20 



As there may be some curiosity to know how the Canadian 

 fleet has stood since the last treaty, compared with that of 

 this State, I will state that between 1873 and 1878, by their 



Fish Commissioner's reports, is shown a gain of 489 '' vessels," 

 19,858 tons, 2990 men, and 5171 "boats," 11,195 men,— a 

 total of 5660 vessels and boats, with 14,185 men added to their 

 fisheries in five years. 



Some may ask. Of what interest is this to the farmers ? I 

 will tell you. First, — the fishermen are producers, and add to 

 the general wealth. Second, — They are large tax payers, for 

 they consume annually a large amount of merchandise which 

 would pay a high duty to import. Third, — They furnish em- 

 ployment for a great many mechanics and laborers, who, with 

 their families, have to be fed. 



You can form some idea, when you consider the ymrly con- 

 sumption in the Gloucester fishing vessels alone, of agricultural 

 products, which are: of Cotton, in sails, nets and lines, 1,662,- 

 888 lbs. ; Rice, 25,920 lbs. ; Sugar, 128,640 lbs. ; Molasses, 

 29,376 gals.; Flour, 6,912 bbls.; Beef. 4,104 bbls.; Pork, 864 

 bbls.; Pork Shoulders, 1,612 bbls.; Lard, 13,072 lbs.; Butter, 

 210,248 lbs.; Beans, 1,720 bush.; Peas, 864 bush.; Dried 

 Apples, 64,800 lbs.; Potatoes, 35,826 bush ; Onions, 2,592 

 bush-; Beets, 1,296 bush.; Turnips, 1728 bush.; Cabbages, etc., 

 $12,960 worth ; Vinegar, 2,592 gals.; Fresh Beef, 86,400 lbs. 



When you think of what tliis consumption of such products 

 alone has been decreased from what it was in 1873 by the 

 decrease in the fleet, do you not believe that England should 

 be called upon and required to pay for every cent of damage 

 caused by her failure to perform her part of the contract. She 

 can not, however, and will not compensate sufferers for the 

 irritation, the vexatious delays, and indirect damage she has 



