National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-05-15
TIE SEIZURE OF TnEADAMs.

awe Must Demand an Explanation
That VIII be Definite aud satisrac-
tory"-It is Time for Vigorous Action.
A good deal Of general but very littleof
definite talk was being lndulged in yester-
day by members Of both houses Of Congress
about the diplomatic situation between this
country and the British government on ac-
count Of the seizure OF the American fish
ing schooner David j. Adams in British
waters for alleged violation Of the interna-
topal fishery or customs laws. Few states
men are sufficiently posted to suggest the
proper move for this government, but al
say the United States must demand repara-
tion and fair understanding OF the inten-
tiou Of the English authorities
"Untl learn Just what information there
is in thepessessiOn Of the State Department,
and the exact attitude We are in, would
not like to say what think should be done
by this government; but ] am In favor Of
immediate, decisive, and manly action on
the part OF this government said Mr.. Rice,
of Massachusetts, member of the House
committee on foreign affairs. "What we
want to know, ana to know ut once" con-
tinued Mr. Rice, sis whether our vessels are
to ie allowed to 20 into British ports and
buy fishing bait or trade In anything and
have tie same privileges which are grauted
British vessels In our ports. IL the English
authorities intend to seize our vessels sim
ply because piece OF canvas carelcssy
falls over the name OF the vessel, aud set
up the presumption that she is sailing
In disguise, we want to- know IT.,
for 1t is q very small way ot treating inter.
national affairs. Since the cause for seZing
the Adams has been declared by the British
authorities to not involve q question of
| territorial waters, and the alleged cause
assigned Is very trivial, We must demand
an explanation that will be definite and
| satisfactory. IL is time for vigorous ac.
| tion. mdorse tho Frye bill granting the
same privileges 10 English vessels that are
given ours in British ports, but / would
like to see more positive and more imme-
dlate steps taken. When we learn what
has been done by the Department Of State
Congress will give some expression and
instruction II the action, IN its opinion, has
not been sufficient
TIE WARRANT NAILED TO TUE MAST.
DIGW, n. s., May li,--Capt. Scott, Of
the steamer Lansdowne, accompanied by
the queens solicitor IN the case of the
schooner David j. Adams, arrived this
afternoon from Halifax. Soon after their
arrival a warrant to seize the schooner was
received by the sheriff of Digby by mail,
and, under the instructions Of the
| solicitor, she was seized this after.
noon 10y the sheriff, who boarded the
vessel and nailed the warrant to the mast.
| This warrant was Issued by the vice ad.
| miiality court and acts on the vessel aud
| her cargo the same as u capias acts on an
| Individual about to leave the province,
that is, she Is now In the custody Of the
| high sheriff Of the county Of Digby as tue
deputy of the marshal Of the vice admiralty
| court. The Adams Is now held by the
customs and the sheriff conjointly.
| The Iansdowne will proceed to
| sea tonight or tomorrow morning
| to look after more bat-buyers. All Of the
commissions have been distributed for the
cruisers, and a dispatch has arrived for
| Commissioned officer w. o. Hodges, of
Digby, TO prepare to take charge of O
cruiser. Several fishermen belonging tC
the United States are seeking bait in the
bay. The Adams has been mOOred to h3l
wharf her sails have been taken Off, and
two men placed on guard.
\ RuMOR-IMrORTANT If TRUE.
New York, May l4.-1he United state.
dispatch steamer Tallapoosa Is stll an.
| chored of Staten Island. It is rumored
| that she Is detained TO carry dispatches be.
tween the Cabinet at Washington aud the
commanders of the war vessels that have
| been ordered home, should there be trouble
| in Canadian ilshiug waters.
| DIPLOMATIC ACTION PREMATURE.
LONDON, May l4.-ln the house Of com
mons to-day Mr. Bryce, under foreign sos
| rctary, referring to the case Of the schooner
| David j. Adams. said that diplomatic action
would be premature until the facts In con.
nection with the seizure of the schooner
had been established.