They were so successful at the new business that after a while the French also began to establish lobster canneries.

As no one interfered with them they finally became so bold as to order the closing of all factories except their own, and to actually destroy the property of such English settlers as were engaged in the business.

Then there were riots, and we colonists appealed to Parliament for protection in our rights." "Of course they granted it," said Cabot, who was greatly interested.
"Of course they did nothing of the kind," responded White, bitterly.
"The English authorities only remonstrated gently with the French, who by that time were claiming an exclusive right to all the business of the west coast, and finally it was agreed to submit the whole question to arbitration.

It has never yet been arbitrated, though that was some years ago.

In the meantime an arrangement was made by which all lobster factories in existence on July 1, 1889, were allowed to continue their business, but no others might be established." "Was your factory one of those then in existence ?" asked Cabot.
"It was completed, and ready to begin work a whole month before that date; but the captain of a French frigate told my father that if he canned a single lobster his factory would be destroyed.