Daily new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1897-1906, 1898-11-18
FISHERIES DISPUTE.
Anglo american Commission
Anxious to Settle 1t.
DANGER OF 1T MAKING TROUBLE.
Lawyers prgy re Appointed to Interpret
the Treaty of 1915 Reciprocity Agree
ment Possible, If Canada Aboiishes Pre-
ferentiaI Rates to Great Britain.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18.-The Anglo
American commission, now in session
here to adjust differences between the
United States and Canada, held a
lengthy session upon the two subjects
which are regarded as of much import
ance, namely, the North Atlantic fish
cries and reciprocity. The fisheries
question was practically taken up for
the first time, and it was quite definitely
understood that the position of the Ca
madam government was made clear as
favorable to granting enlarged rights to
American fishermen in Canadian waters
of the North Atlantic, if in return Ca
madam fish are admitted free of duty to
American markets.
Concerning reciprocity it has now de.
veloped that while some progress is
being made III considering certain arti-
cles, which will be the basis of reci-
procity, yet the American commission
ers are likely to insist, as a preliminary
to any reciprocity, that Canada shall
wipe out that feature of her tariff law
which gives Great Britain preference
of % per cent on all tariff duties If
this important concession is made by
Canada, and conceded by Lord Herschell
who is looking after the interests of
Great Britain, then, it is said. that a
reciprocity list probably will be agreed
upon. Without the abolition of pre-
ferential rates to Great Britain the
opinion is very positively expressed that
reciprocity agreement cannot be
reached.
The reason for this, it is pointed out,
is that the Canadian law giving Great
Britain preference within the last year
has diverted trade from the United
States and turned it into British chan
nels.
The American commissioners feel that
if they can succeed in having this Brit
ish preferential stopped it will be
greater than any reciprocity agreement.
The debate thus far has encouraged the
American commissioners to believe that
they will succeed in having this prefer
ential wiped out.
The fisheries question is of long
standing, and, aside from its import
ance to the commerce of the New Eng
land and Canadian coast, it is said to
give the basis for a possible serious con-
f1ict between this country and Great
Britain. Wearied by the length of the
controversy, Canada of late has init
AllGtoO4 ulIttG LII CetSG IL ICllldI4Gu ODGn IT,
course might be taken to the seizure of
American fishing vessels in Canadian
waters. This doubtless would lead to
serious international complications.
This has been the view of the members
of the commission, and as result they
are exceedingly anxious to secure set
Element of this question.
1t is understood that there is some
likelihood of commission of American,
Canadian and English lawyers being
appointed to determine the meaning of
the treaty of 1918. which governs these
fishery rights. The suggestion of this
international body has come, it is under
stood, from Lord Herschell. Should
such body be appointed it would do
away with the chance of any collision
occurring between the Canadian Off
Gals and American fishing vessels dur
ing the approaching fishing season.