§ MR. E. JENKINSasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he has seen the telegram from Canada to the effect that in a debate in the Dominion Parliament on the Washington Treaty—
Mr. Mackenzie, the Prime Minister, in the course of his speech on the subject, said that it was almost impossible to obtain an enlightened execution of the Treaty from the United States, since they refused to admit free of duty a number of articles the free entry of which had been stipulated by the Treaty. The United States also failed to enforce free navigation of the canals. He therefore advised the Canadian merchants to pay the duties demanded on the articles in question under protest, and to appeal to their Government for protection of their rights and interests. Sir John Macdonald concurred with the Premier that the construction placed upon the Treaty by the American Government was most unsatisfactory.whether this is correct; whether it is also correct that the United States Government is interposing difficulties in the way of the meeting of the Fisheries Commission; and, what course Her Majesty's Government are taking to protect Canadian interests under Treaty with the United States?
§ MR. BOURKESir, we have no information with regard to the details of the debate in question other than that contained in The Times' telegram. There have been differences of opinion with respect to the execution of the Treaty on the points referred to, and Sir Edward Thornton has been instructed to make representations to the United 1408 States Government upon them, and communications are still being exchanged. As to the second part of the Question, I feel that this is hardly the way in which to speak of the attitude of a friendly Government on a pending question. Delays have arisen from various causes in the appointment of the Commission; but it would be manifestly inexpedient to enter into a detailed explanation at the present time. Her Majesty's Government are not unmindful of the important question involved, and will not fail to take such steps as may be proper for the protection of Canadian interests.
§ MR. E. JENKINSgave Notice that he would take an early opportunity of calling attention to the subject, and would move—that the conduct of Her Majesty's Government in regard to the interests of Canada had been dilatory and injurious.