THE FISHERIES QUESTION 333 



for an adjustment of the controversies, which resulted in 

 the meeting of the representatives of the United States 

 and Great Britain in conference at Washington, November 

 22, 1887. On February 15, 1888, a treaty was signed, 

 which w r as subsequently rejected by the Senate, August 

 21, 1888. 



The provisions of the unratified treaty of 1888 were not 

 so favorable to United States fishermen as the earlier reci- 

 procity treaties. By this treaty, delimitation of what were 

 considered exclusively British waters under the convention 

 of 1818 was made. The three marine miles mentioned 

 under that convention were to be measured, under the 

 new arrangement, seaward from low-water mark, and all 

 bays, harbors and creeks, where it was not otherwise pro- 

 vided, were to be measured from a straight line drawn 

 across the part nearest the entrance, at the first point 

 where the width did not exceed ten marine miles. Specific 

 stipulations were made for establishing the limits of ex- 

 clusion in the Baie des Chaleurs, Bay of Miramachi, 

 Egmont Bay, Saint Ann's Bay, Fortune Bay, Sir Charles 

 Hamilton Sound, Harrington Bay, Chedabucto and Saint 

 Peter's Bays, Mira Bay, Placentia Bay, and Saint Mary's 

 Bay. More liberal regulations were provided for regard- 

 ing the entrance of American vessels into Canadian har- 

 bors for a short time, or during stress of weather or ac- 

 cidents to vessel or crew. The penalties for unlawful 

 fishing and for preparing to fish were made specific to 

 a certain degree. Finally, provision was made possible 

 for the free interchange of fish and fish products into each 

 country, with the privilege of American vessels to obtain 

 licenses to purchase certain supplies, to transship the catch, 

 and to ship crews. 



After the treaty was signed the British plenipotentiaries, 

 desirous of preventing a repetition of the former friction 

 and irritation which might arise before there had been 



