The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-10-09
NEW FOUNDLAND
ANGRY OVER THE
M0DUS V|vEND|

st. Johns. N. r.. Oct. 9.-Popular anger
against the modus vivendi arranged by the
United States and British governments
relating 10 the Newfoundland herring
feeling that the compromise arrived at
was a backdown on the part of the Brit
ish ministry.
Archbishop Howley the Roman catho-
lie primste, speaking Sunday at a paro-
chial festival, declared the modus vi
vendi a shameful betrayal OF the colonys
Interests, and advocated agitation
throughout the colony against Il. He
urged an Immediate calling OF the legis-
lature, spirited protests 10 the throne,
the dispatch OF delegates to England and
nous British colonies to Join In resisting
what he termed an unbridled invasion OF
colonial rights.
Attorney General Morris, speaking at
the same function, stated that the coll
oniaI government was unaware of the
terms OF the modus vivendi, but IL had
done everything within its power 10 pro-
tect the colony.
Yesterday the Telegram, the premiers
organ, ascribed the modus vivendi TO the
craven policy Of timd Downing street
Dureaucrats, and expressed the hope that
the Newfoundland government will show
the same resentment and spirit OF deter
mination. and teach little Englanders like
Lord Elgin and Winston Churchill the
same lesson that the coionists OF Natal
taught them when they tried To ride
rough shod over the colony few months
ago.
The Herald prints a letter OF Congress
man Gardiner, who represented the
American fishing interests at Washing
ton, published last July, wherein Mr..
Gardiner is quoted as admitting that
American vessels have no right To ship
Newfoundlanders in their crews The pa
per then observes that In view OF this
letter, the British governments action In
granting such condition is reprehensi-
NJ . otrrN-r,ro~, r.nH-c an 5,oN,pA C.r
Washington, oct. 9.-The news that the
modus vivendi had finally been signed
was conveyed TO Secretary Root in ca
blesram from Ambassador Reid yester-
day, announcing that the British govern
ment has accepted the terms OF the mo-
dus vivendi relating to the Newfoundland
fisheries. No Information mas been re-
ceived at the state department concern
Ing the proposed resignation or the offi-
Gals OF the Newfoundland government on
account OF the new agreement Some
facts In relation to the Newfoundland
government and the fisheries We're stated.
In which IL appears that the British gov
ernment has been very much embarrassed
during the negotiations on account Of the
demands Of Newfoundland.
The Newfoundland government is under
the control OF the merchant fishermen OF
the island, those who buy, cure and sell
the fishing products. They oppose any
American fishing rights. including those
guaranteed by the treaty of 1881, and are
dissatisfied with the arrangement that
the British government makes TO carry
out the terms Of that treaty.
The real fishermen OF the island are not
In harmony with the restrictions Of the
Newfoundland government, such as deny
ing the privilege OF selling bait and OF
allowing the fishermen tostake employ
ment OF the American fishing vessels. The
fishermen themselves desire these privi-
leges but IL interferes with the plans OF
the merchant fishermen. The Newfound-
land government has no real responsible
ity In the way OF carrying out obliga-
tions. That devolves upon the British
government.
Great Britain, II Is asserted. would not
coerce any OF her colonies TO remain un-
der the British flag IL they were deter
mined to withdraw, but at the same time
desires TO keep all the colonies and 10
keep them on terms Of amity with their
neighbors. The whole course OF Great
Britain in this matter is commended by
the American authorities as being fair
and reasonable. but all negotiations have
been hampered by the Newfoundland gov
ernment.