New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-05-10
JUSTIFIED IN THE SEIZURE.
no EXCITEMENT At WASHINGTON OR OTTAWA
OVER THE CASE or THE AMERICAN FISH
NC STE ,Nft,RS SEIZED ON LAKE ERIE

no EXCITEMENT At WASHINGTON OR OTTAWA
OVER THE CASE or THE AMERICAN FISH
ING STEAMERS SEIZED ON LAKE ERIE.
Washington May 9-The news that two American
steamers had been seized near Key's Island in
Putin Bay by the Canadian patrol vessel Petrel.
because their crews and passengers were fishing
for black bass. did not create any great surprise
at the State Department. where II is explained that
the seizures were made in waters wholly under the
Jurisdiction Of Canada for violation OF the Cana
dian fisheries laws. BY the treaty Of Ghent, the
middle OF the Great Lakes was declared to be the
boundary line between United States and the British
possessions and exclusive jurisdiction the
waters south OF the dividing line given to this
country and over the waters north OF the line to
Canada Ii is said at the State Department that
as the Canadian Government has jurisdiction over
the waters where the seizures were made 1t has
full authority to make laws governing fishing in
that territory.
OFT va. May 9.-Covernment officials declined this
morning to discuss the seizure OF American fishing
boats near Kelly's Island until the official report
OF the affair arrives. Ii is stated. however, that
there Is no doubt that the seizure justinable,
as Il easily be proved that the fishing vessels
were I'm Canadian waters.
Amherstburg. Ont. May s.-The steamers Visitor
and Brooks still here. with their crews on
board The owners OF the seized steamers arrived
this morning. and are trying TO arrange matters.
The captain of the revenue cutter Petrol. which
made the seizure, Is waiting for orders from the
Minister OF Fisheries at Ottawa.
The United States gunboat Michigan. with III
men on board. arrived here to-day. Lieutepant-
Commander Barry says he has been instructed TO
make a survey OF the boundary line which will
probably occupy his time for two or three months.
SanduslSy Ohio May 9.-The steamer American
Eagle which is chartered by the Pelee Club party,
came here at noon to-day. and Captain Magic was
seen by n United Press reporter. The captain
stated that the Visitor and the Leroy Brooks
cleared from Put-in-iIay with parties from Day
ton and Plttsburg and the latter steamer went
into Pplee Island the
OF getting a clearance. Dr. Mccormick. the Col
lqctor OF Customs. had left word with his depu-
ties not to allow any American vessels to clear on
the same day they entered. and clearances were
refused When the Leroy Brooks got back to the
Visitor Captain Doller. Of the Visitor. who had
been on the Brooks into port. found the machinery
had been taken apart
There was considerable excitement at the time of
the capture. Two put aboard each
steamer from the Petrel. and the passengers were
aowed be transferred to the American Eagle
which took them to Put-in-Bay heavy
running and John Brick. OF Put-in-Ba get
ting from one small boat into another when
OF the cruisers men. who had charge Of the Brooks
pulled his revolver on him. Cincinnati man who
was behind them also drew his revolver and said
Don't shoot that man. II you do will shoot
you" -,.
said he will grant fishing permits only to persons
who board at his house. There were sixty persons
in the vessels when they seized Excitement
among the fishing parties on the islands high,
and there is great indignation at the high-handed
action OF the authorities Mccormick Is blamed
for all the trouble.