New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-11-26
NEWEOENDLAND'S OTERTURES.

Mr.. Robert Bond. the Colonial Secretary Of
Newfoundland is again in this country renew
ing negotiations in behalf OF his Government
FOR Reciprocity between the United states and
Engand'> most ancient colony since Mr..
Bond was here some weeks ago he has met and
conferred with his chief. Sir William White
way and presumably he returns with that
powerful statesmans authority as 70 tho nature
and extent of the reciprocal relation TO be en-
tered into. We extend a cordial welcome 10
Mr. Bond He comes on grateful Grand
ono that for many reasons, we should be glad
to see successfully accomplished The people
Of Newfoundland are particularly cordial in
their feelings towards the United States, and
if we can contribute to their prosperity without
injuring the business Of our fishing fleet, n
almost certainly we can, il would be most
agreeable to our people TO do 50. TO TIE
TRIBUNE it seems a. if closer trade relations
with Newfoundland would be thoroughly adj
yantageous 10 both countries, but even if the
coloniSts protcd more than we for the mere
sake of friendship and good will il would be
wise policy 10 assist them in developing their
resources and in building up their interesting
country.
There may be some difficulties in the way
of this alliance. The French shore question
is sui open, and diSquieing rumorS have
reached us that the British Cabinet contcm-
plates its adjustment BY admitting the French
fleet TO Newfoundland ports for the free pur-
chase of bait. At the present time colonial
statute known Is the Bait Act fOrbidS that
arrangement, and leaves Newfoundland in com
plete control Of the capn. herring and squd
fisheries, from which bait for the cod fishery is
derived. The enforcement of that act is left
with the Colonial Government. II can modify
it or suspend it., or apply il to the vessels of
one country and not 10 those of another. as
it plcases. At least, the Government has as
sumed that it possessed this authority, and we
have not observed that it's view has been in any
way challenged, unless by recent decision
OF the colonial courts setting aside certain YER
diets obtained against American vessels for
| violations OF the act. The significance of this
| decision has not been revealed in the dispatches
| recording it, but OF course Mr.. Bond will be
| able TO explain just what it means. II it leaves
the Government in possession of the authority
it has been exercising, the relation Mr.. Bond
is seeking to bring about would seem 10 admit
of an easy establishment Nothing would
stand in its way but the disposition of GreaJ
Britain-if such a disposition eSists-to barter
her colonys main industry for peace with
| France.
Ii has been curious circumstance that "a
Mr.. Bonds negotiation with us advanced halt
ed, and advanced again, the French Shore
conferences were similarly moved. Mr.. Bond
came to Washington just after Sir William
Whiteway went to England The British For
eign Office seemed to he able to do little OF
nothing with the statesmen Of the Qua dOr.
say however, until Mr. Bond had put himsel
into communication with our State Depart
ment Then proposals began to chase each oihel
thick and fast across the Channel and, accord
ing to the reports cabled here, they were al