936 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 



spirit of uniform kindly interpretation of the law, -which it has been 

 the constant aim of the government of Canada to exemplify in its 

 dealings with United States fishermen, it is possible for the officers in 

 charge of the cruisers to efficiently guard the rights of Canadian citi- 

 zens and enforce the provisions of the law without in such cases as 

 the above finding it necessary to place an armed guard on board the 

 fishing vessel, or preventing what may be deemed reasonable com- 

 munication with the shore. 



The committee, concurring, in the report of the minister of marine 

 and fisheries, recommend that your excellency be moved to transmit 

 a copy of this minute to the right honorable the secretary of state for 

 the colonies for the purpose or communication to the Government of 

 the United States. 



All which is respectfully submitted for your excellency's approval. 



JOHN J. McGEE, 

 Clerk Privy Council Canada. 



[Sub-in closure 1.] 



Deposition of Medeo Rose. 



I, Medeo Rose, master of schooner Laura Sayward, of Gloucester, 

 being duly sworn, do depose and say : That on Saturday, the 2d Oc- 

 tober, being then on Western Bank, on a fishing trip, and being short 

 of provisions, we hove up anchor and started for home. 



The wind was blowing almost a gale from the northwest, and, 

 being almost dead ahead, we made slow progress on our voyage home. 

 On Tuesday, the 5th October, we made Shelburne, Nova Scotia, and 

 arrived in that harbor about 8 p. m. on that day, short of provisions, 

 water, and oil to burn. On Wednesday I sailed for the inner harbor 

 of Shelburne, arriving at the town about 4 p. m. On going ashore I 

 found the custom-house closed, and hunted up the collector and en- 

 tered my vessel, and asked permission from him to buy 7 pounds of 

 sugar, 3 pounds of coffee, and 1 bushel of potatoes, and 2 pounds 

 butter or lard or pork, and oil enough to last us home, and was 

 refused. 



I stated to him my situation, short of provisions, and a voyage of 

 250 miles before, and pleaded with him for this slight privilege, but it 

 was of no avail. I then visited the American consul and asked his 

 assistance, and found him powerless to aid me in this matter. The 

 collector of customs held my papers until the next morning, although 

 I asked for them as soon as I found I could not buy any provisions, say 

 about one and a half hours after I entered, but he refused to give 

 them to me until the next morning. Immediately on receiving my 

 papers on Thursday morning I started for home, arriving on Sunday. 

 I think the treatment I received harsh and cruel, driving myself and 

 crew to sea with a scant supply of provisions, we having but a little 

 flour and water, and liable to be buffeted for days before reaching 

 home. 



MEDEO ROSE. 

 MASSACHUSETTS, ESSEX, ss: 



Personally appeared Medeo Rose and made oath to the truth of the 

 above statement before me. 



[SEAL.] AARON PARSONS. 



Notary Public. 



OCTOBER 13, 1886. 



