New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-22
THE NEWFOUNDLAND COMlHSSION.


Sir lanes Winter and Mr.. Morine have car
rcd their point. A Royal Commission Is 10 De
sent by the Imperial Government to investigate
the condition Of the most ancient colony anu
10 devise measures for its bettcrment. W men
they went TO London on their errand month
ago there was little hope that they would sue
coed Mr.. Chamberlain was Thought 10 Dc uh-
alterably opposed TO the appointment OF coil'
mission. But either he was misjudged or the!
made out stronger case than was expected'
probably the former. Mr.. Chamberlain WAS
then engaged in highly important negotiations
with France concerning West Africa. ana prop
ably did not wish TO show too plainly IN adj
vance his hand in the matter OF the French
Shore There is reason TO suppose that he VIII
now apply himself TO the latter with his Gus
tomary astuteness and energy an' Will seek
solution of II and of all other Newfoundland
problcms that will give TO that island some
larger measure of tranquility and prosperity
The French Shore question has assumed new
importance since the opening of the Newfouhd-
land railroad system. Terminal facilities are
much needed there for the development OF the
valuable mineral lands lying just lnshore But
the French positively refuse To let wharf DE-
built. or any structure of any kind. save Tor
fishing purposes to be erected within hall
mile of tidewatcr. That. of course dooms the
whole "bntarland' To neglect and non-impr0ve-
ment. II is complained also that the French
islands of ST Pierre and Miqueon are verta-
BILE smuggers' paradise, TO the great annoyance
and loss of Newfoundland as well as OF the
maritime provinces of the Dominion; state of
affairs much aggravated by Frances refusal to
recognize British consul on those Islands.
These are matters with which ihe Royal Com
mission will be expected 10 deal.
Relations with the United States will also he
considered. and perhaps some new adjustment
of the fisheries and bait dispute will he pro
posed. Newfoundland has been eagerly dcsir-
GUS of having direct representation in the forth
coming conference between Canada and the
United States. but that now seems impractica-
Bile. The terrifying of st. Johns is another
topic for the Commissions consideration New
foundand wants that place made a second Hal
flax, with an imperial garrison, local militia, Il
training ship and Royal Naval Reserve Then
there is the question Of making the Newfound-
land railroad a link In the great chain of inter
imperial communication. so that British troops
sent TO Asia or Australasia by way of America
will be landed Mt ST. Johns instead of at Halifax
or Quebec The reduction of postage rates be-
tween Great Britain and Newfoundland mas
| been much desired. but is now already effected.
Beyond doubt the Commission will have It's
hands full with these and other questions OF
local, imperial and international interest Be
| yond doubt, too, there Is urgent need OF some
| such work as it proposes TO do For years the
| colony has been declining 1t was recently
driven to transfer many of its chief Industries
| and even functions of government to private
contractor, an cxpedient of doubtful benefi-
cence There Is none Of the neglected estates
| of the Empire more in need than this of the
| Improvement which Mr.. Chamberlain has prom
sed If this Commission shall point the way to
| such Improvement on an effective scale it will
| do q great work for the colony and for the
| Empire