Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-03-09
THURSDAY, MARCH o, 1871.
The sJoinl High Commission. >,

The " Joint High COmmissiOn."
The British and American Commissioners, now
assembled in Washington to arrange a settle
ment of disputed questions between the two
governments, have begun their work. Very
properly, reporters are not admitted 70 their
sessions, and stringent measures are taken to
maintain secrecy in regard to their discussions.
until the work is finished. Doubtless, some of
the very ingenious reporters, who can "iDter-
view" the baggage of distinguished men, and
make astonishing reports thereon, will under
take TO inform the public very particularly in
regard to the proceedings of each session; but
their inventions will be duly appreciated. 1t is
understood that the fishery question will be first
considered; for it was this question that led to
the appointment of commissioners, the Alaba-
ma question having been added TO the pro-
gramme after the proposition to appoint com.
missioners was communicated TO our govern
ment.
There is reason to believe the commission will
be successful The English are very anxious
TO get the disputed questions out of the way,
and there is nothing on our side to obstruct a
fair settlement; but the English must now be
willing 10 eoncede what they have always en-
deavored TO Withhold, if they would establish be-
tween the two countries such relations as they
desire The fishery question can not remain as
tits without creating trouble. Our people can
not submit to have the Canadians repeat the
annOyances and outrages of the past year. They
have attempted a great deal more than they
have any right TO do under existing treaties.
They have gone even so far as 10 forbid our fish
ing vessels TO enter their ports for supplies, and
to seize them, not for fishing within forbidden
limits, but for attempting to visit their ports.
Their aim has been to exclude our people from
the fisheries altogether, both within and with
out treaty limits. Some of the provinces, Prince
Edwards Island for instance, have pursued
more friendly policy; but the Canadians propose
to increase their aggressions; and they are now
using loud words and menacing gestures, to in
huence the English commissioners.
1t is reported, whether correctly or incorrectly
we can not say,-that the English government
proposes to remove all restrictions and allow our
people to fish anywhere within the "three-mile
limit" provided our government willpay spec
flied sum of money for this concession. Our
commissioners may be trusted to deal properly
with such proposition, and it will be sufficient
ly early to make it a topic for public discussion,
when it shall actually be presented for public
consideration. Meanwhile, it is desirable to
know the truth in regard to a statement made
in the Canadian parliament, namely, that no
agreement in regard to the fisheries can take
effect until the Canadian parliament has en-
dorsed it, If this statement is true, the ques-
ton is not likely TO be settledlso easily as many
suppose; but, the Canadians without the sup
port of cher majesty's navy" etc., are not likely
to vote as defantly as they talk. At any rate,
their offensive policy towards our fishermen must
be discontinued. 1t will not be endured with
patience much longer. Smartly as they talk for
effect upon the commissioners, they will assume
another tone and allow the question to be settled
properly.
We can not doubt that the English commits
soners have been carefully instructed to ar
range a settlement of the Alabama question, if
possible Therefore, we believe the result on
this question win be favorable settlement
will be effected now if ever, and the English
can not afford to keep it unsettled. The Lon.
don Times busters over the thought Of admit.
ting that England is responsible for the depreda.
lions of the Alabama; but this will be admitted
The English holders of Confederate" bonds
have expected that settlement of the Alabama
question would in some way provide for pay
ment of these bonds. This makes them seen
demeDted; but they never would have taken tn,
bonds, if they had not been demented. TIT
history of these bonds alone is sufficient TO show
the active hostility of England towards III
during the war. Confederate bonds to tn
amount of 100000 sterling, were taken il
England, in 1868. They promised per cent in
terest and were payable at the end of 20 years
All the best appliances of the English dnancier
were used in their favor, while the bonds of GU
government were discredited and sold down t
very low figures. These confederate" bend
were started in London at 80 and speedily sol
up to 105. The English were not gamers b
this behavior; but part of the money receive
by the Confederate" agents, built the Alabam,
1t is not likely that many Englishmen now e1
pect the bonds will ever be paid. The Englis
commissioners can hardly be willing to hav
them mentioned in the present discussions.