The St. Louis Republic., 1904-08-26

There Is but slight divergence In the gov
ernmental suggestions of the two parties,
conservative and liberal. for they are as
one on every important topic except the
purely local issues
Many Canadians with whom I discussed
the possible annexation of Newfoundland
with the dominion said that II was only a
question of time; that Canada must have
! the island. and that the salvation of the
latter must rest ultimately IN federation.
If you wish to enrage Newfourdiander
suggest federation. He can see nothing to
gain but everything to lose in such an
Rrnalgamatton. and there seems no doubt
that the politician o. the party who would
project such a plan now would be quickly
dismissed.
FISHERIES THE GREAT INDUSTRY.
The fisheries. which includes whaling
and sealing. makes up the great bulk OF
the Islands business, and the growth OF
the industry within thu last three years
Is largely attributed to The success OF the
whale and seal enterprises.
From Bell Island, six miles of the coast
Of Conception Bay. there are shipped an
nually about 100000 tons Of high-grads
Iron ore. most OF which goes to Germany,
and the balance largely to the snelters at
Sidney in Nova Scotia
The other industries and resources Of
Newfoundland are yet In infancy or have
not been developed at all. There are a few
lumber camps and a few sawmills, four
brick mills. small. haif-developed coal
foundland can boast OF outside Of her mag
nifcent fishery.
So far as the United States is eoncerned
all business interest in the Island must
this may look small from the Massachu-
sets or Washington end OF the psrspeo-
tive, yet It involves the one proposition
that is vital to the fisheries OF New Eng
land believe that the reputation of the
Hay-Bond treaty by the Senate will invite
swift and certain retaliation from the
Ye
prospect, plain case Of mo treaty for Us.
no bait for you"
NO ANGER WITH AMERICA
Premier Bond told me that there was no
harsh feeling in the growing demand for
the withdrawal Of the bait privileges from
American fisheries. He does not threaten
even that elimination. but argues that 1t
would be only a reasonable change OF at
titude In the direction of self-defense. He
expresses the belief that the reciprocal
plan proposed is OF more vital Importance
to the interests Of the United States than
to Newfoundland although he is frank
to say that the latter would be greatly
benefited.
Both and psoDIs os Dcss, arc con-
most permanent growth lies alo.y the
lines of the fishery. and Sir Robert Bond
and his ministry are wagtng the most
end that Newfoundland shall conserve its
rights and push its privileges to whatever
limits are required for the getting Of recip-
rocal advantages from foreign countries.
The old French shore controversy has
Just been satisfactorily settled; O most ia
yorable Understanding has teen arrived at
with the Colonial Department Of the In
perial Government by which. in case Of
need, the mother Government Is to give
Newfoundland the full and ultimate bene-
At Of whatever changes or new methods
there may be made in the international
trade treaties of Britain.
The fishery OF Newfoundland Is now a
business of SO COO UO annually. 1t Is be-
lieved that this can be increased to sJo.
10000 II reciprocity can be arranged with
the United States within the next few
years. To do business more business. with
the United States. that is tho chief desire
OF the Newfoundlander now. and 1t occu
pies the foremost place In the councils and
conyeutious Of the island Government