The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1888-08-30
The Canadian Treafy-RetaliatOryM Meas
ures RecOmm ended.

to Congress in regard to the situation created
by the rejection of the Canadian fisheries treaty
and the indisposition of that body to alter or
amend its provisions, to initiate further
negotiations. The treaty of 1918 conferred upon
the fishermen of the United States the privi-
lege of fishing in Canadian waters. but the ex-
tent of the privileges then conferred has ever
since been subject of dispute. The two chief
questions have been whether the expression,
three marine miles of any of the COSTS, bays
creeks or harbors of his Britannia majesty's
dOminiOns," meant limit of three miles from
the coast line or limit of three miles from
line drawn from headland TO headland, and
whether the proviSo that 1.-THE American fish
ermen shall be admitted to enter such bays or
harbOrs for the purpose of shelter and of re-
pairing damages therein, of purchasing WOOD
and of obtaining water and for no other pur-
pose whatever" is intended to exclude Amer
lean vessels from coming inshore to traffic
tranship fish. purchase stores, hire seamen, &c
adjustment of these questions. Was at the in
stance of the New England fishermen termi-
mated in July, 1885. Since that time the Cana
dian authorities, in the assertion of their view
of their rights, have subjected American fish
ermen to numerous vexations, tnterferences
and annoyances." and have seized their ves-
sells upon pretexts that appear to be entirely
inadmissable." For the preservation of the
American interests involved the President
deemed it his duty to attempt the negotiation
of treaty, and did last winter negotiate a
treaty which was in his opinion adequate for
our security in the future from veXatious Incl
dents and for the promotion of friendly neigh
borhood and Intimacy. without sacrificing in
this treaty the majority of the Senate has re-
iected. AT the same time the treaty making
branch of Congress has expressed not Obscurely
the opinion that no full Their negotiations should
be bad, and not a few of the majority of that
BODY have condemned the President tor delay
ing the issuance OF the proclamation authorized
by the resolution of Congress, approved March
3, 1887, terminating all further commercial in
tercourse with Canada. This act authorizes
the President in his discretion to forbid the
entrance of Canadian vessels into American
waters, and also 10 deny the entry .into any
place of States
salt fish or any other product of Canada
"other goods coming from Canada. The Pres
1dant declares his purpose, under proper cir
cumstances, to carry into operation the retalia-
tory intention of Congress in both
powers. so that retaliation, If entered upon.
shall be effective. "It will be impossible he
tsifatory measures without inflicting some
damage upon our own citizens" but the policy
intercourse law of March 8, 1887, "manife silly
embraces the infection of the greatest harm
upon those who have injured u.s." To make
lhe plan of retaliation thorough and vigor
requires, however, that the President be
thorized to suspend certain laws dating fri m
1856 which permit Canadians to import by rail
through New York, Boston, Port land and other
designated ports, foreign goods tree of duty
That is to say, Canadians at present may i'm
port and ship goods in bond across the New
England States and other States without let
hindrance, while at the same time they deny
10 our fisherman the right to ship the r catch
OF fish from Canadian ports by rail to points in
the United Sta es. The President reviews at
hrming TO Canadians the right to tranship
goods in bond to show that that provision
lapsed with the other fisheries clauses of tn u
treaty. The act of Congress giving legislative
effect to this provision of the treaty and the
prior legislation on the subject recon
mended to the attention of Congress. During
The last six years the imports and exports of
British Canadian provinces carr ed across
territory, under the laws whose repeal is sug-
gested, amounted In value to $270, 900 000 nearly
all OF which were Eritish goods dutiable under
our tariff laws No act of retaliation could be
law
regulations under which this transit trade is
carried on and the President recomm ends that
the power to suspend them be conferred upon
him by Congress. By article % of the treaty of
1871 the american citizen was promised the
use OF the Welland, st. Lawrence and other
canals of Canada on terms of equa ity with
canadian citizens. The promise has not been
Kept, as our citizens are required to pay tolls
on all these canals and receive no rebates, such
as ar e given to Canadians using the canals. 1t
Is recommended therefore, that legislative
action be taken that will give Canadian vessels
navigating our canals and their cargOes pre-
clsely such advantages as are granted to our
vessels and cargoes on Canadian canals. These
matters relate to the honor and dignity of our
country. and the protection and preservation
OF OF the rights and interests of all our people,
Ihey are not sectional or Eetghborhood affairs.
as 1t Is tntimated, to be settled by retail tt n
io King to the aggrandizement of some petty
locality or interest. They touch the national
spirit, and should be dealt with in the broadcast
manner. The President says: "fhese are sub
fnOt,