Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-10-19
Great Britain Cautious.

Minneapolis Tribune. ssSsEA~s p
The true character of the administra-
tons policy in its dealings with the
United Kingdom and of Canada, was
never more forcibly illustrated than in the
light Of the events attendant upon the
retaliation message. The tenor Of the
discussion in the Canadian press implies
that If the President had followed the
course prescribed by the Republican
policy the whole matter would have been
settled amicably and satisfactorily long
ago. But the Republican policy was not
good enough until his own had failed
most ANONYMOUSLY. In his first annual
message Mr.. Cleveland recommended the
appointment of Joint commits sion
charged with the consideration and settle
ment Of the entire question of the fishing
rights Of the two governments and their
respective citizens on the coasts of the
United States and British North America.
Under the date Of April 10. 1886, the
United States Senate, by vote of 30 to
TO- adopted the following resolutions:
THAT in the opinion of the Senate, the
appointment Of a commission in which
the governments of the United States and
Great Britain shall be represented, charged
with the consideration and settlement of
the fishing rights Of the tw o governments
on the coasts Of the United States and
British North America. ought not to be
provided for by Congress. 81.
The Senate took the view that Canada's
conduct had been such that the DAYS of
negotiations were past. When. however.
Mr.. Cleveland assented TO negotiation and
appointed a commission, not provided for
by Congress, Great Britain and Canada
naturally concluded that they could do as
they pleased with the United States and
IL citizens as long rs the Democratic adj
ministration was in power The Ameri.
can commissioners were not match for
the Britishers and Canadians opposed to
them. and an humiiating treaty and
continuance of Canadian insolence were
the natural results Of cowardly policy.
p No sooner has the note of retaliation
been sounded than the British and Cana.
dian governments appear willing to make
the concessions demanded by the Repub-
lican party as a basis of settlement Ac-
cording to our Ottawa special it is be.
lieved that Lord Salisbury has enjoined
the Dominion government TO exercise the
utmost caution in every movement re-
garding the question at issue. In London
the opinion is said to prevail that England
will not stir finger TO back the Domin-
ion. The Canadian government appears
10 be divided on the matter. Sir John
Mcdonald is reported TO be in favor of
severe retaliation against the United
States. But he is strenuouslv opposed by
several members Of his cabinet, and is,
subject to instructions from
London His party is not in the best
tormtnst now. and in many quarters the
prevails that he desires to
initiate Mr.. Cleveland in playing TO the
gallery. 10 ,.,st
The attitude Of Great Britain and
Canada are the best indication of the Re-
publican policy in regard to the fisheries
question and the strongest proof possible
Of the injurious effects and dire conse-
quences of the disgraceful weakness Of
the administration in its dealings with
foreign matters. 70? .ss., ~