No. 313.
Mr. Seward to Sir Edward
Thornton.
Washington, August 12, 1879.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I am advised through the Secretary of the Treasury that it is the practice of Canadian fishermen upon the shores of Lake Ontario, in the neighborhood of the mouth of the Niagara River, to cross into the United States and set their nets in the lake a few rods from the American side, and running out across the channel, in which the fish reach the river, to the great injury and chagrin of American fishermen plying their vocation there; while, if an American fisherman happens to go to the Canada side with his nets for a like purpose, they are immediately seized by the Canadian authorities.
This matter would seem to be one which calls for the attentive consideration of the Dominion Government, and I would be pleased, therefore, to have you communicate with the governor-general of Canada upon the subject, and submit that it is the desire of this government that an investigation may be made, and, if the facts be found to be as represented, that the Canadian authorities will take the proper measures to prevent these fishermen from persisting in encroaching upon the rights and privileges belonging to fishermen of the United States in the waters in question.
I have, &c.,
Acting Secretary.