The daily republic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1853-1853, 1853-07-12
The Fisheries Difficulties.

We quote the following from the editorial
columns of yesterdays Philadelphia Inquirer.
We have great faith in the anxiety of the
negotiators on both sides to avoid national
difficulty on this subject; but single instance
of bloodsbed or seizure may place it beyond
their control, and the respective governments
may be wholly unable to ''remunerate the in
jured persons" in such manner as to satisfy the
nation. 1t would be hazardous circumstance;
and, as we earnestly desire fair and amicable
adjustment of the question, we trust the diplo-
of collision.
This topic of negotiation has been open for
more than year without any definite action on
the part Of those entrusted with its ad-
justment. 1t is apparent that time has been
employed by the Administration in compro
missing or compromising party difficulties
that should have been employed in negotiations
of more important character. The season
for the commencement Of operations by our
fishermen is at hand, and they are proceeding
to the waters they are accustomed to frequent,
with the determination in some instances te
resist any attempt to circumscribe their opera.
tions by the British construction of the treaty
1t would be well for the negotiators to reflect
that questions involving popular rights or int
rests cannot be permitted to await the proven
bal waste Of time attendant upon diplomacy,
and that if the fishery question be not speedily
settled by them, it will soon settle itself and
leave them to ponder on the consequences.
But to our extract from the Inquirer. That
journal says:
'The British have force on the fishing banks,
under Admiral Seymour, charged with the duty
of protecting the rights of the colonial fisheries,
and Of preventing spoliation by American fisher
men, On the other hand, the United States have
just despatched force to the disputed waters
charged with the duty of protecting the interests
of American fishermen Meanwhile the two gov
ernments negotiating, the desire being to bring
the whole question TO adjustment satisfactory
to both countries, compatible with the rights OF
each, and thus calculated to perpctuate their
friendly relations In this we trust they may
promptly and fully succeed. A collision be-
tween Great Britain and the United States at
the present moment would be n serious ca
iamity. 1t would startle and shock the civil
lied world. But we have hardly fear of such a
result. The disposition is of the right kind on
both sides, and even should either of the parties
on the fishing banks transcend their legitimate
rights, the matter would be speedily explained
and apologized for, while the injured persons
whether British or American, would be fully re-
Enumerated. The movement of Mr.. Champion il
one every way honorable and credtable to that
gentleman, and is Indicative of desire to avoid q
collision. And yet it is quite possible that W,
shall soon have reports of the seizure of one o
two American fishing vessels, and, as connecte'
herewith, exciting rumors of bloodshed and war
Nevertheless, with true understanding of TIN
case by the public, little alarm will be felt, an
the excitement will prove but momentary."