New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-07-22
EXPECT LITTLE TROUBLE.
Gloucester Fishermen Calm Deer
Newfoundland 14fairs.

Gloucester. Mass. july 21-The fishermen OF
Gloucester do not expect much trouble OF the
Newfoundland coast when the herring fishing
season opens in the autumn. despite the concern
manifested by State Department officials over
the situation. The Gloucester owners Of fishing
vessels are unanimous in their satisfaction az
the terms OF the existing nodus vtventl reguIat-
ing the fisheries
The only point on which any great anxiety
is felt IS in regard 10 the employment OF New
foUndlaud fishermen on board the Gloucester
vessels. Under the terms Of the present nodus
vivendi. natives OF Newfoundland are permitted
% ship on board OF American vessels outside OF
the three-mile limit This provision OF the
modus vivendi however. is in direct opposition
10 an act OF the Newfoundland legislature.
known as the Bond bait act. This act was
passed IN 1906, at the instance OF Premier Robert
Bond. and prohibits any native OF Tie colony
putting bait on board foreign vessel AS her
ring are considered under the general cIassifca-
ton OF bait. every Newfoundland fisherman
who ships on board an American vessel and AZ
sists in catching herring violates the law Of tss
colony During the last spring TWO Newfound-
land fishermen were convicted OF violating The
bait act. and We're each fined 5000,
II it is impossible during the coming fall TO
secure Newfoundland crews To man American
vessels. the Gloucester vessel owners VIII ship
their crews here and send them 10 the west coast
OF Newfoundland. the herring fishing grounds.
This territory is covered by a treaty giving the
Americans the right 10 fish there.
Under the terms of the present IuodUs vivendi
Americans are allowed 10 use purse seines.
something forbidden by the Newfoundland gov
eminent. Last year the Americans made q
personal agreement with the Newfoundland
fishermen not TO purse seiues inasmuch as
the Observation-Disclosures are not allowed TO 90 So
and the entire herring catch was taken by nets.
Last year two vessels Of the Gloucester fish
ing fleet signed their crews in this city and then
sailed for the Newfoundland west coast Botn
vessels made good catches and started on theE
return TO this port. One Of the schOoneTs' ul'
Edna Wallace Hopper was lost, but the other
tho IngOmar. landed a big fare, and her owners
professed satisfaction at their venture
Fishermen here are inclined 10 attribute 10
the Bond government the belief that by deprtv-
ing the American vessels of Newfoundland
crews Americans will be unable. on account OF
prohIbitively high wates paid 10 American hSH-
ermen to compete with the Merchandising yes
sells IN the herring fishing industry NeSse'
owners of this CITY on the other hand. say tna''
although put 10 greater expense imam Ioi'liS -
they Will be able to compete SucceSSluIlS "''
Newfoundland fishermen
The Bay Of Islands fishermen are known 70 -
favorable 10 any proposition tnat VII" e"OOus
the Gloucester vessels 10 visit The west coast -
Newfoundland. The natives in that locatl'y ~. ~
dependent in a great measure on I"S ~
they can obtain on board American vessetS' an
last April they sent a petition 70 the h''N
government asking that the Americans o1
lowed 10 ship their crews on the NeWIouiDiN--
coast.