File:Newfoundland at the beginning of the 20th century - a treatise of history and development (1902) (14773945555).jpg

Identifier: newfoundlandatbe00harv (find matches)
Title: Newfoundland at the beginning of the 20th century : a treatise of history and development
Year: 1902 (1900s)
Authors: Harvey, M. (Moses), 1820-1901
Subjects: George V, King of Great Britain, 1865-1936
Publisher: New York : The South Publishing Co.

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1638), figure among thecolonizers. In 1615, Captain Richard Whitbourne was sent out by theAdmiralty of England to establish order among the fishingpopulation; and in 1622, on his return to England, hepublished a book called «A Discourse and Discovery of New-foundland.)) All this time, however, a race of hardy industrious men weregradually, though slowly, settling themselves on the shores ofthe island, attracted by the rich fisheries. These fisheries wereat first carried on by migratory fishermen from England, whospent the summer in fishing, and returned on the approach ofwinter. As many as 200 English vessels, mainly from the westof England, employing 10,000 men and boys, frequented thesewaters from 1600 onward. These fisheries were declared to be«the stay and support of the west counties of England,)) and«the fisheries were worth £100,000 annually to British sub-jects,)) an immense sum in those days. This lucrative fisherywas carried on by certain English «merchant adventurers))
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Rt. Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, M. P.Secretary of State for the Colonies. NEWFOUNDLAND. 15 as they were called who made it a monopoly, and in order to doso they induced the English government to pass laws prohibitingsettlement in the island and compelling all fishermen to returnto England at the close of the fishing season. It was made a penal offence to enclose or cultivate thesmallest piece of ground. Without a special license no housecould be built or repaired. These absurd and oppressive laws,preventing the settlement of the island, were in operation formore than 150 years, and it was not till the beginning of thepresent century that the last of them were swept from thestatute book. The celebrated «Fishing Admirals » were theadministrators of the law and oppressed the people sorely. All this time, however, a sturdy, industrious population inspite of these cruel laws, were settling and making homes forthemselves around the shores of the island. They held theirground and increased in

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