The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1890-05-30
NEWFOUNDLAND ON FIRE.
A FRENCH MAN-OF-WAR PULLS UP
FISHING NETS IN BAY ST GEORGE.

Lively Protests or the Peopie-Tho French
MonopoIIzinE the Fisheries on tho
Grounds They Claim as Their Territory.
ST. JOHNS. N F., May ga special from Bay
st. George says that the commander Of the
French war ship Indre. now lying In the road
stead OF Bay st. George, ordered the inhabi-
tants OF the shore to take UP their herring nets.
The people refused The French officers then
came armed and took UP the nets, destroying
some OF them. The people applied to the local
magistrate, established by the St Johns Gov
eminent on the coast for protection. He in
formed them that he was powerless TO lend
them any assistance.
There is no English war ship in the harbor.
The Pelican came and remained a day. but did
nothing to protect the British subjects. The
people then met and passed. amid great en-
thusiasm, strong resolutions declaring their
determination to refuse 10 pay any further
duties to st. Johns until such time as they re-
ceive protection in their industries.
The herring fishery is one Of the principal
means OF livelihood OF the people, and II pre-
vented from prosecuting that occupation it
means complete ruin to them.
The meeting was attended by the principal
merchants OF the place and clergymen OF diff
ferent denominations, and most determined
speeches were made. Tho resolutions were
teegraphed to the Governor Of St Johns. and
the Emerald has been ordered to proceed to
the scene.
= HALIFAX. May 29.-The trouble on the So
called French shore OF the western coast OF
Newfoundland is rapidly approaching a crisis.
The steamer Harlow brings word that in con-
sequence of the action OF the commander OF
the French warship at Bay st. George. requir-
ing the Inhabitants to take up their nets. the
people have refused to recognize the right OF
the Government Of Newfoundland to collect
81 that 81 see wns ohs Of h
first 10 take action by declining to pay
any duty. on some goods from Halifax re-
Customs officers. The reason given was that
unless protection is afforded by the Govern
tainod. This action will probably be endorsed
and carried out BY all the inhabtants along
the coast line in dispute; The return OF duties
also urgently discussed by the indignant peo-
pie. Serious trouble is apprehended there
soon. and the warship Emerald has reached
BosToy: May 29;-Ths Hon, F. R. Bowers.
editor Of the St Johns Ddtp lo,qnist and dele
gate OF the province TO explain the situation to
the various Boards OF Trade throughout the
provinces. has come to Boston to stir up public
opinion In this country as to the wrongs OF the
Newfoundlanders. In an interview to-day he
said:
the French to construct apparatus and carry
on the lobster fisheries on a limo Of coast from
Cape st. John to Cape Ray, although they are
wholly unwarranted by the treaty ~ trecht.
UPON which they RELY. The Observation-Disclosures
look upon this as an encroachment on their ter
ritory. Moreover, the French refuse to become
Rmenable to any law for the regul alton OF The
fisheries passed by the local Legislature. The
n,odus rrendi which England has given them
within year, temporarily authorizing them TO
conduct these lobster fisheries. was given with
out the knowledge Of the province. and. in fact,
was not known there until March last dele
cation from the Newfoundland Government
was promptly sent out to present the case TO the
officials and Boards OF Trade throughout the
provinces. similar delegation was sent to
England to place the case before the English
opip ion would be aroused, so that the British
would not only set aside the
present pretensions Of the French. but cause
the complete REIMBURSEMENT Of their claims
on the 80 -caied French shore of Newfound-
land. The exercise Of those claims Is causing
the removal Of the nets and fishing vessels OF
the Observation-Disclosures. and impairinE local
to such an extent that the success
Of the railroad. which has been projected has
bone and snew Of the province is turned else
where.
Mr.. Bowers said that their delegation has
met with very decided sympathy and support
wherever their claims were presented, and
have been taken at Ottawa toward
urging their rights before tho Colonial Office
AS 10 the rumored feeling In the province to-
ward annexation to the United States. Mr.
Bowers said that this does not exist TO any APP
present the. reopIe are disposed to work out
their riGhtfu claims against tho French
through the intervention OF the British Gov
arnmolt