Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-09-09
WHALE STATION. HUDSON BAY.

w 11xAl4E 0IAIION, 1OO6ON BAL. lests of the United States and Canada. TAn international dispute has actually been threatened by this fish war, and politicians of the dominion, in order to avoid duplication of the Alaskan Boundary question, have urged the gov cernment that decisive step be taken; Thence the entrance of the Neptune into the controversy.
 There are four laws, passed by the sEanadian parliament, which, it is de-
 clared, have been violated necessarily sby Americans. They follow:
 Prohibiting carrying away of skins of
 musk oxen, chief food supply of the re- zion. Passed because of fear that native
 food supply would become exhausted.
 Requiring a $1,OO0 license for all whalemen.
 : Imposing Canadian duties on all goods Brought to the region for trade purposes With natives. Ete ID 2a'.
 Restricting intercourse with natives sand establishing comprehensive rules
 preventing traders from supplying na-
 tiyes with intoxicants. Passed because Hear that liquors would affect Eskimos in same manner that it has affected the
 American Indian.
 ,s Alleged violation of these laws has in-
 cited the Canadian government to de- wise plan for busting Americans from
 the region and it is in pursuance of this
 that the Neptune has been dispatched for northern waters.
 Hudson Bays one industry is that of whaling, ad to thrifty Yankee fisher men the grounds have proven a veritable gold mine of wealth. The fish most sought after is the Greenland whale. better Fnown to sailors as the giant bowhead" When ship captures but one of these gigantic fnny creatures, the expedition is marked as a success. There is, as rule, at least ton of bone in this whale, and its market value be- ing from five to seven dollars, it may be easily seen that a single catch nets over s10D0O. ! The white whale, or grampus about d6 feet long and valued for the oil, is also abundant there, being so plentiful that at the Hudson Bay company's headquar- ters they are killed to feed the dogs. Walrus. too, are found there, which yield both oil and skins of commercial utility The hides are used largely for : pnlisaing brass, while their tusks are of excellent ivory. Narwhales are occa- sionally found also. Seals are the main- |. stay of the Eskimos, who live on their meat, make clothes of their skin and l convert their bodies to various uses. Edible commercial fishes, like cod. hali- but. salmon and trout, are likewise nu- merous.
 The effect of Canada's crusade to con- pei the fishing interests to recognize her ! Supremacy over the region in dispute . has been felt by whalers. At one time ! there wintered in the bay fully 90 whal- . CTS. but the number is said to have dvindled down with such rapidity that last season but one made it's headquar- ters there. This statement. of course does not mean that but one whaler fshed there. During the summer season the bay is thick with American vessels in quest of wealth.
 Years ago fishermen stayed aboard their ships refusing to mix with the Eatives and live upon Eskimo food. As a result of their disdain for native ways. they were attacked by scurvv and the burying ground at Marble Island tcstifies to the mortality of the disease. Of late. however. the sailors have been leading more healthful lives. staying with native families Throughout the winter season. Strange 70 relate. many have deserted their ships, married women and are now Ewing in happiness with the Eskimos.
 Scotch fishermen are another prom nent factor in the fish war. These eeople from across the water make Cumberland gulf. in the North At santic. the scene of their operations. mut between them and the Americans rhere is little friction. Canadians. i however. do not protest against any encruachments. on the part of the Scotch. which may bs called to their attention. and in consequence the { Americans are being given the faH benefit of the increased ferver in .he crusade. RUSSELL WooDARD.