"The only remedy against the evils flowing from the present system
will be found in giving to the people, what they most ardently wish, a
civil Government, consisting of a resident Governor, a Senate House,
and House of Assembly."

Hitherto the population had possessed no voice in the administration
of their own affairs. The Governors exercised an absolute power, which
to progressive minds appeared to be an indifferent and unnecessary
despotism. So far as Newfoundland affairs were concerned they almost
invariably adopted an ultra-conservative attitude, and were hostile to
proposals for amelioration called for in the changing circumstances of
the colony. Thus the demand for self-government became more and more
general.

The Anglo-American War which began in 1812 ushered in a period of
great prosperity to Newfoundland. Fish were plentiful, prices good
beyond precedent, and wages high in proportion.

The Great European War was terminated by the Battle of Waterloo on
1815, and peace was restored by the Treaty of Paris. Under the latter
the French regained the right of fishing on the banks and shores of
Newfoundland. The privileges of Americans to fish in British waters
were also enlarged. In favour of their own fishermen, both the French
and American governments then established a system of bounties, and by
imposing high duties prevented the importation of Newfoundland fish
into their own markets. Thus the Newfoundland fishermen were obliged
to compete with their rivals on very unequal terms.

Governor Pickmore, who succeeded Governor Keats in 1816, was