Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1871-02-26
CANADA.
mamphIs Kauueks Must Intervene -paa'
ger Of War.

OTTAWA, February 25.-There was
an important debate in Parliament
last night on the news respecting the
fisheries and Joint High COmmis-
sion. Sir A. T. Gait said the United
States would rather see us depend
ant on them than receive any money
indemnity. The fisheries regulations
are regarded with jealousy by the
Imperial Government.
The Fenian raid claims are strOn-
ger than the Alabama claims.
The Imperial Governments dis
patches, in response to the Canadian
request that she press these claims on
the United States are not satisfactory.
The House should express an opinion,
and not let the Imperial Government
assume that we are perfectly satisfied.
1t was expected that England would
have said something about the Presi-
dents message. The Imperial and
Canadian Governments appeared to
be in accord up to period in 1870, but
since that time the Canadian Govern
ment has been ignored and entirely
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Canada 10
the United States-and he hoped Can
ada would not be placed in position
of inferiOty to the great republic.
Sir John A. Mcdonald did not want
it thrown up to him in the House of
Commons that Canada was afraid our
interests would be sacrificed by the
mother country. A pledge was made
tOCanadian representatives some years
ago, one Of which representatives was
Sir A. Z. Gait, that the whole strength
of the empire would be put forth to
protect Canada if necessary. England
would not be false to her pledges for
fear Of war. This government has
made certain concessions at the in
stance of the Imperial government,
which was engaged at that time in
negotiations with the United States
on which depended peace or
war. 1t was not right that Canada
should have thrown further difficult
ties in the way by driving of every
American fisherman, which was add
ing to the already existing irritation.
We had not abandoned our rights.
The Government feels the inconven-
ience of having rights which we are
afraid to enforce; and therefore
Campbell is instructed to ask for
mixedacOmmission that will settle the
question. If we vigorously excluded
fishermen from a three miles line, we
would protect our rights by making
fishing improbable for foreigners.
Great Britain desires to defend the
fisheries, and their loss, il we lost
them by war, would infiict far greater
loss; but the Alabama claims once
settled, we might confidently expect
a long period Of peace with the United
/ States. For the first time Can
adams asked to sit on a commission
to deal with imperial questions. If
/ these resolutions are passed, he would
go to Washington merely as a dele
gate, and would have no voice in the
deliberations there. Three miles Of
the sea from our shores are as much
ours, as three miles on the other side
| is to England. England will not yield
the three miles belonging to Canada
without the consent of Canada, and
the Government which looked with
displeasure on the annexation of Al
SAGE and Lorraine against the wishes Of
the people will not consent that our
land shall be taken from us. The sug-
gestiOns were that the action Of the
high commission could not be made
the law unless it was ratified by
Parliament. Canada was running no
risk in the matter. He hoped that
Sir A. T. Calf would feel assured that
our rights were of the first import
ance and not to be surrendered except
with our own consent.
Mckenzie, leader Of the opposition,
would strenuously oppose anything
tending to sever our connection with
the mother country.
Mr. Blake held that nothing should
be done to hamper the Government
in bringing the matter to a satisfac-
tory conclusion; but the report of the
commission would not come before
the House.
The motion and resolutions were
Withdrawn, and, after remarks, in
which Messrs. Foster and ROlyteville
testified that American fishermen had
mOlested Canadian fishermen and
farmers, the discussion closed.
Sir J. A. Mcdonald leaves Tuesday
morning for Washington.
It is rumOred that it was proposed
to adjourn Parliament till November,
to allow the Premier to attend on the
commission; but it is understood the
business Of the House will go on in
his absence.
The High Commission has been
invited to visit Ottawa when its labOrs
have terminated.