14>.0 AWARD OF THE FISHERY COMMISSION. 



Thirdly. The mackerel can alone be taken within the limit prescribed by the treaty , 

 so that while the shore is protected, that fishery is a rich and exclusive privilege of the 

 British colonist. 



The preservation of the mackerel may therefore be considered the preservation of all 

 the other fisheries. 



It has been remarked, and with truth, that a number of the best colonial fishermen 

 have- hitherto preferred serving in United States vessels ; and the reasons are obvious. 



The United States vessels have fished, although contrary to treaty, close to the shore 

 for years, almost without hinderance, and their masters have now great experience. 

 They are superior vessels for the purpose, the capital of the owners being generally 

 larger, and the bait, an article of value, being more plentiful, the " catch" is greater. 



In each case, the men are paid on what is called the half-hand system ; that is, each 

 man has half his own " catch," paying for his proportion of the bait used. The Amer- 

 ican vessel is more successful, therefore the fisherman goes to her, and is paid in hard 

 cash, the master buying his share, which is taken into market free of a heavy duty 

 which, if serving in a provincial vessel, he would have indirectly to pay. 



The remedy is simple, viz, to keep the Americans off, according to the treaty ; the 

 provincial vessel then becomes not only more, but alone successful, and it will be the 

 interest of the experienced fisherman to return to his natural employer, in whose vessel 

 he enjoys an exclusive privilege, more in value tenfold than the amount of duty which 

 the United States vessel frees him from. 



To Great Britain, in connection with her North American colonies, this suggests an 

 important consideration, for it cannot be desirable that so many young men should be 

 employed in United States vessels. And if they are, it cannot be supposed that their 

 loyalty will not be shaken when they continually hear republicanism loudly applauded. 



Again, it is obvious that if the British fisheries are protected, and a rich advantage 

 secured to the colonist (though he be tainted by such pernicious intercourse), he knows 

 when he becomes a citizen he loses it. 



It is a matter of no consequence whether the United States fisherman comes in by treaty, 

 contrary to treaty, or by the last means attempted, under false colors, if he does come 

 in and take away the unbounded wealth which he has of late years been taking. The 

 colonist feels that he has not the exclusive advantage which he ought to have, and 

 thinks, as he has been heard to say, that if not protected he might as well have the 

 advantage of a free United States market. 



The effect on the man who looks to self-interest only is therefore clear; he does not 

 gain by being a British subject, and has nothing to lose on becoming a citizen of the 

 United States. 



In short, I respectfully submit that the protection of the fisheries forms the closest 

 bond of union between Great Britain and North America. I have been deeply im- 

 pressed with this opinion during my intercourse with the people, and feel it a duty to 

 represent it. 



Before concluding, I beg leave to make a suggestion, which I believe, if carried ont, 

 would not only be the most efficient, but the most economical means of protecting the 

 fisheries along the shores of the gulf. 



The efficiency of boats has been proved in several instances during the late season, 

 even to the extent of obliging the American vessels to give up attempting to fish near 

 where a boat has been placed. The reason is, that it is in the light winds that the 

 mackerel vessels are most successful, and if at that time a boat is near, an encroaching 

 vessel must be captured. 



I would therefore suggest, that from ten to twelve serviceable cutters or large whale- 

 boats should be stationed at different points along the shores of the gulf. The proper 

 positions for such boats could be at once pointed out by any officer who has once been 

 employed on the service; and I have no hesitation instating my belief that with twelve 

 boats well manned, and in charge of officers possessing energy and zeal, the Americans 

 might entirely be kept off all the fishing grounds of that part of the gulf on which the 

 Devastation was lately stationed. A steam-vessel would then alone be required to go 

 round and relieve the sick and supply provisions. 



It may be thought that boats would be resisted, but I do not conceive it would be 

 BO, for within the limits evidence of it would always be at hand, and the interest of 

 the crew is not sufficient to induce them to run the 'risk whatever that of the master 

 may be. 



If this plnn were adopted, the men should be steady, and it would be advisable that 

 they should have a small gratuity at the end of the season if their conduct deserved it. 



Colonial grants would be well bestowed for this purpose. 



Trusting that my experience during the late season, and the extreme importance with 

 which I view the question of protection to the British fisheries, will be held to excuse 

 niy presuming to offer the remarks and suggestions contained in this letter. 

 I have, &c., 



C. Y. CAMPBELL, 



Commander. 



Vice Admiral Sir G. F. SEYMOUR, K. C. B., 



4-o. t <fo., fc. 



