New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-02-25
THE FISHERY QUESTION.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT.

EARLY LEGISLATION URGED UPON THE PIsH-
ERIEs CLAUSE OF THE WASHINGTON TREATY.
GENERAL PRESS DTsPATcHl
WASHINGTON. Feb. 24-The President sent the fol-
lowing message TO the Senate and House OF Repre-
sentatives to-day:
In my annual message TO Congress at the opening OK
the second session Of the present Congress in December
1871. recommended the legislation necessary on the
part OF the United States to bring into operation tho
articles OF the Treaty OF Washington OF May lol rea-
tive TO fisheries and other matters touching the
relations Of the United states toward the British NORTH
American possessions, 10 become operative as soon AZ
the proper legislation should be had tue part OF Great
Britain and It's possessions. The legislation the part
of Great Britain and its possessions had not then been
mad Having prior the meeting OF Congress Ia De
eetnber last received official information OF tue eonsd-
Grafton by Britain and Us possessions OF inc eRs
laou necessary their part 10 bring these arueieS
into operation. communicated the facts 10 Congress ia
py annual message at the opening Of the present ses-
SION and renewed the recommendation for your cary
adoption Of the legislation in the same direction nee-s-
sary ON the part OF this Government The near approach
OF OF the session induces me again To urgently
call your attention to the importance Of this legislation
the part Of Congress.
II must be remembered that the Treaty OF Washington
resulted from overture the part OF Great Britain
TO treat with reference the fisheries the coast 81
Her MAesty's possessions in North America, and other
questions between them affecting the relations OF the
United States toward these possessions To this over
ture a reply made the part OF this Government
that while approaching the importance OF . friendly
and complete understanding between the two Govern
mept with reference TO subjects specially suggested
by the British Government 1t was thought that the L.
mova of the differences growing ont Of what were gen
orally known as the Alabama Claims WAS essent4. %
the restoration Of cordial and amica0e relations o'-
tween the two Governments; and the assent OF tbis
Government the subject OF the fisheries Was
made dependent the assent Of Great Britain to allow
the Joint Commission. which it had proposed on the
questions suggested by that Government 10 treat also
ana settle the differences growing out Of the Alabama
Claims Great Britain assented 70 this and the Treaty.
of Washington proposed settlement OF both classes u
questions.
Those relating 10 the Alabama Claims and 70 the
North Western Water Boundary, commonly known as
the san Juan question have been disposed oi 10 plIsa-
ance OF the terms Of the Those relating "a tue
fisheries were made by terms OF the treaty 70 depend
uDon the legislation which the constitutions OF me re-
sDecive Governments made necess ~ 10 carry tho-'
provisions into effect. Great Britain ana tAe posse
have on their part enacted the necessary Legislation
This Government enjoying the adVahtaEcs OF
those provisions OF the treaty which we're e result OF
the conditions OF lts assenI 10 49,. "I r ~ ~ 80 -
which Great Britain had submitted. Inc lrhnuai OF
Geneva made award in favor or the Uird states
On the Alabama Claims. aud HIS Majesty INC EHptfoF
Germany, has decided IN favor OF lc cog Dhi'L 20
The United States on the Northwestern boundary Inc
[ cannot urge TOO strongly the Importance OF your
early consideration OF the legislation thar may ne ueca
sary on the part OF this Governments IN addiuon 20 y
claim that Great Britain may have upon the good iath
of this Government 20 consider the legislation necessary
ia connection with he question Wcn Itt ls,sei ilneul
presented as the subject OF legoUauOn when mas r.,
suited so favoraby this Government upon the other
questions in which United States felt much nier
est, It OF Importance tnat the rights OF lne AevH
fishermen as provided for under the ueajy should ns
determiued before the approaching fishing season
opens aud thar the serious sdiicuies 70 the fishing -
rest and the grave questions between the Two GOVERN
mentS 'ha' ND! @r'S' 'n''''''D' O' Il. s. GRANT
Executive Aaasion, Washington Feb "a. 1879.