The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1886-12-09

Letters dated May % and % followed from
Bayard, the last calling attention TO a bill
pending In theCanadianP Parliment for more
strict Interpretation and enforcement Of
fishing regulations. Bayard also refers TO a
circular purportlng to be from the customs
department at Ottawa assuming to execute
the provisions Of the treaty Of 1878, and TO a
warning" Of similar tenor said 10 have been
issued by Geo. 4. Foster, Minister Of Marine
and Fisheries, dated Ottawa, October 5, 49,
BayaTd says:
Such proceedings | conceive to be a fla
grant violation Of the reciprocal privileges to
which the citizens Of the United States are
lawfully entitled TO under the Statutes Of
Great Britain, and well defined and publicly
proclaimed authority Of both countries, be-
sides being in respect Of existing conven-
tions between the two countries. The as
sumption Of jurisdiction Is entirely unwar-
ranted, and which is wholly denied by the
United States.".
He says in conclusion, referring to the
burne, n. S. Secretary Bayard writes July
"a: The act as is reported Is an infringe
ment OF the ordinary rights of International
hospitality, and constitutes q violation Of
treaty stipulations and commercial priyi-
leges." On July 10th Secretary Bayard re-
fers to the failure Of the British authorities
to answer his telegram relative to the her
ring fisheries, and adds that he has been in
formed by Representative Boutelle that the
American boats have been driven away from
ST. Andrews. On the same day the Secreta-
ry writes to the minister that he has instruct
ed Minister Phelps at London 10 give notice
that the government OF Great Britain Will be
held liable for all losses .and injuries TO citi-
zens Of the United States to their property,
caused by unauthorized and unfriendly nc
tion OF Canadian officials.
June I'd Secretary Bayard informs Minister
West that complaint has been made TO him
by member Of Congress from Maine that
the Dominion Collectors Of Customs threaten
ed to seize American boats seeking Bay her
ring taken in the Dominion weirs for can
ming.
On June 7th the Secretary protests 10
Minister West against the seizure at st. An
drews, n. b., Of the Ann M. Jordan. Again
on June 14th he writes TO question allega-
tions that American vessels would not be
permitted to land fish at Halifax for trans
portion In bond across the Province, and
that American vessels had been warned to
keep outside Of the line drawn from head
land to headland,
Referring to the seizure Of the City Of
Portland at Shelburne on the same day the
Secretary writes TO Minister West informing
him Of the refusal Of Canadian authorities TO
allow American vessels to obtain Ice and to
ship fish in bond to the United States at
Plct0u, N. S, and enters a protest
Earl Roseberry, In a letter to Minister
West, dated July 23d, says the whole fishery
question involves the grayest interests OF
canada. lie declines 10 discuss the COM
petence Of Canadian officials In seizing
American vessels till the Canadian courts
have given judgment in the seizure cases
Earl Roseberry sends Secretary Bayard a
copy Of the approved report Of the Canadian
Privy Council, representing the views Of
the Dominion government ON the questions
involved, and says he will be glad TO re-
ceive Secretary Bayard's views thereon. He
says:
lean not however, close this despatch without
adding that Her hajesty's government entirely
concur In that the passage OF the report OF the
Canadian Prtyy Council. In which II Is observed
that II the provisions OF the convention OF 1918
have become inconvenlent 10 either contracting
party the utmost that good will aAd fair dealing
can suggest Is that It's terms shall be recon-
sdered.
The report Of the priyy council referred to
claims that the Dominion Is acting as de-
fensiye. The communication recites troubles
which prior to 1874 existed between the Ca
madam and American fishermen, and efforts
made by the Canadian government to arrive
at some just and amicable adjustmeatof the
difficulties, and concludes Under these
circumstances, Canada, having exhausted
every effort TO procure an amicable
arrangement, has been driven again to fall
back upon the convention Of 1918, the pro-
visions Of which she is now enforcing and
will enforce in no primitive OF hostile spirit,
as Mr.. Bayard supposes, solely in the pro-
lection Of her fisheries and individual rights
secured to her by the treaty.