Back to the Present, II

The excitement in the colony over the Convention of 1857 was most intense and wide spread; the British flag was hoisted half-mast; other excited citizens flew American flags; everywhere there was burning indignation over this proposal to sell our birthright for a mess of potage. The proceedings of our Legislature in 1857 are a guide to us as to what our conduct should always be in dealing with the fisheries, "there none were for a party but all were for the State." Government and Opposition united to maintain our rights.

— Prowse, A History of Newfoundland, pp. 473-474