317 



NOTE. 



1 hoped to conclude with the welcome annunciation that the controTersy between England 

 and the United States, relatire to the intent and meaning of the first article of the conven- 

 tion of 1818, had been brought to a close. Such, howerer. is not the fact. 



I may be permitted to remark, also, that as the despatches of the Hon. Abbott Lawrence, 

 oav late accomplished envoy to the court of St. James, relative to this subject, have not been 

 made public, an account of his endeavors to effect an adjustment of the difficulties between 

 the two governments could not be embraced in this report. It is understood, unofficially, 

 that Mr. Lawrence (but for circumstances not to be related here) might possibly have concluded 

 an arrangement which would have been satisfactory to his countrymen and have insured 

 future peace upon the fishing grounds. 



Should the bill " To regulate the rights offiahmg, and the rights of disposing of tlie proceeds 

 of the fisheries in and beticeen tite British North American provinces and the United States," which 

 was introduced into the Senate on the 5th of February, 1853, by the Hon. John Davis, become 

 a law, the object so much to be desired may be accomplished before the opening of the next 

 fishing season.- The fi-iends of Mr. Davis cannot wish for him greater hono|^, at the close of a 

 long and usefid public career, than the patemty of a measure so important to Ms native Com- 

 monwealth and to the whole country. 



