The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-07-24
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Tho EiaherieS.

Apart from the more Important question rails
ed by the British government as to their right
to exclude Americans from bays and other
large indents In the coasts of the provinces,
there is another consideration that will neces-
sarily enter into the negotiations upon the sub,
ject of the fisheries. The larger question:
namely, that of monopolizing the only valuable
fishing grounds---has its origin in Britain; the
lesser one, and that to which we now more par
ticularly allude, is altogether colonial, and is
the prime cause Of the movements that have
been undertaken by the colonial authorities
Whatever be the present aspects Of the case.
there are no grounds for believing that the CO
loniss generally, or even all the colonial govern
ments, desire to carry out the extravagant preten-
sions set up by Lord DERBY. Their complaint
is OF a different character, and relates .ieped
infractions Of our own reading of treaty stipula-
tons by fishermen sailing from American ports
The colonists are content that our fishing op-
erations should extend to line three miles dis
PANT from the coasts. but they aver that the re-
striction, which we admit exists under treaty, is
disregarded by Maine and Massachusetts boats;
and it is understood that the measures primari-
ly undertaken by the governments of Nova
Scotia, New Brunswick, and Canada, had
reference principally to these violations. This
view is supported by documents relating
to the fisheries printed last year under the
sanction of the Nova Scotia Legislature. One
Of these is report presented to the government
of the colony, setting forth the practices of
which complaint is made. The following is a
specimen:
1.-THE Strait ofCanso, being the chief passa &c that
American vessels take when bound to or from the
Bay dc Chaleur, they generally stop here, a. they
cay for the purpose of shelter, repairing damages,
and procuring wood and water. Many of the
places through this Strait are go situated that
vessels may haul into the bank and discharge
| without being detected. As these vessels. bound
on fishing voyage, are nearly full Of barrels, IL
would be almost impossible to detect them if tu-
| ally engaged in illicit trade. Some Of the coves
where they resort have fine streams Of fresh water,
with some rum. shops near by, which give them an
opportunity Of taking on shore barrel Of Ameri.
can-manufactured brandy, and bringing in return
| the pure fresh water; and many Of the crews Of
| these vessels actually residents of these
places, they think they have the same privileges
as those who call in British vessels; and as they
have been habituated to 60 on shore aud purchase
small stores-such as butter, potatoes, sheep, &c
from the inhabitants-I found the inhabitants of
the coast moro favorable towards the Americans
than they towards the Nova Scotia men. AT
some places heard that the inhabitants would go
out in their boats when the Americans were taking
mackerel, and make fast to them and fab while
they had them baited up. All this gives the In.
habitants favorable opinion Of the Americans"
And again: a. ".....-....
"Thc course to be pursued to prevent foreign
vessels from trcspassing on the grounds reserved
for British subjects requires more talent and expe.
rience than have, to decide. However, from the