44 
following in the footsteps of his predecessors in issuing such orders, 
and there is no reason to doubt that his conduct was in oe j 
accordance with his instructions. 
On the 17th June, 1889, the French war-ship “ Bison” 
destroyed several traps at Port Saunders, but, though her ore 
desisted from their work of demolition when H.M.S. “Emerald?” 
opportunely hove in sight, no reparation was ever demanded by the 
British Government. In July, 1889, the French warship “ Drac™ 
destroyed five hundred and five lobster traps at John Meagher'y. 
Cove, but no claim was ever made for compensation by the 
British Government upon the Government of France, though it is” 
indisputable that, no matter what the merits of the disputes 
between French and British upon the construction of the treaties, 
the French have no right, and should not be permitted, to destroy” 
British property in British waters. It may be mentioned of this 
case, that though the British Government has been memorialised | 
concerning it, though the memorialists have undoubtedly 
suffered great loss by reason of French aggressions, and though 
the main facts are not disputed, the British Government have 
done literally nothing concerning it, so far as can be ascertained, 
beyond promising to inquire into it. 4) 
FRENCH CLAIMS ADVANCED. 
It was in connection with the removal of a factory establishelll 
at a place called Hauling Point, upon the north-east coast of 
Newfoundland, that the French first laid claim to a right to take | 
lobsters and to erect factories wherein to can or preserve them. 
A firm called Murphy & Andrews erected a factory there in June, | 
1888, the inhabitants having made arrangements in the previous 
autumn to catch lobsters for them. A few days after the arrival 
of Messrs. Murphy & Andrews, a large number of Frenchmen 
also arrived at the same place, although for forty years previously 
no French fishermen had carried on any kind of fishery there. 
The factory was partially erected when the commander of the 
French war-ship “Drac” informed Messrs. Murphy & Andrews that — 
he would not allow them to take lobsters in the locality, and that — 
“the French Government had conceded to the French company. 
“ there represented an sssebet right to fish for lobsters in that 
“ locality for five years.” At this juncture the British war-ship— 
“Forward,” Commander Bearcroft, appeared upon the scene, and 
