Section II., 1907. [291] Trans. R. S. C. 
IV.—The Labrador Boundary Question. 
By THe Most Rev. ARCHBISHOP How ey. 
This question which is in dispute between Newfoundland and the 
Province of Quebec does not of course reach the importance of the 
Alaska Boundary Question, which was an international one. ‘This 
Labrador question is, so to say domestic, being a disagreement between 
two ‘Colonies of the British Empire. Nevertheless it is of quite suf- 
ficient importance to be of interest to a large circle of readers not only 
in Canada but in England and in all parts of the Empire. 
A few words then on the subject may not be unwelcome from the 
pen of one whose claim to throw some light on the question arises from 
the two-fold source of, First a personal knowledge and experience of the 
territory in question, and secondly an almost life-long study of the 
maps, voyages, Legislative Act and Treaties, etc., connectec witu the 
question. 
In order to help the reader to an intelligent comprehension of the 
dispute, I have prepared a map which is annexed, and which will tend 
to make clear a statement which, without such aid, would be altogether 
confusing. 
The dispute takes its origin 
from the apparently ambiguous wording of the 
Draft of Letters Patent 
constituting the office of Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the 
Island of Newfoundland and its Dependencies, and defining (at least 
intending to define) the limits of the Jurisdiction of the said Official. 
It was drawn up in its latest form in 1876. This was a new and 
permanent form of Letters Patent given, as there stated, in order to 
make “ effectual and permanent provision for the Office of Governor, 
etc.... without making new Letters Patent on each demise of the said 
Office.” 
By these Letters all former Letters are revoked and determined. But 
the new Letters are essentially the same as all former ones and are based 
upon the ancient treaties and acts of Parliament, and presuppose a 
knowledge of those. It is the want of this knowledge which makes 
these Letters appear ambiguous or indefinite and gives rise to the present 
dispute. | 
It will be necessary to quote here that portion of the aforesaid 
Letters which refers to the present question. It is as follows :— 
“ And further know ye, that We of Our special Grace, certain 
“ knowledge and motion, have thought fit to constitute, order and declare, 
