New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-01-21
FRENCH FISHERY RIGHTS.
DEMANDING PROTECTION FOR LOBSTER
CATCHERS
,rsATE IN THE CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES OVER
THE NEWFOUNDLAND TROUBLES-WAR
sH1fS TO DEFEND THE CLAIM
THAT IORSTTRS ARE FISH.


sHffS TO DEFEND THE CLAIM
THAT LOBSTERS ARE FISH.
Paris. Jan. 2O.-In the Chamber of Deputies TO-
dow N FIourens questioned the Government IN re-
oayd 70 the rights of French fishermen in New
foundland. lie contcnded at great length 'ha' 'hc
tights of France were violated by the pre'ch
- the Newfoundland authorities TO interpret the
rreatv of Utrecht in a way TO exclude frehch
ssbormen from privileges they were entitled TO
under that treaty
NJ Spnller. the Minister of Foreign AhalrS, re-
minded the Chamber that France had limited
sovereignty on certain parts of the Newiouhuiaho
coast for certain purposes. 1t possessed thlS re'
Wv the provisions of the same treaty py Wilch
Fnslapd acquired the whole island SOW
.reiyntv limited only by Frances right. france
right of use was therefore as sacred as EhSlahu
ricbt of possession. France had the usu1rucu OF
Tho caast for her fisheries. But the arrangements
made between England and France dld not
eccord with the views of the Newiounulanu
Parliament and the case was therefore ihoIe
d;aicult and more delicate than formerly
Comnlications had arisen, especially with regard
70 the lobster fishery. But France had Only
eleven boats engaged in catching Holsters, while
she had 700 engaged in the cod fishery. 1t was
pretended by the Newfoundland authorities that
o destination should be made between cod as fish
and lobstcrs as crustacea but this distinction was
mot admissible France had an absolute and un-
restricted rioht as to both; the right to use tna'
mart of the coast occupied by her in drying or
otherwise preparing for market or Tor use "h"'-
ever living thing could be caught in the waters
where her fishermen had the right TO ply theil
industry For the IoOster fishery. however, per-
manent establishments were necessary. Nego'la-
tious are pending in regard to these. but the ne
gotations are complicated by private CLAIMS
The Minister denied that the English Govern
ment had authorized an officer to notliy the
FrjNch fishermen that they could not take lob
sters this season. On the contrary that Govern
ment had confirmed all the arrangements made
nv the Ministry of VI. Goblet. He presumed
M Flourens regarded particularly the diplomatic
side of the case and not the incidents that were
within the competence of Admiral Krantz, the Min
lister of Marine Such difficulties could be set
tied only by arbitration. The boat-owners pur-
sued their industry at their own risk and on the
faith of treaties. There was no reason why they
should not continue 10 do The Government
would see that its previous instructions were
executed. The Chamber could rely upon its vigil
lance
VI. FlourenS protested against the situation In
which French fishermen were placed. lie pro-
tested on two grounds-that the rights
the Government did not protect them
with the energy appropriate 10 the occasion.
France had true right Of sovereignty over the
French shore Of Newfoundland-a right based
upon q treaty. we can send naval division
there and land men and arms ana exercise lurlS-
dictlon." said the speaker. We are not Obliged
to apply TO England 10 make our rights lnere
respected. 1t is for us to enforce respect l9T
lSo The negotiations begun IN lSeJ Will
not include a hearing Of the case now made Tor
us-,yh,ch is. that we cannot 1--we on the french
shore if the English hostile. Instructions from
the two Governments ordered the OlnceIS III New
foundland to endeavOr to arrive al friendly
understanding; but when an absolute attack ID
made upon the rights of our conPatllotS' the
Government should interfere. 1t Is not question
for negotiations but 1or ponce neaSuies' ,i'
ENGLAND will not take steps u change the cor
ditons merely because they are pTcluaIelaA "
French fishermen. II is for Us 10 pTo.rtl our
owa men and our own interests. me MlhlstI
tells Us that instruct Ons haF Dcfn dlSpalchcu'
buf thcsa have not YET reached the shIPowhers'
whp are ignorant whether they can continue
their operarionS in security. Up % the present
moment conflicts have been avoided, Dut II Is
better TO keep tne squadron at nome lhan - Ssie
il to Newfoundland TO play there a part bo @ l"IC
in harmony with the traditions and ,hRnlN VI
France as 10 look on calmly and helplessy al
violation of the rights of the nation
NJ La Chambrc declared that smpowhers
could not continue in their present state OF uh-
certainty. 1t was impossible for them TO IeaW l
port without knowing whether theN couI" ocIt
DIV the place France had assigned TO them lie
asked whether the fishermen were certain 70 re-
ceiye protection from the French naval division;
Admiral KIantz the Minister of Marine replied
that the fishery rights conceded 10 france were
absolute and without reserve. french Shlpo"hcIA
asked the squadron TO protect them. but tie
British contended that fishery right ana NOT
include Holsters because lobsteTs We're not hsh'
In fact The catching Of Holsters there Is com.
paratively recent, and the occupation dld hG'
exist al the time the treaties were maze. IL is
no part of the duty of the commander OF a
eouadror to intcrDrct treaties When precise
instructions are given to a naval officer they may
be executed. but il is necessary first that othefs
should agree upon the tenor Of these lhstfucliohs
NJ Frrnncl and VI Cassagnac each introduced
motions favorng vigorous assertion OF the rIghtS
of France. whcreupon several members demanded
that the Chamber should proceed to the order oi
the day, which was adopted.