New-York tribune., 1888-04-19
MR. MoRGAN's RIGHT ABOUT FACE

WASHINGTON, April ls Special. Senator Nor
cams attitude In regard to the Fisheries Treaty
Is exciting a good deal of surprise among his
colleagues. When the subject of the fisheries
was under consideration In the Senate In 1886,
there was no one more pronounced In his views
regarding the advisability of negotiating new
treaty than Nh Morgan. Time and again he
declared himself opposed to new treaty and be
repeatedly stated his reasons Mr.. Morgan is
taking a different view of things now. To what
extent this sudden change Of front is due to graft
tude for savors extended to him by the Admin
istration In the past or expectation or suostan-
tial reward In the way Of promotion to the bench
OF the Supreme Court in the future, does not ap-
pear IL is q fact however that in the Foreign
Relations Committee Mr.. Morgan is now regarded
as one of the foremost champions of Mr. NBayad's
new treaty. 1t Is interesting, therefore, to note
what Mr. Morgan had-to say on the subject OF
the fisheries in open session Of the Senate on
April 13, 1886. Said he:
do not wish TO any opinions about this suo
,ec. before question gets before Senate and am
compelled get upon IT, but my convictions are very
strong; they fixed Indeed, may say that we can
get along with tho people Of Great Britain on this subject
any further treaty at all and without any further
legislation. any ask me what provisions
OF treaty compose and settle any ques
ton law between and Great Britain In
respect the nsherieA could not suggest n, or
were asked propose amendment to the statutes Of
subject more completely the hands OF Government
would not how 10 do It. believe that both the
treaty sspulaons and the situations under the statutes
are complete able TO make them Ihere
NAV be other interests there other Interests lying
between the people the British possessions and the
United States would like very much TO see promoted
BY further negotiation but cannot call to mind there
is no suggestion my mind Of improvement that we
could under existing conditions Of our rights In the
nsheries Of that Northeastern coast
Further on discussing with Mr. George, Of Mis-
sissippi the bait question, the following colloquy
took place:
Mr. George-would 1t not be well TO base the right to
buy ice bait and all that sort Of thing the nterpret
ton Of the laws
Mr. MOrgan-ISe and bait mentioned in this
treaty
Mr. George-I know they not
M Moresp-Ice and bait therefore to be treated
as articles commerce II have right 70 get ice
and bait there under the commercial privilege ex
tended to US by the statutes of Great Britain.
Mr.. George-which Great Britain has right to inter
pret for herself.
Mr. Morgan-Interpret for herself until to
right interpret and then say: you interpret 1t
that way interpret our statute 30 and So"
Mr.. George-That is retaliation.
Mr.. Morgan-And is all you can make Of IT.
Mr.. George-It does not come to any agreement
Mr Morgsn-It would hardly be expected, think.
that the diplomatic powers Of two great governments
should enter into negotiation determine the distnc
and bait side and bacon and -four
other articles Of Neither Of them
mentioned In the treaty. but should think 1t
fortunate civilization Of this age. especially
1t unfortunate for the character Of the pub
licists age they should find II 10 IN
terpret the meaning exclude them
the commercial list when everybody would admit
that and included in the commercial list
Whatever legitimate trsnic. whatever is not contra
band. is lawful traffic in any port which you have
lawful right Of and it is ice and bait 1t is
lust as much commerce as II II -four and bacon.