The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1889-06-15

OTTAWA, Ont, June l0.-The Behring
Sea question promises To prove more
difficult of solution than all the other
international disputes at present exist
ing 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 ex-
elusive 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-
ECldened by the success of last years 8
hazardous voyages, are again getting
ready Tor Behring Sea. The crews for
the most part are composed of men,
who, II the chances were favorable,
would not scruple TO offer armed re-
sistance TO an American revenue cut
ter.
1t is surprising how little interest the
average Canadian takes in the Behring
Sea dispute. Great Britain, however,
exhibits alarm at the possibility of see
ing her merchantmen shut out of re-
gion so extensive, and has already ad-
dressed to the United States some
pretty strong language on the subject
The ordinary Canadian does not worry
over the talk OF indignities heaped upon
British subjects in Alaska Not so with
the Atlantic fisheries. Canadian senti-
mentln regard to that question is unani-
nous. There must be no backdoWn,
even though it should prove losing
game.
The leading men of both parties il
Canada are. of course. very anxious to
be on terms OF friendly intercourse with
the United States. Many of them have
devoted a great deal of attention to the
disputes pending between the two
countries. a prominent cabinet minis
ter gives his views on the Bebring Sea
question, but for good reasons desired
to have his name withheld. He laughs
at the idea of the possibility of a col
llsion between the American and
British ironclads. There will. he feels
certain, be concessions on both sides.
No efforts are to lie made by the Domin-
ion government to deter Canadians
from engaging in sealing operations this
summer. Such a course, besides Great
ing distrust, would be inconsistent with
national dignity and national preten-
SlonS. lie added that our seamen can
expect no assistance from the British in
the event of capture. The unfortunate
adventures who may encounter an
American cruiser will have to seek a
remedy through diplomatic agencies.
The proposal of the British and Cana
dian governments TO erect elaborate de-
fenses at Esquimault, B. c., the Western
key OF the dominion, would indicate
that England has no intention of relin-
gushing her fast hold on the American
continent. Work on the fortifica-
lions 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 ap-
proaches to Esquimault, the headquar-
ters of the British in the North Pacific
Here also is an arsenal and dry dock,
and the latter constructed by the
Dominion authorities al a cost of over
81 100000.
England, apparently, means business
on the Pacific coast. What with wars
and rumors of wars, she does not pro-
pose to neglect to keep open her new
an alternative highway from the Orient.