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trial classes, and bankruptcy to the colonial exchequer. The 
ult that would ensue to Great Britain by thus sacrificing two hundred 
usand British subjects in this most ancient and loyal colony, by 
course of coercion exercised toward a people to whom self-government 
a ‘igus been accorded; a course, too, the principle of which has 
een most emphatically repudiated by all political parties in Eng- 
and, and by her most eminent statesmen, would be to duly increase 
he navy of a rival power, necessarily involving a corresponding 
ddition to the British Navy, and increased taxation to the British tax- 
Da yer. The Committee are of opinion that, if the Legislature should 
ge deterred from asserting, and, so far as may be possible, enforcing 
their undoubted rights, they would be assenting parties to the sacrifice 
f the vital interests of this colony ; and, notwithstanding the threats 
t ield out on the part of France, and the expressed intentions of the 
An nerican fishermen, the Committee believe that if we are true to 
ourselves, the cause of this colony, the cause of justice and right, must 
ental be crowned with success. 
_ The numerous petitions which have been referred to this Committee 
hae Legislature show that a large number of those who have been 
gaged in supplying bait to foreign fishermen, having seen the injury | 
hat is accruing to this colony, now ask that this traffic should be 
a icted. One district alone, that of Fortune Bay, appears to be 
‘desirous of continuing the trade in bait with St. Pierre, a trade which, 
so far as the imports in this colony are concerned, has been to a 
ree extent illicit. It has defrauded the revenue, increased the 
burden of taxation on honest traders, and demoralised those who have 
ta en part in it. 
_ The Committee, BD oteforé, recommend, in view of the fact that 
phi Aart is not at present possessed of suitable cruisers to forcibly 
-out the treaty of 1818, and the Act of 59 George IIL., cap. 38, 
b regard. to American fishing vessels, as is being done at present 
“ee Dominion, that the Government should issue a proclamation, 
to be served on board all United States vessels engaged in the fishery 
“ id entering our harbours, prohibiting them from the use of our ports 
for any other purpose than the obtaining of wood and water, or for 
elter while engaged in the fishery, and likewise prohibiting inhabi- 
ants of Newfoundland from trafficking in fish and bait with such 
i sssels in any way ; and that the authorities in such harbours as these 
sels may enter should be required to note and report to the Govern- 
nent any infraction of such proclamation, which report, with a 
test and claim for damages in each case, should be forwarded to 
the British Government. 
_ And further, the Committee recommend that the Bill appended to 
