Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-05-20

O"f 'esseis they be Armed and
Equipped to Protect Themselves.
PORTLAND, May 10,
Inns afternoon the Fishing Exchange was
hiied 10 Overlooking with citizens directly or
indirectly interested in the fishing industry
Ihe meeting was called for the purpose of
taking action upon the course of the Cana
oiah government in seizing the fishing schoon-
ers David j. Adams of Gloucester, and Ella
VI. Doughty of this port. All the speakers
were earnest in their remarks of condemna.
tioh anu In the opinion that the government
should take prompt action for relief.
President Geo. f. Trefethen called the
meeting to order and in few words stated
the object OF the gathering. Two American
vessels had been seized in Canadian ports
and the time had arrived to take some action
upon it,
E. G. Willard said some action should be
had at once. Our property is being seized
from under our feet in an illegal manner and
the matter should be promptly righted.
ii. M, Sargent, OF Sargent, Lord & Skilliu,
one OF The owners of the Ella NJ. Doughty,
told the story of the seizure of his vessel.
lie said the United States government was
doing nothing to assist the owners of vessels
III securing their rights. On the other hand
the Canadian government is stripping our
schooners. He thought some strong reso-
lutions should be adopted.
Ex-Mayor John w. Deering said a great
outrage had been committed by the Canadian
government on our fishing interests. 1t was
an outrage not only upon this industry but
upon the nation, New England in particular.
He thought by the outside treaty of 1918 it
would be as reasonable for Canada to seize
our carriages as our vessels.
A. M. Smith said it was the most serious
question, both for Portland, New England
and the United States, that had come up for
many years. If any other interest of the
country had been so ill treated by foreign
government his blood would have boiled as
it now does and he was glad to see there was
such widespread Indignation over the fishing
interest He said it was not receiving proper
support from the home government, which
was directly opposite to the course of the
English government.
W. t. Dana said this was a matter which
deeply touched not only those directly and
deeply interested but all of US, none more so
than the residents of this city, 1t was SO un-
fair, unjust and absurd proceeding, that he
thought it would soon be crushed by its own
weight.
Charles H. Fling believed in giving Can
ada a sample of the spirit OF '76 once more
and have them understand at once that there
is "God in Israel"
Charles A. Guptill was in favor Of adopting
good and strong resolutions and have them
properly looked after.
On motion of E. G. Willard a committee
consisting of E. G. Willard, o. B. Whtten
and Charles H. Guptill was appointed to
draw up suitable resolutions.
Subsequently Chairman Whitten reported
the following which were unanimously
adopted
Whereas, The Canadian government has
seized American fishing vessels, as we be-
lieve unlawfully, whereby the flag of our
country has been insulted, therefore.
Resolved, That it is the sense of the Port
land Fishing Exchange that the President OF
these United States Immediately, by proclaim
alton, declare non-intercourse with the Do
minion of Canada in all mrtters pertaining
to fisheries.
Resolved that whereas the Canadian gov
ernment have fitted out armed vessels to pur-
sue our vessels, therefore we ask our gov,
ernment to send armed cruisers in English
waters to protect American vessels.
Resolved, That we oppose and protest
against the appointment of any commission
to treat with Great Britain in regard to fish
cries.
Resolved, That we tall upon Congress to
take such action as will protect US in our
rights as American citizens from the seizure
of our property while in the act of trade with
Colonial government and demand the imme-
diate release of vessels now uuder seizure.
Resolved, That whereas our government
has issued papers granting our vessels per-
mission to touch and trade in foreign port
and whereas vessels holding such permit have
been seized We ask the government to pro-
tect all American vessels in colonial ports
against illegal seizure
Resolved, That if our government refuses
to srnd immediately armed vessels to protect
our fishermen in their rights we deem it ex-
pedient to arm and equip our American fish
ing vessels for our own protection.
Resolved, That copies of these resolutions
be sent to Representative Thomas b. Reed
and Senator William p Fryp
In presenting the resolutions, Whltten said
he was glad to see such interest manifested
in this matter by those not directly interested
in fisheries as was shown by the presence at
the meeting of so many business men of this
city. This matter was a serious thing and
was liable to strike in other directions. He
thought there should be a meeting of the
Board of Trade at once and action taken to
denounce the outrage. A large number OF
Portland vessels are bankers and may be
obliged to put into Canadian ports. not nec-
essarily for bait but for harbor. They are just
as liable to be seized as any other vessel. He
thought our government was lukewarm in the
matter. They should take prompt measures
to correct the wrong; that vessels should be
sent to those Canadian ports with orders from
our government for the release of the seized
schooners and all questions of liability could
he settled afterward. Under the present