The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-06-11
THE BEHRING SEA DISPUTE.
Various Views Expressed as to the Feelings of
Canadians-Pacifc Coast Defenses.

New YORK, June 1O-An Ottawa special
to the Times says: The Behring sea ques-
tion promises to prove more difficult of So
luton than all the other international dis
putes 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 main
tain the exclusive sovereignty of Uncle
Sam in the icy waters of the far north. At
The same time dispatches are flashed from
Vancouver that Canadian vessels, en-
boldened by the success of last years haz-
ardous voy ages, are again getting ready
for Behring 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 an American
revenue cutter. OF late years many Nova
Scotia captains, carried away by reports
from the Pacific, have piloted their
ships around Cape Horn, with the single
purpose of amassing fortunes in the seal
industry. This new element though selfish
at home, is not calculated to brook inter
ference from the American authorities,
especially when three or four successful
expeditions mean retirement for the lucky
skipper.
1t is surprising how little interest the av-
erage Canadian takes in the Behring sea
dispute. Great Britain, however, exhibits
alarm at the possibility of seeing her mer-
chantmen shut out of region so exten-
sive, 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 indignities
Eeaped upon British subjes its in Alaska He
knows little about the value of the seal in
dustry, and feels confident that diplO-
macy will give Canada a big indem-
nifty before the end of the century.
Not so with the Atlantic fisheries. Canadi-
an sentiment in regard to that question is
unanimous There must be no backdOwn
even though it should prove losing game.
The leading men of both parties in Cana
da are, of course, very anxious to be on
terms of friendly interest with the United
States Many of them have devoted great
deal of attention to the disputes pending
between the two countries. A prominent
Cabinet Minister gave me his views on the
Behring sea question, but for good reasons
desired to have his name withheld. he
laughed at the idea of possibility of a col
lisiOn between the American and British
iron-clads. There will. be feels certain. be
concessions on both sides. No efforts are
to be made by the Dominion government
to deter Canadians from engaging in seal
ing operations this summer. Such a
inconsiste mt with national dignity and
national pretensiOns. My political friend
added that our seamen can expect no as
sistance from the British in the event of
capture. The unfortunate adventures
who may encounter an American cruiser
will have to seek remedy through diplo-
matte agencies.
The proposal of the British and Canadian
governments to erect elaborate defenses at
Esquimault. b. c., the western key of the
Dominion, would indicate that England
has no intention of relinquishing her fast
hold on the American continent. The San
Francisco newspapers profess to be alarmed
at the intended precautions tor defense,
and regard them as a menace to the United
States. Several of them have gone so far
as to advocate the requirement of British
Columbia. Work on the Notifications will
begin some time this year, but the plans
have not yet been finally adopted, 1t is
proposed to build series of forts guarding
the approaches to Esquimault. the head
quarters of the British squadron in the
North Pacific Here also is an arsenal and
dry dock, the latter constructed by the
Dominion authorities at cost of over a
million dollars. England, apparently,
means business on the Pacific coast. What
with wars and rumOrs of wars she does not
propose to neglect to keep open her new
and alternative highway from the Orient.