The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-10-22
MODUS v|vEND|
ENDS LONG FIGHT
OVER FISHERIES

Washington. oct 22.-The state depart
ment has just made public abe text OF the
modus vivendi relative TO the Newfound-
land fisheries, which has already been
dealt with In abstract form, but which
the people of Newfoundland have express
ed desire to Sc. in its entirety before
the cabinet OF the island colony decides
upon line of action
In this case the modus vivendi. instead
OF taking the form OF a treaty. is embod-
led in correspondence passing between the
British foreign Office and the American
ambassador at London.
Ambassador Reid. in n letter to the
British foreign office, under date OF oct.
6. said:
II am authorized by my government TO
ratify modus vivendi i'm regard TO the
Newfoundland fishery questions on the
basis OF the foreign office memorandum,
dated the 25th OF September, 1906. in which
you accept the arrangement set out In
my memorandum OF the 18th OF Septem-
ber. and consent accordingly to the use OF
purse seines by American fishermen dur
ing the ensuing season, subject, of course.
TO due regard being paid i'm the use OF
such implements to other modes Of fish
cry, which. a you state. is only intended
10 secure that there shall be the same
spirit OF give and take and of respect
for common rights between the users of
purse seines and the users OF stationary
nets would be expected to exist IL both
sets Of fishermen employed the same gear.
MY government understands by this
that the use of purse seines by American
fishermen Is not 10 he interfered with. and
that the shipment of Observation-Disclosures by
American fishermen outside three-mile
limit is not TO be made the basis OF i'm
reference or to be penaized. At the same
time. they are glad TO assure his majes-
tvs government, should shipments be
found necessary, that they will be made
far enough from the exact three-miIe Inn
IL to avoid any reasonable doubt.
"On the other hand. IL is also under
stood that our fishermen are to be advised
by my government and to agree not to
fish on Sunday.
1T is further understood that his ma
iesty's government will not bring into
force the Newfoundland foreign fishing
vessels act OF 1905. which imposes on
American fishing vessels certain restric-
tions in addition to those imposed by the
act OF 1905. and also that the provisions
Of the first part OF section / OF the act
OF 1905. as TO buying and bringing into
port, and also the whole OF section 3 OF
the same act will not he regarded as ap-
plying to American fishing vessels. II
also being understood that our fishermen
will gladly pay light dues IL they are not
deprived OF their rights to fish, and that
our fishermen are not unwilling to comply
with the provisions OF tho colonial GUS
toms law as to reporting at a custom
house when physically possibly 10 do so.
II need not say that my government Is
most anxious that the provisions of the
modus vivendi should be made effective
at the earliest possible moment I am
glad 10 be assSred by you that this note
wil..be considered as sufficient ratihca-
tion of the modus vivendi on the part OF
my government"
To Ambassador Reid's letter the British
foreign office on oct. s. sent the follow
ing reply:
II have received with satisfaction the
note OF the 9Th instant in which your ex-
ceilency states that you have been au-
thoriZed by your government TO ratify n
modus vivendl I'm regard TO the Newfound-
land fisher question on the basis OF the
memorandum which I had the honor 90
communicate 90 you on the 25th ultimo,
and / am glad to assure your excellency
that the note In question will be consid-
cred by his majesty's government as suf-
ncient ratification OF that arrangement on
the part OF the United states government.
His majestys government fully shares
the desire OF your government that the
provisions of the modus vivendi should be
made effective at the earliest moment
possible, and that necessary instructions
for its observance were accordingly sent
10 the government Of Newfoundland Inn
mediately on receipt OF your excellency's
accumulation"