Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-02-12

suggestion in the latter part of the report
WILLARD FILLMORE.
Report Of The ,Sccretaryof State.
DEPARTMENT or STATE,
WASHINGTON, FEBRUARY Z, 1858.
To The President Of The United States:
The Secretary of State has the honor submit to the
President the following report relative to the negotiation
pending between this Government and that of Great Bril-
tain the subject of the fisheries of reciprocal inter-
with the British North american Provinces, and
the navigation of the ST. Lawrence and the canals
neced with it.
The prospects of the negotiation at the
of the session alluded in general way in the
Presidents message. The attention of this Department
given the subject the earliest day possible and
has been pursued with diligence 1t has been perceived
with satisfaction that the Government of her Britannia
Majesty isprepared to enter into arrangement for the
admission Of the fishing vessels the United States
full participation in the public fisheries the and
shores of the Provinces with the exception perhaps
present. of Newfoundland and in the right Of drying
and curing fish Shore condition Of the admission
duty free, into the markets of the United States of the
products of the colonial fisheries similar privileges the
like condition. to be recprocaly enjoyed by British sub
jects the and shores of the United States
Such arrangement the Secretary has reason be-
eve would be acceptable the fishing interests of the
United States.
II is also understood that the British Government is
DESTROYS in with the Provinces to come to an
agreement with the United States for reciprocal free
trade with the Provinces in productions
and that the free navigation of the ST. Lawrence of
the Weland and Rdeau Canals, would be conceded as
part of the arrangement.
An agreement of this kind has for several years re-
ceyed the attention of Congress- and bill providing for
reciprocal free trade in certain articles occasion
passed the House of Representatives The present
tiaons have been conducted by the Department under
the impression that if the details Of the arrangement
could be- satisfactorily settled and in such way to
afford prospect Of mutual benefit, Congress would be
disposed to perform its part carry it into effect
Even the United States the party to the compact
which furnishes by far the largest market the other
should think il necessary in respects limit and
IN others to enlarge the number Of articles subject the
Arrangement beyond what the British Government the
Provinces would prefer the Secretary has of opinion
that the main provisions above alluded to promised so
much benefit both sides that would be felt to be ex
peden to enter into the arrangement for definite time
leaving to future legislation and negotiation guided by
experience, to render it still satisfactory by further
limitation enlargement
The number and variety Of the details which have pre-
scented themselves in the progress of the negotiation and
the important interests in different parts both Of the
United States and the British Provinces requiring to be
carefully considered taken in counexion with the neces
sty Of reference London for instructions as to all
questions OF moment that arise Unexpectedly have thus
far prevented and VIII probably render impossible the
conclusion Of comprehensive arrangement Of the kind
contemplated in be submitted the Senate and
10 become the Of legislative action during the pre-
sent short 1t Is believed however the pro-
gress made and the present Of negotiations that
time only is wanted for satisfactory agreement between
the two Governments al the subjects above alluded to-
The only part Of the proposed which may be
considered Of urgent nature is such adjustment
of the fisheries question would remove oil danger Of
trouble on the fishing grounds during the approach
ing session This is object Of great importance and
worthy the immediate attention Of Congress As belong
ing to general settlement the British Government is not
willing to dispose Of it separately; but the Secretary
OF State is Of opinion that under the circumstances Of the
il Congress should pass admitting provincial
fish free of duty into the United States condition that
the fishermen Of the United States admitted to full
participation in the provincial fisheries the Government
Of Great Britain would give effect the measure by the
requisite legislation her part in the expectation on both
sides that the question Of reciprocity and Of the use Of
the ST. Lawrence and the canals connected with it, will be
taken up hereafter with favorable disposition to come
mutually advantageous that part Of the
subject also.
Even if such act should fail to produce the desired
result, which is not apprehended it would relieve the
United States Of the responsibility Of the consequences
All which is respectfully submitted
EDWARD EVERETT