1776 AWARD OF THE FISHERY COMMISSION. 



Canadian fishermen have, as a rule, been benefited by the existence of 

 an American duty on the product of their fisheries? The Government of 

 the Dominion any more than its inhabitants have not suffered in an ap- 

 preciable manner from the imposition of duties on fish, an'd the remis- 

 sion of that duty has been profitable only to the consumers of the 

 United States or to the merchant who re-exports Canadian fish to foreign 

 countries. We may, therefore, conclude that in a fiscal or pecuniary point 

 of view the remission of duty almost exclusively profits the citizens of the 

 United States. The admission of the United States fishermen to British 

 waters at this period is pregnant with advantages unknown under the 

 Reciprocity Treaty. Of late numerous new lines of railway have been built 

 in all the British provinces bordering or in the immediate neighborhood 

 of the United States, especially in the Provinces of Quebec, New Bruns- 

 wick, P. E. Island, and Nova Scotia. A new industry consisting in the 

 carrying of fresh fish all over the continent as far as California has 

 sprung up of late. With the confessed exhaustion of most of the Ameri- 

 can sea fisheries this industry must find the largest part of its supplies 

 in British waters. 



To these varied advantages must be added the political boon conferred 

 upon the United States, of allowing them to raise and educate, in the 

 only possible school, that class of seamen which constitutes the outer 

 fortification of every country, and of protecting her against the advance 

 of her enemies on the seas. Would it not be a monstrous anomaly, if, 

 by means of an indirect compensation, under the Dame of offset, the Ca- 

 nadian Government should be taxed for creating a United States navy 

 from which alone Canadians might entertain apprehensions in the 

 future? I am sure any tribunal would pause before committing such a 

 flagrant act of injustice. Your honors will remember, I am certain, that 

 although the Treaty of Washington is apparently made for a period of 

 twelve years, it might become the starting point of a perpetual treaty 

 of peace, if not stained by the verdict of this Commission, as an iniqui- 

 tous instrument. It is, on the contrary, to be hoped that future diplo- 

 matists will find, both in our proceedings and in the award, the elements 

 upon which to base an everlasting adjustment, which will forever settle 

 the question of the British North American fisheries. On presenting 

 such a result to the three governments interested in this matter, we 

 would collectively and individually feel proud of having been associated 

 with this international trial. 



I cannot close these remarks without acknowledging the valuable aid 

 I have received from Professor Hind's book, filed in this case. As a 

 specialist, in the several branches of science connected with this case, 

 lie elucidated several grave questions, and gave the key to a great part 

 of the evidence. My learned friend and esteemed colleague, Mr. 

 Weatherbe, with whom I more particularly consulted, and who was so 

 well acquainted with every spot in Nova Scotia, directed my attention 

 to those parts of the evidence which brought in relief the advanced post 

 occupied by this province in the fisheries. To both, I here tender my 

 iDOHt cordial thanks. The inexhaustible patience and endurance of your 

 honors during these proceedings, extending over a period of five months, 

 were only equaled by the exquisite urbanity and kindness with which 

 we have all been treated. To my other British and American confreres 

 before the Commission, I wish to express a feeling of fellowship which 

 [ will forever cherish. The American and British Agents and the Sec- 

 retary will also be associated in my remembrance with one of the most 

 pleasant incidents of my life, enlivened by their sincerity of purpose, 

 and the uniform good will they have brought to bear in the discharge 

 of their onerous duties. 



