Omaha daily bee., 1889-08-01
FORCING THE ISSUE.

States over the waters and the seal
fisheries OF Behring sea, 1t was a dis
tinct warning that the government
would not tolerate any invasion Of those
rights. The language OF the %proclama-
ton was clear and its meaning minis
taxable. II asserted nothing that had
not been claimed by the United States
ever since 1t came into possession OF
Alaska by purchase from Russia.
IL made no claim that had not
been maintained always by the
Russian government, and which,
whether or not conceded by other ma
tions, was conveyed to the United
States by the purchase OF Alaska. This
government will insist upo its claim
until the question Of jurisdiction in
Behring sea is fully and finally deter
mined by international agreement.
In the face OF this warning, and with
full knowledge that the United States
government had sent armed cruisers
into Alaskan waters to enforce the
rights 1t claims there and to pro-
tect the seal fisheries, Canadian
vessels were fitted out and dispatched
to Behring sea to engage in seal
fishing. 1t was a bold and dis
tinct defiance Of this government. The
question of the legality or justice OF
the claims OF the United States is not
pertinent. That is a matter which for
eign ship owners cannot determine.
Their appeal must be to their govern
ments, which should proceed in the
manner OF governments. In the mean
time an invasion OF the rights claimed
is to be treated as an offense and pun
ished according to our laws. Proceed
ing upon this proper and recognized
principle among nations, the COM
manders of our cruisers in Behring
sea we're instructed to seize YES
sells found taking seals in
those waters. Under this instruc-
tion a Canadian vessel has been seized
and ordered to Sitka, while another was
detained and, after being searched, was
allowed to proceed, no sealskins having
beef found on her. We are Unable to
say how far, if, at all, this latter pro-
ceeding can be justified. II appears to
be regarded at the state department as
the more serious circumstance of the
two. AS to the vessel detained, there
would seem to be ample warrant for the
seizure in the considerable stock.of seal
skins found on her.
Our dispatches report a great deal
of excitement over these occur
reuces in Canada. Although neither
government has been officially
advised regarding them, it is reported
that the seizures had been discussed by
the Canadian cabinet, and from Vic
toria to Ottawa public sentiment would
seem to be thoroughly aroused. There
will doubtless be numerous public in
dignation meetings.; the press will do
its best to fire the popular heart, and
the imperial government will be called
upon to send war ships into Behring
sea. The politicians in power in the
Dominion will make the fullest use Of
the opportunity to work up public
sentiment against the United States.
Yet what has been done Canada was
fairly warned to expect and took
no measures to prevent. On the con-
trary, so far as the attitude OF her au-
thorities and the expressions Of her
public men had any influence in the
matter, it was to encourage Canadian
seal fishermen to disregard the claims
of the United States and to defiantly
force an issue.
Undoubtedly these seizures will have
the effect to speedily bring about nego
t~iations looking to a settlement Of the
Behring sea controversy. The mat
ter evidently a not be much
longer left open without endangerine
the friendly relations between Grea
Britain and the United States. The pc
litical element in Canada, which would
rather welcome than otherwise the In
%terruption of these relations, as
means of strengthening its waning
power, will make the strongest appea
possible for aggressive action by the i'm
perial government, and it may not b.
wholly unsuccessful ii, as believed, tina
government is at this time particular,
anxious to promote English interests il
Canada and strengthen the loyalty o
its colonial subjects in North America
Meantime the American people ma;
feel entire confidence in the de
termination and ability Of theil
government to firmly and honor
ably maintain the position it has takei
in this matter. There will be no suct
Illuminating exhibition of weakness an
vacillation as was shown by the las
administration under similar circum
stances. il the commanders of on
cruisers in Bohring sea have done theI
duty according to instructions, they wi
be sustained. and the penalty in tn
case OF the seized vessel will be admir-
istered. The dignity and self-respee
OF the country will not be subjected
the least sacrifice, however vociferol
Canadian buster may become.
THE G. a. r. ENCAMPMENT.
Few matters in the history OF tn
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