DESPATCHES, EEPORTS, CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 583 



It seems apparent that the questions now presented and the transac- 

 tions that are the subject of present complaint must be considered 

 and adjusted upon the provisions of the existing Treaty, and upon 

 the construction that is to be given to them. 



A just construction of these stipulations, and such as would con- 

 sist with the dignity, the interests, and the friendly relations of the 

 two countries, ought not to be difficult, and can doubtless be arrived at. 



As it appears to me very important to these relations that the colli- 

 sions between the American fishermen and the Canadian officials 

 should terminate, I suggest to your Lordship whether an ad interim 

 construction of the terms of the existing Treaty cannot be reached 

 by mutual understanding of the Governments to be carried out infor- 

 mally by instructions given on both sides, without prejudice to ulti- 

 mate claims of either, and terminable at the will of either, by which 

 the conduct of the business can be so regulated for the time being as 

 to prevent disputes and injurious proceedings until a more permanent 

 understanding can be had. 



Should this suggestion meet with your Lordship's approval, per- 

 haps you may be able to propose an outline for such an arrangement. 

 I am not prepared nor authorised to present one at this time, but may 

 hereafter be instructed to do so if the effort is thought advisable. 

 I have, &c. 



E. J. PHELPS. 



No. 214. 1886, October 6th: Letter from Captain N. F. BlaJce to the 

 " Boston Herald " referred to in Report of Committee of the Privy 

 Council for Canada, dated 28th October, 1886" 



So much has been written and printed about the experiences of 

 American fishermen in Canadian waters, and the indignities put on 

 them, I wish you would open your columns and give your readers an 

 insight into the other side of the story. I sailed from Boston for 

 North Bay on June 16, not knowing just what the cutters would do 

 or how the law would be interpreted. I neared the coast with fear 

 and anxiety. The first land sighted was Whitehead, and immediately 

 cries came from aloft : " Cutter in sight ahead ! " I rushed to the 

 deck, found the vessel which proved to be the " Houlett," commanded 

 by Capt. Lorway, nearing us rapidly. At time of sighting the cutter 

 we were standing in shore. She hoisted her flags to let us know what 

 she was, and we immediately " about ship " and put to sea to get out 

 of her way, for fear we might be placed on the prize list of the cap- 

 tures. We finally headed up for Port Mulgrave in Canso, expecting 

 to receive rough usage from the authorities, but to our surprise 

 found Collector Murray a perfect gentleman, willing to assist me as 

 far as he could without encroaching on the Canadian laws. From 

 there we put in at Port Hawkesbury and boarded the cutter " Con- 

 rad," and asked the captain for instructions in regard to the three- 

 mile limit, and what privileges, if any. we had. I was answered, in 

 a courteous and hearty way, that he did not have them aboard, but 

 would go ashore in a few moments and get me a printed copy of the 



Document No. 218. 



