Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1853-07-20
The Fisheries and the Admins.
tratiOn.

The Washington Union, copying an article
on the fisheries, which it says is calculated to
eproduce wholly erroneous impression, makes
the following statements in regard to the
course of the administration -
1--WE are enabled fully to assure the country
and all concerned ia this matter, that, So FAR
from exhibiting any 'naction' IN regard to the
protection of this great interest, the most ear.
nest attention. and the most sedulous efforts
of the administration have been frNn the first
as they now are, devoted not only to proper
and satisfactory adjustment Of the whole con.
troversy by treaty without delay, but also TO
the full vindication, pending these negotiations
oSthe rights of our fishermen, as they have
heretofore been exercised under the existing
treaty stipulatons. Negotiations on the sub
ject have been and now, prosecuted in
such a manner as to bring home to the British
authorities the full sense entertained by this
government, both of the delicacy of TIE ques.
tion involved, and Of the vital Importance of
its prompt and satisfactory solution to the
maintenance and security Of our present peace
full and friendly relations with Great Britain.
Two of our best steam vesses-the Princeton
and Fulton-both fully manned and prepared
for efficient service, have been despatched, and
are now on their way to the fishing grounds,
with view to watch over our fishermen as
they may arrive there, and to protect their
rights from all infringement. Any additional
force which may be requisite for this service
will also be duly provided and despatched. SO
as to be ready for any unforeseen emergency.
This action of the admin stration, both in
the departments Of state and Of the navy gives
the country ample proof that the rights aud
interests Of our fisherpen are fully cared for by
our government, while no efforts are spared to
bring the whole question 20 an adjustment
satisfactory to both countries, compatible with
tie rights Of each, and SO calculated to pre-
serve their present friendly relations. 1t is
proper to add, that while in view of existing
treaties. and of the course heretofore taken.
the subject is not free from embarrassment,
yet the government may well be presumed to
be in possession of information in regard to
1t not made public, and to be shaping its meas.
ures upon full consideration, and with due
vigor to the prevention of dangerous collisions
and the preservation Of peace, by firm, just.
and prudent assertion of our rights Oh the fish
ing grounds as the only method by which
these results can be accomplished.
Upon the whole, taking into view what has
been done and is now doing by our govern
ment; considering the reputation heretofore
sustained by Admiral Seymour as prudent
and considerate as well as gallant officer;
and bearing in mind the pacific counsels which
he will probably receive from the British lega.
ton in this country, we feel warranted in ex.
pressing the hope and the belief that no sud.
den nor violent measures will be permitted to
bring about a serious collision on the fishing
grounds, which would give to the question a
new and formidable complication, and which,
while negotiations are pending. both. govern.
ments are doubtless desirousas they are deep
ly interested, to avoid. In a:y event however
it is not TO be doubted by any intelligent man
who has daily considered the spirit and lam
guage of the President in his inaugural ad.
dress, that his administration will exhibit all
proper vigilance and energy both in protecting
the rights of our fishermen while they are the
subject of negotiation, and in bringing the
question to an adjustment in all respects COM
palible with our national interests and honor"
The CALIFORNIA DULL-George G. Bates, of