A SERIOUS MATTER.

Evening Post, Volume 27, Issue 77, 27 September 1907, Page 5

A SERIOUS MATTER.

» NEWFOUNDLAND FISHERIES. THE MODUS VIVENDI. COLONIAL GOVERNMENT ACTION. By Telezraplv-Prexj Association. — Copyright. ST. JOHN'S, 26th September. Tho Newfoundland Government has issued instructions designed to avert the exercise of Impoiial authoiily dealing with the fisheries question. The instructions include the removal of colonial restrictions against local fisher folk hiring themselves to work on board American vessels, and restoro the earae conditions regarding Americans as existed before 1905. This decision has beon followed by the issue of an Imperial Order-in-Council giving legal effect to the modus vivendi, recently arrived at with the United States, for tho present fishing season. Great indignation is felt throughout Newfoundland owing to tho action ot Lord Elgin, Secretary of State for the Colonies, in practically suspending the Newfoundland Constitution in order to conclude the fisheries agreement with tho United States. Wo have on several occasions outlined tho circumstancos which led to the trouble. In 1905 there was a dispute between Newfoundland and the United States concerning the right of United States fishermen to engage in winter herring fishing on the we3t coast of Newfoundland. Last, year a measure containing severe regulations against foreign fishing vessels -was passed, but was reserved for the Royal assent, pending negotiations between Britain and the United States. Meanw.hile a modus vivendi -was arranged for the 1906-7 ecason, its operation to be without prejudice to further discussion of the points at issue. MR. BENT'S OPINION. COMiIOMWEALTH AXD A PROTEST. (Received September 27. 10.2 a.m.) MELBOURNE, This Day. Th« State Premier (tho Hon. T. Bent) says that the action of the British authorities in practically suspending the Newfoundland Constitution is not a matter in which the States could interfere, but if any protest is made it should come from the Commonwealth.