Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1877-11-30
That Fishery Award.

A recent editorial in the London Times
shows that the award OF the Fishery Com
mission at Halifax is not received in England
with the same satisfaction that the Canadians
naturally feel. John Bull sees complicated
negotiations ahead, troublesome to him and
profitable only to his colony. The amount
of the award (s5 50OOOO) is causing consider
able stir in the United States. The decision
of the question in dispute was practically
made by NJ. Delfosse, the Belgian minister;
the English and American arbitrators, OF
course, differing. The commission was or
gained, after six years OF delay, according
TO the terms of the treaty of Washington
In ISL, when the fisheries OF both countries
were reCiprocally opened. At that time Eng
land asserted that the privileges she gave
were of greater value than those accorded
her, and the subject of compensation was re-
ferred 10 a commission to be subsequently
appointed; of whose sittings the present award
is the result. The British claimed before the
appointed tribunal that the privilege OF FISH
ing in American waters is worthless, and
asked for slI,2SO,OOO for twelve years use
(after which the treaty may be terminatedy
of the Canadian inshore fisheries, and the
occasional occupation of the shores of New
foundland in the curing and dry of fish. Toe
principal argument on the side OF the United
States was that the remission of the duty on
fish, which was a feature of the treaty of
Washington, by granting free access to our
market, the best In the world for fishermen
more than Offset the difference in the value of
the fisheries. The amount of this rather start
ling award is to be paid within a year
The mathematical faculties OF American
newspaperdom are now severely strained to
estimate how many fish must be caught
within three miles of the shores of the British
dominions, how many landings must be
made, and how much British sun must be
used in curing the fish, TO make up to the
United States the sum 10 which Ii is mulcted.
Though the few years allowed us in which TO
coin several million dollars from the
fishing banks, over and above the yroht
derived by the British through the privilege
of bringing fish within our limits free of du-
ty. will prevent us from getting any where
near even in the transaction, We need not
grieve. This decision of the Commission
must be regarded as blessing in disguise
1t will largely relieve us of the trouble of
disposing of the unexpended balance of the
Geneva award, and settles the question OF
returning this balance TO England. our
arbitrator at Halifax in dissenting from the
decision of his colleagues, intimates that it
is questionable whether an award can be
made under the treaty without the unani-
nous vote of the Commission. But il seems
probable that the decision will be accepted
by our government with as good grace as
possible, and this is perhaps the most ad-
visable course to be pursued.
The recent commission has decided the
question OF the fisheries only for a few years
At most, and the matter is far from settled.
The value and magnitude of the fishing
banks have made them subjects of contro-
versy almost from the time of their discov-
cry. The French first profited by them. and
pursued the business with energy and sue
cess. About the middle OF the Eth century
France and England began to contend for
their possession. After the fall of Louis
burgh, which had been built by France at
great expense as a rendezvous for its ships
the French trade declined. But the New
foundland banks are still source OF consid-
cradle profit TO France, and her fishermen
there are encouraged by liberal b0unties.
Spain and Portugal, though they figured In
the early history of the fisheries, are now
out OF the race. Ever since the Revolution
the question of the rights OF the United
States in this connection has been q subject
of controversy between us and Great Brit
ain, seemingly settled al intervals only TO
again be agitated.
W. r~oxS~