The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1852-08-14
Difficulty with England.

We copy that portion of Mr.. Webster's
Marshfeld speech referring to the recent
demonstration of England on the subject
of the fisheries. The Secretary speaks
out plainly and fearlessly. The N. Y.
Express well says" The right of our
countrymen and the honor of our flag are
safe in the hands of Wing Administra-
tion, no matter whether it is Great Brit
ain or powers less potential that assumes
to encroach upon the one or dishonor the
other"
Thus far, then, there is wonderful
and most significant unanimity of senti-
ment manifested by Congress and the Ad-
ministration in this matter. The speech
Of MIR. Webster at Marshtield, on Satur-
day, was fitting appendix to the firm and
dignified debate in the Senate, at Wash
ington, the day before. For our own part,
we have no apprehension for results
Mr.. Webster said:
Mr.. Sprague has made allusion to re-
cent occurrences threatening disturban-
ces, on account of the fisheries. 1t would
not become me to say much OH that SUBJ
Ject until l speak officially, and under
the direction of the head OF the Govern
ment-and then shall speak. In the
meantime, rest assured that that interest
will not be neglected by this Administra-
ton under any circumstances. The fisher
men shall be protected in all their rights of
properly, and in all their rights of occu-
patton. To use Marblehead phrase,
they shall be protected hook and line, and
bob AMI sinker. And why should they
not? They employ vast number-ma-
ny 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 to the ropes in storm and wreck.
The most potent consequences are in
volved in this matter. Our fisheries have
been the very nurseries Of our Navy. IL
our flag ships have conquered the enemy
on the sea, the fisheries are at the bottom
Of 1.-THE fisheries were the seeds from
which these glorious triumphs were born
and sprung.
Now, gentlemen, may venture to say
one or two things more on this highly i'm
portant subject. In the first place, this
sudden interruption of the pursuits Of
our citizens, which had been carried on
more than thirty years without Interrupt
tion or molestation, can hardly be justified
by any principle or consideration what
ever. 1t is now more than thirty wears
that they have pursued the fishing in the
same waters, and on the same coast, in
which and along which notice has now
come that they shall be no longer allowed
these privileges. Now, this cannot be
justified without notice. A mere indul-
sonoo Of too long continuance, even if the
privilege were "but an indulgence. can
not be Withdrawn at this season of the
year." when our people acc riding to their
custom, have engaged in the business,
without just and seasonable notice.
cannot but think the late dispatches
from the Colonial Office had not attracted
to sufficient degree the attention OF
the principal Minister Of the Crown, for
! see matter in them quite inconsistent
with the arrangement made in lS45 by
the Earl Of Aberdeen and Edward Ever
EFT. Then the Earl Of Derby, the present
first Minister, was Colonial Secretary.
1t could not well have taken place with
ont his knowledge, and, in fact, without
concurrence and sanction. cannot but
think, therefore, that its being overlook
ed is an inadvertence.
The Treaty of 1918 was made with
the Crown Of England. Ii a fishing ves-
sci is captured by one of her vessels of
war, and brought in for adjudication, the
Crown of England is answerable, and then
we have to know who we have to
deal with. But it is not 10 be expected
that the United States will submit their
rights to be adjudicated upon in the pet
ty tribunals of the Provinces, or that they
will allow our vessels to be seized by
constables and other petty officers, and
condemned by the municipal courts of
Canada and Newfoundland, New Brurs-
wick or Nova Scotia. No! No! No!
(Great cheering.) Further than this,
gentlemen, do not think it expedient to
remark upon this topic at present; but
you may be assured it is subject upon
which no one sleeps at Washington. l
regret that the state of my health caused
my absence from Washington, when the
news came of this sudden change in the
Interpretation of the Treaty. My health
requires relaxation. shall feel it my
duty, as soon ss my health and strength
will justify me in undertaking the jour
ney, to return to my post and discharge
the duties devolving upon me to the best
Of my ability.
DISTINGUISHED ARRIvAL.-Abou two
l a,alock S,turdax uaarniu1x iast hucrcx,,