ton, he was on hand for anybody. One word led on
to another--by this time the steamer was crowded from stem to
stern--until at length there was a general row; every man became a
body corporate, and pitched into himself with right good will.

"The ladies got snappish on account of their husbands, and in turn
pitched into the officers of the Princeton with their--eyes. The
sailors were piped to quarters. Pistols were freely used. The 'big
guns' were charged and fired, doing much damage to the feelings of the
company, in the way of compliments. In short, it was the greatest
battle ever fought in Halifax harbor, real or _sham_. After
quarrelling in this way, until eight o'clock in the evening, and
destroying all the eatables that could be found on board the
Princeton, the invaders retired, and left the Commodore and officers
to their reflections. The retreat was effected in _gallant_ style--so
say the ladies. It is said that the Commodore has sent a despatch to
Washington, informing the authorities of the insult received. We
earnestly entreat that our American contemporaries will fully discuss
this serious matter, on account of the honor of the 'stars and
stripes,' to say nothing of the 'fish story.'

"'Now, Mr. Pierce, in this manner was a very grave question--the fish
question, in which many millions had been spent for the purpose of
pleasing diplomacy--put through a course of settlement. When will the
wisdom of the two most free and enlightened nations of the earth
devise some plan of mutual compromise, by which the interests of their
subjects may be settled without giving to pedantic diplomatists the
means to for ever keep alive an international agitation, which can
only give out food for the very smallest of demagogues? We cannot and
must not quarrel with Uncle John; no, our birthright, our
freedom-loving spirit, our indomitable energy, our kindred
institutions, and the interests of our commerce, should make stronger
the bonds of peace. We must, in defiance of that pitiable ambition of
political tools, who so interrupt the harmony that should exist
between nations kindred in spirit and interests, continue our friendly
relations. Let England lay aside her restrictions on commerce; let her
apply to a better purpose those millions spent in useless attempts to
enforce the observance of laws which only serve to cripple her
energies; and let a policy mutually liberal serve to elevate that
international forbearance which is