New-York tribune., 1890-08-29
THE WORK OF THE RUSH.
ORDERING THE SEAL PIRATES OUT OF BEH-
RING SEA.
THE COMMANDS OF THE AMERICAN REvENUl
GUTTER oBEYED IN EVERY INSTANCE
"A TALK WITH SIR JOHN
THOMPSON.

San Francisco, Aug 2s.-From information re-
seived by the schooner Arago, which has arrived
from the North, it is learned that the revenue
cutter Rush was at st. Paul's Island August Is.
She is not making any seizures, but is simply or
dering the sealers out of Behring Sea under
threat of seizure. In every such case the scaers
have left Behring Sea. The Corwin had not ar
rived at Ounalaslla when the Arago left.
Ottawa, Aug IS tSpcial-Sir John Thompson,
Minister of Justice, arrived here from England
to-day. He left here two months ago to confer
with the Imperial Government regarding various
questions, including the Behring Sea and copy
right disputes. His mission is regarded as sue
cessful in official circles but apart from the
Behring Sea matter, Sir John is somewhat reticent
He said:
II was surprised to find the British public took
rs much interest in the Behring Sea question as
the Imperial authorities, which, l feel certain
have determined that the Canadian vessels Will
not be subjected to any further illegal inter
ference while pursuing lawful calling in the
open sea. Our contention is indorsed on all sides,
and it is admitted that we have shown the utmost
patience despite harsh interferenoes from time to
time. Secretary Blaine, in my opinion, has been
somewhat unfair, if one can Judge from the pub
lished correspondence up TO date. lie wrongfully
accuses Lord Salisbury of misquotng. an offence
the American Secretary is himself guilty Of.
British proposition for arbitration is the only
reasonable one. 1t will tend TO remove all bitter
ness from the dispute. How it will he received
/ am unable to say, no reply had been received
70 1t when ! left England. / am convinced of
this That if the United States does not arbitrate
IL will surely abandon the course it has until
lately pursued. Therefore, | think they Will
either agree to arbitration or offer no further
hindrance 10 Canadian vessels until negotiations
are advanced somewhat. No crisis need be antici-
mated for the interests of both countries favor
peaceful settlement.
An unfounded significance has been attached
to the presence of British war fleet in the Pacific
waters this season.
Il have nothing TO say regarding the Atlantic
fishery question, which will not be taken up till
the Behring Sea question is disposed of.
during my stay in England / had several
conferences with the Colonial Minister about the
copyright question There is a conflict of inter
estS between Canada and the mother country,
because imperial copyright legislation, TO certain
extent, applies TO Canada. The disabilities II
imposes OH Canadian publishers who are compelled
to pay royalties TO English authors would bc OBJ
viated, IL thought, by the Canadian Copy
right Act passed two years ago. Our legislation
was intended to give the British publishers and
authors q reasonable degree of protection, While
delivering them from the unfair competition OF
American publishers who, freed from any burden
some restrictions flooded our country with re-
prints of English works. | received the reason
able assurance that Canadian legislation on the
copyright question would be conceded by the I'M
peral authorities, but are still in consultation
with Her Majesty'S Government. Our Copy
right Act has not been disall0wed. IT has simply
been withheld. but can be put into effect by
royal proclamation. This course Il is expected
the Homo Government, i'll their wisdom, VIII
adopt in due time.