76 The Fishery Question. 



The general objection to all such legislation 

 is that Congress should take the responsibility 

 of regulating trade, and not foist its consti- 

 tutional duties upon the executive. Powers 

 of this kind, though not to this degree, have 

 been granted before. It is questionable 

 whether they were ever successful in com- 

 passing the end proposed. 



The particular objections to this measure 

 arise from the circumstances of the case. 

 One hundred years ago the Fishery was the 

 principal industry of the North Atlantic sea- 

 board ; now it is an inconsiderable factor 

 among the industries of New England, and | 

 an infinitesimal one in the business of the 

 whole country. It would be fairer to say that 

 in the maritime provinces of Canada alone I 

 the condition of the Fishery is the measure of / 

 prosperity. "° The capital invested in they 

 New England Fisheries is estimated at $19,- 

 937,607,"' and the annual value of the catch 

 at $4,590,000. The Canadians, with a capital 

 of $6,697,459 obtain an annual product of 

 $17,722,973."^ During the year 1886, out of 

 a total import and export trade of $69,449,462 

 between the United States and Canada, the 

 total value of Canadian fish involved, includ- 



