The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-05-11
THE FISHERIES TREATY.


The Majority of the senats Foreign Relations
Committee Object to Ratification.
WASHINGTON, May l0-Ths majority of the
Senate committee on foreign relations. in re-
porting adversely the resolution for the ratifca-
ton of the fisheries treaty, refer tolthe passage
of the act of March 8. 1887, ito authorize the
President to protect and defend the rights Of
American fishing vessels. etc, in certain cases.
which act tho report quotes in full and contin-
ues:
$50 far as is known to the committee, no step
whatever was taken by the President to put this
law into execution, but negotiations were init
ated and continued TO the apparent end Of ac-
complaining what Congress had thought 1t unfit
to undertake in such way-au adjustment OF
these difficulties by the diplomatic course of Sc
curing part of American rights at the expense
OF yielding other and the most fundamental and
important OF them. These negotiations culmi-
mated In the appointment by the President,
during the recess Of the Senate. on the 22d Of
November. 1887. only ten DAYS before the meet
ing of Congress- Of three pleuipotentaries TO con-
slider, with like plenipotentiaries appointed by
her Majesty. the whole subject, with view to
coming to q solution thereof. These plenipo-
tentiaries, thus created. began their real work
at Washington, while both houses of Congress
were sitting. and without any communication
by the President in his annual message on the
meeting OF Congress, or otherwise. OF the fact
that such important and extraordinary opera
tons were in progress, or that very grave inter
ests Of the United States had been placed in the
custody Of gentlemen whose names had not
even been communicated to it. These splenipo-
tentiaries' came to conclusion Of their labors
of the 18th of February, 1888 the Office OF the
'pleuipotentiaries' terminated. and tho result
was reached without advice aud consent Of the
Senate having been asked or taken concerning
the selection OF these public ministers, and
without any communication to either house OF
ject Ii Is not difficult TO see that. In evil times,
when the President of the United States may
be under influence Of foreign and adverse inter-
ests, such course Of procedure might result in
great disaster to the interests and even the
safety Of our government and people."
The majority eritlcises tho President for
withholding information upon the question from
the Senate and summarizes its nndings and
opinions as follows
First-The United States recognize British terri.
right in all the great bays along the British North
American coasts named in the treaty, and admit that
all such bays form part of and are within British
territorial sovereignty and jurisdiction.
Second-Of the few of such great bays that left
to be visited by American fishermen theiarger part
70 os ssssy right. older than own
If they are British bays.
Third-If bay fishing is not profitable now. 1t may
Fourth-Whether profitable not. the United
States ought net TO give upon ary consideration
whatever the right or e vessels OK every character
TO visit and carry business any part of the pub
lie seas
Fifth-Ths treaty surrsnders the claim and right of
the United States which has been acted upon and en-
ercssd for moro than century, Of its vessels
engaged IN fishing other occupations to visit and
carry their business in these great bays and the
principle of which claim and right has once been SOL
emnly decided against Great Britain by tribunal or
ganized under treaty with that government
Sixth-The new area OF delimtation described In
the treaty greatly increases the danger Of our fisher
men unintentionally invading prohibited waters and
thereby exposing them to seizures and penalties.
Seventh-The treaty. by its fifth article renounees
any right Of the United Statss in any bay etc. how
large that cannot Be reached from the sea with
out passng within the three marine miles mentioned