Part of the decrease of exports from St. Pierre was undoubtedly 
brought about by natural causes, for Newfoundland also felt the 
effect of these causes; but that some exceptional cause was also 
at work to decrease St. Pierre exports is apparent from the fact 
that in 1888 the decrease continued in St. Pierre in face of an 
increased export from Newfoundland, and also from the fact that 
in three years the total decrease of exports in St. Pierre has been 
equivalent to two-thirds of the catch.of 1886, while the export of 
Newfoundland in 1889 was almost equal to that of 1887. The 
operation of the Bait Act was undoubtedly this exceptional cause, 
and, if additional proof be needed, the following quote should 
be sufficient. :— 
(Copied from the * Petit Journal de Parisienne,” July 3rd.) 
“ Sr, Prerre AND MIQuELON, 
“* July 15th, 1889. 
*‘ Our colony is very severely tried this year; the cod fishery, 
*‘ which constitutes its principal, we may say its only, industry, 
“ has, up to this day, given deplorable results. During the first 
_ trip, seven-eighths of the fishermen have barely paid for their 
* wine (drink); all have returned from this trip with an average 
“ of from four to eight thousand fish—65 to 130 qtls.—for each 
“ craft, which represents nearly nothing. The whole of this fish 
“ has been sent to Bordeaux, and we have nothing left, and the 
“future prospects look almost like a complete failure; conse- 
“ quently consumers at home will have to pay very dear for the 
“ fish which they have hitherto been able to buy at a low price. 
“The (boette de capelan) caplin bait is guarded by the 
“* Newfoundland criees: the schooners from St. Pierre are there- 
“fore oblized to go to the east coast, on the French shore of 
Newfoundland (qu Quirpond, &c., &e.), in search of bait, 
“ which means a month’s fishing lost. At this present time the 
* French fisheries in the gulf (north coast of Newfoundland) are 
‘“‘ threatened from all parts, and our chefs de stations have no 
“power to defend them, notwithstanding that they are located 
“‘ on the territory ceded to France by the Treaty of Utrecht. 
“ The cod fishery, it is well known, gives employment to a 
“ large proportion of the population of the cotes de la manches ; 
“it is therefore very urgent that our Government should decide 
