New-York tribune., 1891-05-05
THE DOMINION'S PROTEST.
OUTLINE OF HER OBJECTIONS TO THE
TREATY NEGOTIATED WITH
NEWFOUNDLAND.
REPORT SIGNED BY SIR JOHN THOMPSON AND
G. H. TUPPER,TARGnNG THAT THE COLONY
COULD NOT NEGOTIATE TREATY.
md THAT CANADA WAS DIS
CRIMINATED AGAINST.


cRIMINATED AGAINST.
Ottawa, Nay (SpeciaD.-ParticuIars Of the protest
entered by the Dominion Government against the
treaty negotiated last year by the Newfoundland Gov
with Secretary Blaine on behalf of the United
States have been learned. II appears that when the
announcement made that the Newfoundland
Colonial Secretary, NJ. Bond representing the Colony.
concluded this treaty, dealing as il does with the
fishery question: Sir John Thompson AZ once csbled
High Commissioner Upper to wait upon Lord Knuts-
ford, Colonial Secretary, and urge him not to agree
TO it. The Minister Of Justice stated that the treaty
opposed the interests Of Canada, and intmated
at Disseminated against the Dominion In favor Of
the United States. Sir John added that Canada had
trouble enough under the Mckinley bill. Sir Charles
tuLpsr accordingly waited upon Lord Knutsford,
who after consideration agreed to suspend the conven
ton.
subsequently the Canadian Government prepared a
lengthy report on the subject Of the treaty. IL IS
signed by sir John Thompson and c. H. Tupper. The
report reviews the history of the fishery question: Win
view to showing that the British Government never
would allow any one OF her colonies interested In
given question to negotiate by Itself, nos 10 negotiate
fishery treaty with the United States. It points out
that In 1868 the Foreign Relations Committee Of tho
United States Senate sought TO effect separate ar
rangement with Prince Edwards Island. then colony
outside of the Dominion The Colonial Secretary OF
that day declared that the island could not be nego
tlaed with, could it be negotiated for by Great
Britain on a separate basis. In 1887 the American
Minister at London intimated to Sir Ambrose shea
then Premier Of Newfoundland that the United states
would be willing 10 negotiate with Newfoundland for
a treaty admitting American vessels to Newfoundland
ports on terms similar to those which had obtained
under the Washington treaty But again the Imperial
Government stepped ir and stated that separate
treaty on the fishery question could not be agreed TO-.
newfoundland at that time regarded this decision as
justfable and the Colonial Government approved OF
IL in a report the subject
The Canadian protest then refers to the inadvlsa-
bility of a separate treaty and declares that with
Newfoundland open to American fishermen, both for
wood water bait and supplies, the Treaty OF 1878
would be simply nufled. Reference Is then made to
the American policy in regard to Canada In the ast
few years The Ministers say: The Mckinney Iarifl
bill is in force, and is avOwed 10 be designed 10
teach Canadians that they cannot avail themselves OF
,bo mark rs of hs United states while they continue
their allegiance as British subjects Then the protest
declarAs that the discrimination against Canada CON
templated in the Newfoundland treaty would be " a
most eaectual method OF mpresslng on the minds OF
the Canadian people the lesson that they cannot pe
British subjects aid enjoy the American markets
Fprher on il IS stated that the United states have
NOT viewed tho confederation Of the provinces WIN
favor The report adds that the confederation which
was offered in accordance with the strong desire OF
Her NIaiestys Government in 1867 had always been
viewed with unfriendly feelings by a large poH
tion Of the people Of the United state9' "i.o
continue with great reason to regard II
as means Of consolidating British Power in North
America Thus, for high Rational reasons, Inc
treaty was opposed
The report further declares that the American
press misrepreSentcd the Canadian posiaoh toward
the United states on the Fisher question, which was
the cause OF uniustinabe irritation; The H cnet
sreument urged by Canada is that she insists upon
fhe observance OF the restrictive clauses OF tho
Shall not enter Canadian ports except for repairs
water wood and shelter This restriction, IL IS ex-
nlaired was not forced by Great Britain. IL was
accepted by the United States nesotiatorS IN loie IN
return for the privilege Of fishing Without mOiesta
zion I'm the territorial waters OF the Magualen lslaus
and Labrador. Canada has repeatedly urgeo tle
United states to agree to new conventon q re- re-
cards fish and trade, but without success. As an
evidence Of Canada's desire to conclude new
arrangement, the renewal of the modus vivelU Is
referred 70.