PERIOD FROM 1871 TO 1905. 643 



the risk of such a collision would be far heavier than that of remov- 

 ing, so far as they have the power, the obstacles to the provisional 

 enjoyment by American citizens of the privileges which it is intended 

 by the Treaty to secure to them for a longer time. 



I cannot conclude this despatch without expressing the gratification 

 which it has given Her Majesty's Government to have had the 

 valuable assistance of Sir J. Macdonald, in the negotiation of this 

 Treaty. Whatever view may be taken in Canada of the merits of the 

 Treaty, it must be an unqualified cause of satisfaction to the Canadians 

 to know that they were represented by a Statesman holding so dis- 

 tinguished a position in the Canadian Government, and so well able, 

 from his knowledge and experience, to put forward with the greatest 

 force and authority the arguments best suited to promote the claims 

 and interests of the Dominion. 

 I have, etc. 



(Signed) KIMBERLET. 



Governor-General The Right-Honorable LORD LISGAR, 



G. C. B., etc., etc., etc. 



Mr. Fish to Sir Edward Thornton. 



DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 

 Washington, June %4<> 1871. 



SIR: Much anxiety is expressed and made known to this Depart- 

 ment on the part of those concerned in the mackerel fishery near the 

 coasts of the British provinces, the season for which is about to open. 

 Though aware that they cannot yet technically claim the privileges 

 and immunities promised to them in the treaty of Washington, they 

 were in hopes that, through the forebea ranee of Her Majesty's author- 

 ities and those of the colonies, they might no longer be subjected to 

 the annoyances to which they have hitherto been liable. You are 

 aware that I have had reason to share in those hopes. Believing, as 

 I firmly do, that if they should be disappointed, much irritation 

 would be occasioned, which it is desirable should be avoided, and 

 apprehending that the legislation on the part of the United States, 

 stipulated for in the treaty, might otherwise at least be retarded, I 

 pray you again to move the respective imperial or colonial authorities, 

 that nothing practicable or reasonable may be omitted which might 

 tend to the result desired. 



If you should think favorably of this request, you will pardon me 

 for adding that it is highly important that it should be complied with 

 as soon as may be convenient. 



I have, &c. HAMILTON FISH. 



Sir Edward Thornton to Mr. Fish. 



WASHINGTON, June 26, 1871. 



SIR : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of 

 the 24th instant, and to assure you that as far as the action of Her 



