New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-12-15
PLAIN TALK FROM CANADA.
MINISTER FOSTER on THE FISHERIES.
"BEING AN AMERICAN is NO PRoTEcTIoN"-IAE
DOMINION HAS RIGHTS AND THEY
WILL BR PROTECTED.
fay TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.1

fDY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUHRI
OTTAWA, Dec. 14.-George Foster. Minister OF
Fisheries was seen this evening regarding the
position taken by Secretary Bayard in his report
to the President with reference to Canada not
being able under the existing treaty between the
United States and Great Britain to defend her
fisheries. The Minister said that he had given the
subject careful consideration and was prepared to
give the public statement as to the position Of
the Dominion authorities. He then went on to
say
II cannot conceive of a diplomatist Of Mr..
Bayard's reputation making such statement as
he has made in this respect Ever since 1S45
this colony has enforced like treaties without
q voice being raised by any in opposition. This
right is one which is not delegated by Great
Britain to Canada in any sense, il is understood
that the commissioned officers Of the Dominion
have unler the law equal rights and authority in
all matters affecting the rights Of the colony
with those Immediately appointed by Her Maj
esty's Government. The officials Of Canada are
in fact officials Of the Queen who hold their
commission from the GovernorGeneral or Her
Majesty's representative. In point Of fact and
law the Government is well able to enforce
treaty rights negotiated by Great Britain and
any otEcr Power, in which Canada has accepted
equal station with either hiah contracting PARTY
by accepting it by act of Parliament as is Great
Britain itself. II there was ever any doubt as to
this it will be settled for ever by recent decisions
of the Privy Council in which the law was held
to be that any colonial legislature had the power
to amend or modify in any way it fit an
imperial act so far as it affects that particular
cOlony.'
This. he continued. was borne out by all au-
thorities and generally accepted by all nations
lie sure that the point made by Secretary
Bayard to any want Of authority on the part
OF Canada TO enforce the provisions Of tie treaty
cf 1878 was not well taken BENZ asked how
tie Government would treat in the future Amer
lean fishing vessels in case damage commission
was appointed by the United States Government
he said
"If there are infractions OF the law we in
tcrprct it we shall make seizures. We have rights
which we propose to protect and will protect
TO the best of our knowledge and
ability. come what may. 1t is OF course better
that we should live in peace with our neighboIs
tn the south. but when it comes to sacrifice of
principle in order to live at peace we prefer TO
take the consequence Of maintaining our just
rights be the consequences what they may
regard the position taken from the beginning by
the United States in the fishery matter as one in
imical to the best interests Of the two coun-
tries"
There had been lots Of brag and buster. but
at carly day lie looked TO see sound cornmc
sense prevail. There was no occasion for the
fiery uttcrances Of such men Senator FRYE, of
Maine.
AS to rast seizures he sad 1--WE have
customs regulations which apply to all vessels
coming into Canadian waters. and owing to this
there has a isen a msconception. Any vessc's
olating these laws become amcnable to the
authorities. Fishing vessels may enter for any
purpose allowed under the treaty Of 1918. but
must live UP 10 the customs laws or thcv become
liable the trading vessel. IL Amer
lean fisl ermen wish to take the chances of coming
into Canadian waters for the purpose OF stealing
the fish therein. they must not complain if thev
are caucht and treated like ordinary offenders
against the criminal code Of Canada. Being an
American is no protection neither is it valid
defen~e for crime committed against the laws
of this county"
THE HIGHLAND LIGHT A CANADIAN CRUISER.
OTTAWA Dec. II tSpccnab.-The seized American
schooner Highland Light sold at Georgetown to-day
and bought in by Government She has been lifted
up as cruiser sailed for Halifax Immediately after
he