Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-09-24
PRESENT STATE OF THE FISHERY QUESTION


country and the United States were far embroile
upon the question Of the colonial fisheries to occaso
for the moment considerable ssness, and to Great
even some reasonable grounds for apprehension. Th
question under discussion at the present moment
but so agreeable is the change in its general aspect that
instead OF hostities arrangement we may anticipet
from the negotiations material improvement of the re
atons already subssting between the two countries
Most readers win recollecs that the dispute
sbly made to turn upon the constructions Of certain
phrases in the treaties regulating these reciprocal rights
The Americans stood debarred by these conventions from
the waters within certain distance of the British shore
and from the s'bays Of colonial coasts TIE former
Of these provisions involves general maxim of aterna
tona law by which, for obvious reasons all coast terri
tory is held to carry with il fixed extent of the sen by
which it is washed.
The latter addressed directly to the preser-
walton of fisheries, inasmuch the bays ndenta-
tons Of coast line usually include the productive
waters though here, also, the maxims Of public law
were fouad to apply since by the received understand
ing in such matters coast line instead of following the
snuoses Of the Shore is always measured from head
land to headland Clearly, therefore, the American in
depreciation Of the case by which they claimed iugress
bays condition only of keeping the specified dis
lance from the shores, altogether untenable.
The simple truth of the matter ths There was
time when these North American territories all
der government alike and when the in ques-
ton we're open Canadians and New Englanders com
This state of things interrupted by the
luton which left the United States independent but
which deprived them of their former privileges the
still pertaining to the British Crown As these
fishing grounds by far the best they naturally felt
the loss and from that time to this have endeavored by
various methods to recover the original right
The real question, took occasion to remark last
year. however it might have been limited in the ostcnsi-
bic dispute, always involved the whole privilege Of
mon fishery and views entirely confirmed be-
fore the close of the discussion by the admissions of the
Americans themselves. 1t was fairly acknowledged that
the concession of the point relating the bays would
not satisfy the claimants put any effective stop to the
dispute. What wanted was, that the New England
fishermen should regain the old privilege of fishing in
British waters freely if they British subjects.
This desire was at one moment undisguisedly ayowed
under the assertion of certain natural rights giving
all equal title catch goldfish any where just as
the lofty principles appealed to in proof of the
community OF another species of goods known by the
Of gunno At last however the more reasonable policy
has been adopted of treating for the coveted advantages
by the ordinary way of bargain and sae and negotiations
pending between the for the cesson
not only of fishing rights but of other privileges the
Americans the receipt of certain equitable cessons in
return.
Itappears that the British Government is not unwilling
upon fair conditions, to place American fishermen the
footing in all respects of coonsts, and thus to
terminate absolutely all chances of difference in respect
to these matters In return, it is understood that de-
mands have been preferred side for the repeal of
import duties colonial fish, the stoppage of the boun
ties paid to American fishermen, and reciprocity
OF privilege for British fishermen in American waters
The last condition is little better than Dpminal, for
British fishermen have already waters enough of their
own do how the other terms could be liable
to substantial exception If put American fishermen
on level with own, and allow them to take fish in
waters without distinction it is surely in the highest
degree unreasonable maintain that the equality thus
instituted should continue up the point where the ad
vantages have hitherto lain with the British and at
the point where they lie with the Americans.
We have the best fishing grounds, the Americans the
best fish markets. and they should yield admission to
their markets receiving admission to grounds To
say that mixed feet of boats should fish together on
terms in British waters but that only the American
vessels should be entitled take their fish the best
market is 50 manifestly unfair that need waste
time in exposing the proposition. Atpresent the Ameri
put duty upon colonial caught fish but if these
very fish be caught by either Americans coonsts,
the like mparality should be shown in all the arrange
ments of the tariff Reasonable enough too, is the de-
mand concerning the bounty.
We may open fisheries to the natural trade of
America but may fairly require that the American
Government shall not artifciay create competitors for
our fishermen by pushing into these pursuits who
would not have adopted them of their accord III
free trade is to be the order of the day. the extinction Of
bounties must follow matter of Nevertheless
this proposal has been declined it is said by General
Perces cabinet the ground that the interference of
foreign State be admitted question Of policy
so strictly internal
The negotiations however have assumed character
far extensive than the original question implied.
lhe Navigation OF the river ST. Lawrence ana OF other
porant streams the common of certain railroads and
highways the registration of colonial vessels in American
ports and the adaptation Of the American navigation laws
to the beraty of enactments, and the recpro
cal modification of the customs tariffs by both States, have
all been brought forward in the discussion and If il
should be found practicable to arrive satisfactory adj
usment on many points, thenerests of the two great
AngloSaxon communities will be linked together more
firmly than ever
We cannot dissemble the fact that many difficulties
from which our administration is comparatively free
must beset American Government in any endeavor to
effect such arrangements these The New England
fishermen form numerous and powerful class, and so
large is the capital invested in their pursuits that hear
ing is likely be secured for their demands in opposi
ton even to the obvious dictates Of justice They are
far less disposed to give than to take and may not i'm
probably camor for the retention of their privileges
even while exactng share in the proper advantages Of
others.
Besides this the general doctrines Of free trade though
undoubtedly advancing not well recognised in the
United States they with ourselves and, while there
IS no question that English Ministry could approve to
Parliament propositions for affair and reciprocal abo
ton of commercial restrictions it is exceedingly doubtful
whether like success could be achieved in Congress
The Americans, in fact, might be reasonably called
upon to remember that they like other nations, al
ready in this respect debtors and that they have
something to do in reciprocating accomplished
cessions before any others mooted. Above ALL
il must be understood that this country though literally
disposed and not inclined to drive bargain
such subject, with such nation, will not submit
to have its ncontestabe rights impugned by any refer
the rights of man" or impaired by those clan
destine entertainments which ultimately appealed to
constituting prescription.
The fishing grounds in question entirely pro-
perty the valley Of the Mississippi is the property Of
the United States There is every disposition in this
country admit Americans share Of advantages,
and we shall cordially rejoice in conclusion which,
while exngushng the risk of unpleasant collisions, will