New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-02-26
OTTAWA.


hl9mly 1mPOHt4ut D0O8t0 II 18fa0m00k-
Resolutions ResDecting Joint Hish
Connmission-Alabasa Clains, FeniaD
Raid Claims and Fishery Claims.
OTTAWA, February 25,E1here was a
highly important debate in Parliament last
night. Sir A. T. Gait made long speech,
supporting his resolutions respecting the
Joint high commission. While believing
the imperial government would not act dis
hOnorably, he feared that in settling dis
putes with the United States it might at
tach too little value to the rights and intes
ests Of Canada. He said: 'The United
States would, indeed, rather see us made
dependent upon them than receive any
money indemnity for the Alabama claims.
Our fishery regulations have been re-
garded with jealousy by the imperial gov
ernment, and the dispatch Of Earl Kim
berly is in some respects very vague" He
considered the Fenian raid claims of
Canada stronger than the Alabama claims,
and it would have been expected that the
imperial government would have responded
, more cordially to the Canadian request and
have those claims pressed ON the United
States government; but the dispatches
were not satisfactory, and he held that the
house lshOuld express this opinion to the
imperial government.
He referred to the tone of President
Grants last message, and said it was ex
thing about it, Since 1920 the Canadian
government had been ignored by the impe-
rial government. The rights of Canada to
three miles limit Of fishing grounds should be
asserted and maintained, but he was afraid
they would be considered Of secondary i'm
portance to those OF the empire.
He thought the house should assert that
Canadian rights were of paramount i'm
portance, and it would be criminal weak
fn oil IN Gil har
He utterly repudiated the idea that Canada
should be subordinated to the United
States, and hoped the dominion would not
be placed in position of inferiority to the
great republic.
Sir John A. Mcdonald replied that he did
not think it would strengthen his hands as
a member of the Joint High Commission to
allow the Americans to believe Canada had
any distrust OF the mother country. OF all
things an expression of distrust should be
avoided He was satisfied that the states
men swaying the destinies of England
would not for any consideration of peace
settle the question between England and
the United States at a sacrifice OF the inter
ests of Canada. England would keep the
pledge made some years ago, that the whole
strength of the empire would be put forth
to protect Canada, if necessary, and there
was no fear she would be false to her pledg
es for fear OF q war.
He believed all the rights of the dominion
would be protected by simply excluding
foreign fishermen from Canadian waters,
within three miles limit, without returning
to the licensing system. He rejoieed that
the commission had been enlarged so as to
include the settlement Of the Alabama
claims. A war between ENGLAND and the
United States would inflict loss upon
Canada more than the loss of the fisheries
The claims once settled, long period of
peace with the United States might be ex-
pected. and a new era of prosperity for
Canada would commence.
If Galt's resolutions were passed, he me
Donald) would go to Washington merely as
a delegate, and have no voice in the deliber-
atiOns of the commission He said the first
thing to discuss would be, what were our
rights; next, how they were to be enforced;
third, what compensation we should receive
in return for any rights we might yield.
What would be said in England if Earl de
Grey, before he left, was fettered by orders
of Parliament! England would not yield
three miles Of sea belonging to Canada, with
out the consent Of Canada.
England, which looked with displeasure
upon the annexation of Alsace and Lorraine
to Prussia against the wishes Of their peo-
pie, would not consent that our land should
be taken from us. The suggestion Of the
Washington commission would not be made
law unless ratified by the Parliament of
Canada; so that there was NO risk in the
matter.
Mr.. Mckenzie, the leader of the opposi-
ton, recited instances where Canadian
interests in time past had been ignored
through ignorance of British negotiators,
but stated that it would be ungracious to
show any suspicion that the high commission
would not do its duty.
Hon. DR.. Upper expressed unqualified
confidence in the British ministry and the
happy results of negotiations.
Hon. James Young thought Canada
should stand up squarely for her rights. He
considered that the Fenian claims had been
pressed by the Dominion government with
sufficient earnestness.
Hon. Mr.. Blake believing it unwise to
hamper the government, joined other mem
bers i'll requesting Gait to withdraw his mo
ton.
After some further debate the resolutions
were withdrawn.