FISHERIES QUESTION.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 837, 8 June 1910, Page 5

FISHERIES QUESTION.

ARBITRATION.

By Telecrapli-Pross Assodation-Copyrieln London, June' 6. • The arbitration proceedings with regard to the Newfoundland fisheries opened at Tho Hague to-day. The court is composed of: Dr. Luis Maria Drago, Argentina; Jonkheer de Savornin Lohrnan, Netherlands; Judge George Gray, United States; Sir Chas. Fitzpatrick, Chief Justice, of Canada; with Dr. H. Laramarsch, the Austro-Hungarian member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague, as umpire. Dr. Laminarsch presides. The case for Canada is being opened by Sir Robert Finlay, Iv.C., M.P. (ex-Attorney-General). It is expected that his speech will not conclude for u fortnight. THE RIVAL CLAIMS. The long-standing fisheries dispute between Canada and Newfoundland on the one hand, and the United States on the other was' referred to The' Hague Court in an Agreement signed at "Washington on January 27, 1909. approved, with some .slight hesitation, by the Newfoundland Government, and ratified by the Senate on 'February JB. The Agreement formulates seven questions for the consideration .of the tribunal. The dispute, although principally concerning Newfoundland, touches Canada at more points than one. Of these, tho most important is indicated in the fifth question submitted to the arbitrators: "From where must be measured the three marine miles of any of tho coasts, bays, creeks, or harbours referred to" in Article 1 of the lSlß ( CapvcntionF United States fishermen claim tho right to take the measure from any parts of the British North American shore, and therefore the liberty to fish in the middle of any Canadiau bay or estuary having a radius of more than three miles. The British contention is that tins limit should bo measured from an imaginary line connecting the headlands. Mr. Ayleswqrth, A ttorney-General of Canada, was appointed British Agent, in the arbitration proceedings, and Mr. ITewett, a prominent Canadian barrister, was entrusted with the preparation of the case of Canada as well as (hat of : Newfoundland. Sir Robert Finlny opens 1 before the Court. The case for the United States was entrusted to Mr. Chandler Anderson, who was ono of the coun- j sel for the United States before the Alae-1 kan Boundary Commission,