Ambassador Reid to
the Secretary of State.
American Embassy,
London, January 31,
1906.
No. 134.]
Sir: With reference to Mr. Carter’s dispatch of
the 29th ultimoa on the subject of the Newfoundland fisheries
question, I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of a report of
Inspector O’Reilly to the minister of justice in Newfoundland, dated the
21st ultimo, which has been sent to me by Sir Edward Grey, confirming
and extending the report already communicated in the dispatch above
mentioned, and is to the effect that the complaint of malicious damage
to American fishing nets and fishing tackle by the Newfoundland
fishermen was unfounded.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure.–Telegram.]
Inspector O’Reilly to Minister of
Justice.
Birchy Cove, December 21, 1905.
Just in from Penguin Arm, where whole fleet are fishing. Have been at
anchor there past ten days. No person came on board to make any
complaints re loss or damage to nets or gear. There has been great
loss of nets and gear, caused principally through the ignorance and
carelessness of fishermen on board American vessels and through
storms. Colonial, Shea, Gloucester, lost one
night 56 nets. Some were afterwards creaped off the bottom.
Fishermen brought here are unused to herring fishing and set their
nets over other men’s gear and foul them, causing loss and damage to
both. We have been amongst the fishermen continuously, and only two
official complaints made, and those were by two of our people re
herring taken from nets and loss and damage to a fleet of nets. No
truth in statement that any malicious damage or injury has been done
to gear. Things are very quiet and the most kindly feelings
seemingly prevail amongst the fishermen of all classes. Herring are
not plentiful.
