The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-07-28
THE DIFFICULTIES BETWEEN THE
AMERICAN AND BRITISH
FISHERMEN.

Ne,o Foundland-E England Determined
to maintain the Enclusiue Right to Fish
--Fears Of a Collision soith the Ameri-
cans.
The British and colonial governments
are, at the present moment, adopting the
most stringent measures for driving the
American fishing vessels away from the
fishing grounds in the Bay Of Fundy, on
the coast Of Nova Scotia, and in the Gulf
of fSt Lawrence, to which points hundreds
of those vessels resort every summer.
By treaty, American fishermen are not
allowed to fish within maritime league
Of the coast, where is the best fishing
ground, nor in the Bay Of Fundy; but they
have been in the habit Of disregarding the
prohibition, and not only have done this,
but they have gone on shore, and itwould
appear, have carried on considerable
traffic with the inhabitants, and il is said,
in some instances, created disturbance.
The Canadian Government has fitted
out vessel to cruise IN the Gulf of ST.
Lawrence, on board Of which is mags-
trate and police force; four armed vessels
have been fitted out by that of Nova Scotia,
which are commanded by very determin-
ed men. who are resolved to bring affairs
to a crisis; one has been fitted out at New
Foundland, and one will be sent into the
Bay of Fundy by the government of New
Brun swck. ".H"
In the meantime the British Government
have been equally on the alert, and the
Admiral on the North American station
has despatched the Devastation, steam
frigate, which has been placed under the
orders of the Governor of Prince Edward
Island, for the protection Of the fisheries in
its vicinity; an armed cutter has also been
sent into the Bay of Fundy. and has al
ready captured an American fisherman
found in its waters.
Two sloops Of war have also been de-
spatched to the Gulf of St. Lawrence-the
Bermuda and Sappho-for the purpose of
enforcing the treaty, and fleet OF small
armed vessels and steamers, it is said, are
on their way from England with e similar
object.
1t is much to be feared that this sudden
and unexpected action may produce blood
shed, and its ultimate result, with reference
to the relations between the two countries,
it is impossible to foretel. The fishing
vessels frequent the grounds in large bod
les, several Of them cruising in company,
and it will not be matter OF surprise il
they offer resistance 10 any small armed
vessel which may interfere with their oc-
cupation, and thus produce collision
that may lead to consequences OF serious
nature; as an opposition will undoubtedly
lead to concentration of the British naval
forces on the station.
MOVEMENTS OF THE BRITISH NAVAL FORCES.
The following important despatch, ad-
dressed TO the Lieutenant Governor Of New
Foundland by the Vice Admiral COM
manding on the West India and North
American station, announces that the
steam vessel Janus. from Gibraltar, the
Buzzard, from England. and the Mohawk,
from Lake Ontario, have been ordered to
New Foundland:
JUNE, "a, 1857 beg to acquaint you
that have received an intimation from the
Admiralty that the Janus, steam vessel,
of 4 guns. and 900 horse power, has been
ordered from Gibraltar to St. Johns, New
Foundland. for the protection Of the fishe-
res of the North American provinces, and
that the Buzzard, steam sloop, 800 horse
power. from England, and the Mohawk,
from Lake Ontario, (ifnot sold,) will be
placed under my command during the
present summer, for the same general OBJ
ject.
Her Majesty's government, as your ex-
cellency will have been doubtless inform
ed. have concurred with the French Gov
ernment in establishing commission to
investigate the subject of the New Found
land fisheries, and to make such arrange
ments as may prevent future disputes and
conflicts between the authorities and the
subjects Of the two countries.
The Secretary of State for Foreign AZ
fairs has also acquainted the Admiralty
that he is of opinion it is essential for the
due maintainance of British rights, and
also for the success of the negotiations
about to be re-opened, that certain sugges-
tons madeby Sir A. Perrier, Her Majesty's
Commissioner, should be adopted, if no
valid objection exists; and that he proposes
TO instructive Governor of New Foundland
to render such assistance as NAV be ne
cessary, to the naval officers employed;
and Sir A. Perrer also deems it desirable
that commission Of the peace should be
conferred on the senior officer.
HeI Majesty's Government are so desi-
rous that ample means should be given to
check the numerous encroachments which
have been represented to have taken place
in the last few years at Belle Isle and the
coast of Labrador, that am further au-
thorized to hire and employ some small
schooners, for which lam to provide Off
GERS and men, for the purpose Of carrying
the object of Her Majesty's Government
fully into effect, on the coast of Labrador,