace, nor would we.
This is very important question, however,
to the States that compose the Northern section
of this Union. Their interests are extensive.
The individuals who are engaged in these
fisheries are numerous, and their lifetime is
one of danger and disaster; and while the
treaty has been acqulesced in, and a constrnc-
ton given to it by acquiescence for long Pc
Rod of time, it is nevertheless true, and Is
well known to all of US who reside in the i'm
mediate vicinity, that there have been many
occasions when its plain principles have been
violated, and our fishermen have been subject
to annoyances, and their vessels seized and con-
iscated upon more than one occasion, when it
is Justly believed they had not fallen within
the provisions of the treaty stipulations. They
have never been free of annoyance. What is
to result from this movement remains to be
| seen.
1t is not my purpose, at this time, to go into
an accurate account of the extent of that in
terest, or of the persons who are directly con-
nected with it. As one class ofonr population,
however, there are none who have more Just
calls upon us for protection in their just rights.
| Wherever a naval battle has been fought, on
the ocean or on the lakes, the men interested
in those fisheries have been the individuals who
have added lustre TO our flag in every such
engagement; and they are, indeed, entitled to
all the protection which the treaty stipulaiions
of the Government can give them. That flag
which they have so periodically sustained on
all occasions they may well look to for protec-
ton now, and am rejoiced that the chairman
of the appropriate committee proposes to make
the appropriate call upon the Department.
When we shall learn definitely what is the
precise state of affairs, | shall concur most
cheerfully with the Senator in carrying out
the just demand which he has made. This
is not the time, in my opinion, when discus
sion should be had upon the general question.
| The resolution itself shows that we should
have that definite information which we do not
now possess. When that shall arise, | will
endeavor to show the extent and magnitude
of this great branch of industry, and its con
nection with the commerce and prosperity OF
the country and believe can satisfy all that
our fishermen may call upon us for protection
in all their rights nor do | doubt that they
and the commerce Of the country will receive
that protection from our Government.