Warren sheaf., 1905-09-21

ing on between commercial fish inter-
ests of the United States and Canada.
An international dispute has actually
been threatened by this fish war, and
politicians of the dominion, in order to,
boundary question, have urged the gov
ernment that decisive step be taken;
hence the entrance of the Neptune into
the controversy. a.<
There are four laws, passed by the
Canadian parliament, which, it is de-
clared, have been violated necessarily
by Americans They follow:
Prohibiting carrying away of skins Of
musk oxen, chief food supply of the re-
gion. Passed because of fear that native
food supply would become exhausted.
Requiring a $1,000 license for all
whalemen.
Imposing Canadian duties on all goods
brought to the region for trade purposes
with natives. ::
Restricting intercourse with natives
and establishing comprehensive rules
preventing traders from supplying ma
tives with intoxicants. Passed because
of fear that liquors would affect Eskimos
in same manner that it has affected the
American Indian.
Alleged violation of these laws has in
cited the Canadian government to de-
wise plan for ousting 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
men the grounds have proven veritable
gold mine of wealth. The fish most
sought after is the Greenland whale.
better known to sailors as the ''giant
bowhead" When a ship captures but
one Of these gigantic finny creatures,
the expedition is marked as success.
There is, as a rule, at least a ton of bone
in this whale, and it's market value be-
ing from five to seven dollars, it may
be easily seen that single catch nets
over $4,000.
The white whale, or grampus, about
16 feet long and valued for the oil, is also
abundant there, being SO plentiful that
at the Hudson Bay company's headquar-
tiers 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
polishing brass, while their tusks are
of excellent ivory. Narwhales are occa-
stay of the Eskimos, who live on their
meat, make clothes of their skin and
convert their bodies to various uses.
Edible commercial fishes, like cod, hall
but, salmon and trout, are likewise nu-
merOuS.
The effect of Canada's crusade to COM
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 80 whal-
ers, but the number is said to have
dwindled 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 fished
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
natives and live upon Eskimo food. AS
result Of their disdain for native
ways, they we're attacked by scurvy
and the burying ground at Marble
island testifies 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
to relate, many have deserted their
ships. married women and are now
living in happiness with the Eskimos.
Scotch fishermen are another prom
inent factor in the fish war. These
people from across the water make
Cumberland gulf, in the North At
lantic, the scene Of their operations,
but between them and the Americans
there is little friction. Canadians,
however, do not protest against any
encroachments, on the part Of the
Scotch, which may be called to their
attention. and in consequence the
Americans are being given the full
benefit Of the increased ferver In the
crusade. RUSSELL WpoDARD.
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