PERIOD FROM 1871 TO 1905. 805 



on more than one occasion, and their view of Treaty rights has been 

 explained both in my conversations with yourself and in despatches. 

 I trust, therefore, that this expression of the wishes of your Gov- 

 ernment, corresponding as it does so entirely with our own desire, 

 indicates the willingness of the United States to enter as speedily as 

 possible into definite arrangements which may lead to negotiations 

 on a practical basis for the settlement of this question. 

 I have, &c., 



ROSEBERY. 



E. J. PIIELPS, Esq. 



Mr. Bayard to Sir L. West. 



DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 



Washington, July 30, 1886. 



SIR : It is my duty to draw your attention to an infraction of the 

 stipulations of the treaty between the United States of America and 

 Great Britain, concluded October 20, 1818. 



By the provisions of Article I of that convention the liberty to 

 take fish of every kind, forever, in common with the subjects of His 

 Britannic Majesty is secured to the inhabitants of the United States 

 " on that part of the southern coast of Newfoundland, which extends 

 from Cape Ray to the Rameau Islands, on the western and northern 

 coast of Newfoundland, from the said Cape Ray to the Quirpon 

 Islands, on the shores of the Magdalen Islands," and on the other 

 coasts and shores in the said article set forth. 



Notwithstanding these plain provisions, I regret to be obliged to 

 inform you that by the affidavit of the master of the American fishing 

 vessel Thomas F. Bayard, that being at Bonne Bay, which is on the 

 western coast of Newfoundland within the limits specified in Article 

 I of the convention referred to, the master of the said vessel was 

 formally notified by one N. N. Taylor, the officer of customs at that 

 point, that his vessel would be seized if he attempted to obtain a 

 supply of fish for bait or for any other transaction in connection with 

 fishing operations within three marine miles of that coast. 



To avoid the seizure of his vessel the master broke up his voyage 

 and returned home. 



I am also in possession of the affidavit of Alexander T. Eachern, 

 master of the American fishing schooner Mascot, who entered Port 

 Amherst, Magdalen Islands, and was there threatened by the customs 

 official with seizure of his vessel if he attempted to obtain bait for 

 fishing or to take a pilot. 



These are flagrant violations of treaty rights of their citizens for 

 which the United States expect prompt remedial action by Her 

 Majesty's Government; and I have to ask that such instructions may 

 be issued forthwith to the provincial officials of Newfoundland and 

 of the Magdalen Islands as will cause the treaty rights of citizens of 

 the United States to be duly respected. 



For the losses occasioned in the two cases I have mentioned, com- 

 pensation will hereafter be expected from Her Majesty's Govern- 

 ment when the amount shall have been accurately ascertained. 

 I have, &c., 



T. F. BAYARD. 



