02 



of observation of the pernicious and ruinous effect of 

 the practices of the netters on the lakes. The enforce- 

 ment of the order was wholesome and resulted in better 

 fishing in their waters than in ours. Ever since the 

 order was given effect, the Department of Marine and 

 Fisheries has sought by every means in its power, to 

 urge upon those entrusted with the passage and en- 

 forcement of laws for the regulation of the fisheries 

 upon the American side of the waters, the necessity of 

 a co-operation with them in the passage and enforce- 

 ment of a similar act. They have had occasion to feel 

 disheartened at the result. They have had further to 

 bear the importunities of the lake fishermen of the 

 different provinces and the petty politicians for a 

 revocation of the order, because the States bordering 

 the lakes upon the other side permitted their fishermen 

 to fish at any and all times and with all sorts of devices. 

 And so, at last, the order has been revoked — in a 

 spirit of weakness, perhaps — until such time as the 

 States shall see fit to join the Dominion in an effort to 

 protect the fisheries. 



No action, either jniblic or private, concerning the 

 fisheries of this countr)-, has ever been taken which 

 may be more piegnant of evil, or perhaps of good re- 

 sult, if we shall profit by the lesson, than this order of 

 revocation. The result must depend on the .future ac- 

 tion or non-action on the part of the States whose 

 territory is co-extensive with that of Canada on the 

 lakes, in moving for the preservation of the great 

 lake fisheries, by the passage of just and reasonable 

 laws controlling the fishermen. While the action of 

 the Department of Marine and P^isheries is one to be 

 deeply regretted it has been, perhaps, in a measure jus- 

 tified by the absolute lack of co-operation on the part 

 of the bordering States in meeting the Canadians upon 

 this question in a spirit of fairness, and with a desire 

 to protect the public's interests. 



