The Portland daily press., 1884-12-16
THE FIsM EXCHANGE.
hlr. Reeds 4 ttitude im Regard TO the Rish-
cry Clause in the washiBgton Treaty

cry Clause in the washingioa Treaty
About twenty members of the Fish Ex-
change met at their rooms on Commercial
street yesterday sftrneoon, to listen to the re-
ports of the various committees appointed at
the previous meeting.
President George Trefethen called the meet
ing to order and stated that the first business
was to listen to the reports of committees Mr..
j. A. Emery of the committee on resolutions
reported that the resolutions had already been
drafted and were in circulation. Mr.. Written
reported that his committee had drawn up
their paper and sent it to the Gloucester Ex-
change, notifying them of their intention to
Cooperate with them in their endeavor TO dis
continue the treaty.
Mr.. A. M. Smith read to the members the
draft of the communication prepared By the
committee and forwarded to Mr.. Reed az
Washington, in which they asked Mr.. Reeds
assistance in preventing the renewal of the
treaty. The report was simply rough draft
OF the letter, and was in substance as follows:
The Fish Exchange of Portland object to a
renewal of the fishery clause in the treaty now
existing between the United States and Cana
da for the following reasons:
hSb-kSOOu dlloT l0O VreS6nE treaty was
formed, the fisheries in New England began to
decline and only the successful venture of
mackerei catling by means of the purse seine
prevented it from going to destruction. But
now the provincial ishermen, being as we'll
equipped with the modern appliances as those
of New England, and being able to furnish and
fit out vessels at half the cost, are gradually
monopolizing the business.
Second-Itis popular cry in the West that
Free fish means cheap fish," This is a falla-
In cTRV Nl1a fOa ~ q
come to us, duty or no duty, and the price will
not be changed.
Third-In a national point of view the de-
sfruction OF our fisheries will be disastrous, be-
cause, to large degree, the fishing feet has
always been the nursery of our navy Other
nations, as England and France, have recoe-
nized the vast Importance of this fact as
bearing on their supremacy on the seas by
offering large bounties to their fishermen.
Fourth--lt is selfish in our western friends
to lnsltt that fish shall be entered free of duty
and still keep up the tariff on other articles
which but for the tariff, would be much cheap
ened.
Fifth-The provinces have a great ad-
vantage because they have other markets which
are not open to us. And last, the people OF
Canada recognize the great value of the treaty
to them, aud are making strenuous exertions
for its renewal.
Mr.. Smith then read the answer which Mr.
Reed had sent to the committee, which we pro-
duce in full.
WASHINGTON, IL Dec, 1884
Gentlemen, Your favor relating to the abroga-
ton Of the fishery clause of the treaty of Washing
ton reached me last night and had Immediate
attention. This morning called upon the Secre-
tary OF State and found the condition of affairs to
pc as follows: We have already given notice of
the desire of the Cnited States to terminate those
eauses At the expiration OF the three years those
the part of any Que. Fish viii then be subject
to tariff just as if the Washington treaty had q IT
existed No more legislation will be needed
can ada also that the administration have inten-
ton of doug anything to prevent the termination
OF the present unjust condition OF affairs. The
fact that Canada on the one hand is by large meet
lngs urging the renewal of the treaty. and that our
people on the other hand with least equal earn
estness are protesting against such action is an in
teresting commentary upon the decision that we
owed i've and one-half millions for privileges we
don't want and they do. do not anticipate any
pressure to renew those fishery clauses from any
quarter Thus far at least public opinion has been
in this country all one way. In conclusion beg
to assure the committee that if any occasion should
arise, no effort my part shall be wanting to pro-
tect the just rights OF those you represent.
Very truly,
To Messrs. A. NJ Smith, t. c. Lewis and ID D. 8.
Fernald.
Following this letter Mr.. Trefsthen read
communication from Gloucester, Mass, invit-
ing the Portland Exchange to send delegates
to the American Fishing Convention, to be
held there on Saturday, Dec. 9th Most of
the members signifed their intention to be
present at this convention, and Mr.. W. H.
Shurtleff was appointed special committee
OF one to make arrangements with the Eastern
railroad for transportation.
The following members were chosen as dele
gates with power to fill vacancies in their
number: Messrs. George Trefethen, Oren B.
Whitten, A. M. Smith, J. A. Emery, c. A.
Dyer, e. III. Chase and A. NJ. Joyce.
The meeting then adjourned to next Monday
afternoon at 3 o'clock.
The Portland district employs 100 vessels,
valued at 100000, and having tonnage OF
1000 tons, besides 200 Hampton boats catching
fresh fish. There are 5000 persons employed,
two millions capital interested, and the yearly
catch amounts to about the same amount.
There were 100000 barrels OF mackerel, and
loO0U0 quintals OF other fish landed here last
season, and there are 40, 600 barrels of mackereI
IN the dealers hands Twenty-Five firms are
engaged in the business.