New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-10-25
THE REJECTION OF THE TREATY.

THE REJECTION OF THE TREATY
The discussion and rejection of the fishery treaty is
perhaps the most remarkable instance of narrow
parsanship the treatment of great international
question known in our history. The controversy
over the rights OF American fishing vessels In Canadian
waters and Canadian ports has been wascd off and on
ever since the foundation of the Government The
treaty of 1915 when left in unqualified effect has been
the subject of constant dispute and out Of the different
interpretations put upon it by the parties Interested
have sprung the various collisions and grievances 'ha
have disturbed ,the relations of friendly countries
with large interests in common After the abroga-
ton Of the fishery clauses of the treaty of 1871 they
were thrown back upon the old convention that had
been prolific of much misunderstanding lhose
in the fisheries professcd to be satisfied with
the privileges granted by that agreement II only te
duties on CANADIAN fish products were maintained but
Il Immediately gave rise to new troubles, because they
claimed more than the treaty granted. The Canadian
treatment of our vessels under the Interpretation
which the Dominion authorities gave to the treaty
renewed the old controversy.
There was one of two things 10 be done Ether
= NOW acreement must be entered into which would
scu,ove all doubt 10 mutual rights or course OF
retaliation must be adopted the means Of bringing
Canada TO FERNS As TO the comparative wisdom of
those Two courses there could be doubt Retaliation
would settle no disputed question, and
instead of establishing satisfactory relations
between the countries. II sure TO eNa pefa'e 'her
relations. making DAD mater NDlHD an" i''''H ~
consequences no man could foresce. Congress gave
authority for such policy. but 1t was the part OF
wisdom 10 avoid It II possible. II was certainly al
alternative worth trying. The negotiation OF ne"
treaty covering This subject and nothing else nan
never been attempted. and the Administration deter
mined 10 try II by the best possible pan' that W
a,noirtiug a Joint commission 10 take the whole
subject into consideration. and endeavor TO reach an
agreement satisfactory TO both sides. It's oVer'ures
were received in friendly spirit. and the matter was
taken ND with disposition 10 maintain all Jus' f7ehS
and claims and TO reach conclusions thai "oulu po
mutually beneficial ard promote friendly relations
The treaty that was agreed on by the commissioners
left no doubt ambiguity and went far Ue9on1 lo
treaty of 1878 in concedinc privileges 10 our fishing
vessels and securing for them consderaie treatment
In fact It secured everything that fishermen had III
sisted upon Of any material importance TO them. IL
Was calculated 10 put an end 10 disputes ana sfeN-
arces and relieve the relations OF the Unteu s'"es
ard Canada from their one source OF Danger Du'
these negotiations were undertaken by Democratic
Administration and It's success would add 10 lis
e,,enrtb and prestige This and this alone, was the
cause Of opposition from the KepuDhcsh MA
iorliy in the Senate. The tone and temper OF nearly
All The speecI es on the Republican side have shown
This motive for hostility Enthusiastically In the hfst
uIace the Committee on Foreign Relations loon INC
pieposterous position that this was not under al inc
circumstances Of the proper subject for dp'o-
matic negotiation, ana theh IL d-SuWt~' '""""-' w
the ran meaning Of the Constitution and the bulk OF
precedents that the President had no right to Initiate
such negotiations without the consent o. the se"d'e
This revealed az once the partisan temper OF the ma
iority of the committee and Of the Senate
throughout the debate this temper has been main
tanned and nothing Ike calm and fair consideration
has been given to the merits Of the treaty by Re
mntlcan senatcss They were determined from the
first 10 reject the work of the President and the joint
commission and were intent only on dcvisins pre-
texts for their predetermined action. Regardless OF
consequences to the relations of the country with
friendly Power or the vast commercial interests IN
volved in relations they were eager only to de-
prve the Democratic Administration OF credit for
It's efforts to obtain peaceful settle
,ne,t of the difficulties and Of the
prestige that would come from success In those EFFORTS
That was the sole aim and object OF the Republican
senators and il was obvious on the face Of all they
ad and did down 20 the final vote Of rejection The
most remarkable fact In connection with their proceed
ines has been the calmness and apathy with which
tho commercial bodies OF the country and relresenta
ves Of our great trade interests have allowed them 10
20 On without raising a protest
We are confident that the sober sense Of the people
all this while has not been deceived. Every esl'imaH
claim Of the fishing Interests would have been secured
By the ratification Of the treaty. They certainly VIII
not be benefited By rs rejection, while vastly greater
and more important interests VIII be put In jeopardy
This ought 10 be understood and appreciated by the
peope and so Ear as this question enters into political
Consideration In this II should be eafueu as
question of confidence I'm the Administrator or Of
support for the cOufse OF mean and reckless patsah
ship pursued by the Republican Senators. On that
question there ought 10 be doubt OF the popular
verdict There Is this further consideration IA isNor
Of supporting the Administration on this Issue IL
will leave the question sl open for friendly means oil
settlement Of some Kind while support OF the senate
position would close all avenues of future negotiations
and bring upon tine country the disastrous cohse
Quences Of retaliation, hostility and possible war; IL
would put an end to all prospect Of improving the