Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1852-08-18
MIR. WEBSTER ON THE FISHERIES.

MIR. WEBSTER On Tie FISHERIES.
On Mr.. Websters arrival at his country resi-
dcnce in Marshfed on Saturday last, he was
met by n large concourse of his neighbors with
an enthusiastic welcome. Hon. Seth Sprague
addressed him in neat, complimentary speech,
to which Mr.. Webster replied briefly in his usu-
nj brilliant style. In abiding to the threatened
disturbance caused by the new construction put
by the British government upon the treaty OF
1918, he said Mr. Sprague had made alusion to
recent occurrences threatening disturbance on
account of the fisheries. 1t would not become
him to say much on that subject until he spoke
officially, and under the direction OF the head OF
the government. And then he would speak
In the mean time be assured that that interest
will not be neglected by this administration I'M
der any circumstances. The fishermen shall be
protected IN all their rights Of property and IN all
their rights Of occupation. 10 use Marblehead
phrase, they shall be protected, hook and line,
and bob and sinker. And why should they not p!
They employ a vast number Many of our own
people are engaged in that vocation. There are
perhaps, among you some who have been on the
Grand Banks for forty successive years, and
there hung on the ropes in storm and wreck
The most potent consequences are involved in
this matter. Our fisheries have been the very
nurseries Of our navy. If our fag-ships have
conquered the enemy on the sea, the fisheries
have been at the bottom of 1.-THE fisheries are
where the seeds form from which these glorious
triumphs were born and sprung. Now, gentle
men, may venture to say one or two things
more on this highly important subject In the
first place, this sudden interruption of the pur-
suits of our citizens, which had been carried on
more than thirty years without interruption or
molestation, can hardly be justified by any prin-
ciple of consideration whatever. 1t is now more
than thirty years that they have pursued the
fishing in the same water and on the same coast
in which and along which notice has now come
that they shall be no longer allowed these priv
ileges. Now this cannot be justified without
notice. A mere indulgence of too long contn-
uance, even, if the privilege were not an indul-
gence cannot be withdrawn at this season ofthe
year when our people, according to their custom,
have engaged in the business, without just and
reasonable notice. / cannot but think the late
dispatches from the Colonial Office had not at
tracted, to sufficient degree, the attention
Of the principal minister of the crown, for | see
matter in them quite inconsistent with the ar
rangement made in lS45 by the Earl of Aber
deem and Edward Everett. Then the Earl Of
Derby, the present first Minister, was Colonial
Secretary. 1t could not we'll have taken place
without his knowledge, and, in fact, without his
concurrence or sanction. | cannot but think,
therefore, that its being overlooked is an mad
vertance. The treaty of 1918 was made with
the crown of England. If fishing vessel is
captured by one of her vessels of war, and bro't
in for adjudication, the crown of England is an
swerable, and then we know who we have to
deal with. But it is not to be expected that the
United States will submit their rights to be adj
Indicated upon in the petty tribunal of the prov
inces or that they will allow our vessels to be
seized by constables and other petty officers,
and condemned by municipal courts of Canada,
and Newfoundland, New Brunswick, or Nova
Scotia! No, no, no. Great cheering] Fur
Their than this,gentlemen,I do not think it expe-
dent to remark upon this topic at present, but
you may be assured it is subject upon which
no one sleeps at Washington. regret that the
state of my health caused my absence from
Washington when the news came of the sudden
change in the Interpretation of the treaties. My
health requires relaxation | shall feel it my
duty as soon as my health and strength will JUS
tify me in undertaking the journey, to return to
my post and discharge the duties devolving up
on me, to the best of my abilities.