The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1890-06-26
NEWFOUNDLAND FISHERIES.
Growth or the Lobster Induutry-Tho
Bounty Paid by France.

Growth or the Lobster Induntry-Tho
Bounty Paid by France.
New Workers concerned In trade with New
foundand were interested in n despatch from
Halifax. printed yesterday, in which note was
taken Of the preparation for active service OF
British war ships stationed at Nova Scotia
The despatch was INTERPRETED to mean that
tho British Government had decided to take
steps towards the protection Of Newfound-
and fishermen to the extent at least Of patrol
ling tho coast In a manner similar to that
adopted by France. Throughout the recent
difficulties in the island province, the French
settlers have been encouraged by an armed
cruiser. and according to Geographic reports
that boat has intertered actively in behalf OF
French as against English interests
Nobody supposes for an instant" said q
ship broker yesterday. that England and
France will go to war over this matter. but
there are serious questions to be adjusted and
there is room for argument probably on both
sides. The matter at issue is something moro
than mere Interpretation OF treaties, Tor 1t in
wolves interests that conflict outside the terms
OF any treaties ever made between the coun-
tries. A part OF Newfoundland used TO be
French territory. By agreement OF the nations
the sovereignty o. the Island was coded to
fish long the western coast were reserved to
Fterchmen, and the islands ST.. Pierre and
Miqneon, geographically part OF Newfound-
land. were turned into french province. The
terms OF the ARRANGEMENT seem to be explicit
enough, but since the treaty was signed two
French interpretation OF the treaty is TO b 30 re-,
"Ono Of these is the development OF lobster
fishing on the west coast. When the treaty
fishing in NEWFOUNDLAND. Now i, is an in
duStry covering large portion OF the coast.
and sdSPecy probSee In the dStFet
the right to take Holsters anywhere. flirminG
that the treaty regulations respecting fish DO
only fish. about which, there was no con;
troversy. No Observation-Disclosures to-day would
deny the right Of the French uE9n the west
whether cod or mackerel. or what not. Lob
sters, however. they say. are not usually IN:
course. take the opposite ground and when
the Britishers set their pots along tho west
The other difficulty is far more reaching
The French Government pays bounty to its
fishermen. and the English. with nc such priv
This is q genuine hardship. and the Newfound-
landers have been considerably stirred up over
the apparent disposition Of the imperial Gov
sending no war vessels to patrol the coast. but
BY permitting the French Interpretation Of
Newfoundland is an indenendent province
not part Of the Dominion Of Canada. Its
domestic affairs are regulated by an elective
assembly, the executive authority being vested
Ia ACKNOWLEDGEMENT appointed by the Queen.
Slr Nll!lan DBrieh is the present Governor,
and on account OF his conservative action. de-
PENDING as he must upon imperial authority. u
large faction OF Newfounulanders has taken
active measures looking 10 request for his
removal The provincial assembly is favor
aule to the Governor-Generas policy by q
working majority, but recent events have
shown that this majority cannot be deperded
upon. A few weeks ago mass meeting OF
citizens at St Johns voted to send a commits
sion 10 London to call attention TO french
assumptions. That commission Is now In
England. 1t consists OF SIT James Winter. =.
J. scott and A. y. Morine. These gentlemen
do not pretend TO act with the authority of the
province. but they seem 10 have aroused public
sentiment In England strongly in fnvor of the
Newfoundland view OF the situation. and this
Sir VIII am WhitewaY, the provincial premier
for London.
Nobody knows what attitude he will assume
before the imperial authorities. Hitherto even
the members OF his own party have felt that
be WAS slow to insist upon British rights in the
fisheries. but II is not improbable that he has
been waiting TO learn tho trend OF imperial
policy in The matter The situation appears 20
be critical even admitting that war is out OF
the question. Differences will have TO be ad-
listed. the French are firm In their attitude.
John and elsewhere there have been unmis-
taxable expressions OF sentiment in favor OF
terminating the whole trouble by annexation
with the tnited States. II is impossible 10 say
whether this feeling is serious or the tenn
porRry outcome OF anger. Merchants here arc
incliued 10 dscre 1T IL, estimating II more as
popu,ar camor raised by disconnected agita-
tors with view t. forcing the Imperial Gov
eminent into some remedial action.