The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-06-11
BEHRING SEA QUESTION.
, IT PROMISES TO PROVE VERY Diff
CULT OF SOLUTION.
The Canadian Seal Fishers. Fmboldened
by the Success of Last Years Voy-
ages, Are Preparing for Another On
slaught on the Seals.

New YoRK, June l0.-An Ottawa special
TO the Times says: The Behring Sea ques-
ton promises to prove more difficult OF So
luton than all the other international dis
putes at present existing between Her
Britannia Majesty and the United States.
Strange reports and rumors regarding the
attitude OF the American Government
have reached Ottawa. American gun
boats and men-of.war laden with shot and
shell, are to maintain the exclusive SOW
reignity Of Uncle Sam in these waters OF
the far North. At the same time dispatches
are flashed from Vancouver that Canadian
vessels emboldened by the success OF last
years hazardous voyages, are again getting
ready for Behrng Sea. The crews, for the
most part, are composed OF men who, if
the chances were favorable, would not
scruple to offer armed resistance to n
American revenue cutter.
OF late years many Nova Scotia capital MS,
carried away by reports from the Pacific,
have piloted their ships around Cape
Horn, with the single purpose OF amass-
ing fortunes in the seal Industry.
This new element, though selfish at
home is not calculated to brook interior
ence from the American authorities, and
,.ssHecially when three or four successful
expeditions mean retirement for lucky
shippers. II Is surprising how little inter-
est the average Canadian takes in the
Behring Sea dispute. Great Britain,
however, exhibits alarm at the possibility
OF seeing her merchantmen shut out OF q
region so extensive, and has already
addressed to the United States some pretty
strong language on the subject The
ordinary Canadian does not worry over
the talk OF indigrrVies heaped upon British
subjects in Alaska. He knows little about
tho value OF the seal industry and feels SO
confident that diplomacy will give Canada
big indemnity before the end Of the
century.
Not so with the Atlantic fisheries
Canadian sentiment in regard 10 that
question is unanimous. There must be
no backdown, even though IL should
prove a losing game. The leading men o.
both parties in Canada are, OF course
very anxious TO be on terms OF friendly
intercourse with the United States. Many
OF them have devoted great deal OF at
tention to the disputes pending between
the two countries. A prominent Cabine
minister gave me his views on the BehrinJ
Sea question, but for good reasons desiret
10 have his name withheld. lie laughe,
at the idea OF possibility OF n collision be
tween the American and British iron
clads. There will be, he feels, considerable
said on both sides. No efforts are 10 b
made by the Dominion Government I
deter Canadians from engaging in sealin
operations this summer. Such a course
besides creating distrust, would be incOn
sistent with national dignity aud nationa
pretensons. My political friend adde
that our seamen can expect no assistanc
from the British in the event OF capture
The unfortunate adventures who ma
encounter an American cruiser will nav
10 seek remedy through diplomati
agencies.
The proposal OF the British and Cans
dian Government 70 erect elaborate dc
lenses at Esquimault, Il. c., the wester
- Roy OF the Dominion, would indicate tia
England has no intention OF rcinqushin
her fast hold on the American continent
The San Francisco newspapers profess {
be alarmed at the intended prccaution
for defense and regard them as a menac
TO the United States. Several Of thcI
have gone 40 far Us % advocate the q,
quirement OF British Columbia.
Work on the notifications will bcgi
some time this year, but the plans hay
not yet been finally adopted. II is pr,
posed to build a series Of forts guardin
the approaches TO Esquimaui, the head
quarters OF the British squadron in th
North Pacific. Here also IS an arscni
and dry dock the latter constructed b
the Dominion authorities at acost Of ovC
million dollars.
England, apparently. means business o
the Pacific Coast What with wars an
rumoB Of wars she does not propose |
neglect 10 keep open her new and altc
native highway from the Orient.