The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-07-08
BEHRING SEA WAR TALK
SIR PAUNCEFoTE NOT LOOK Nc
FOR A CLASH.

Treaty Negotiations Still in Progress.
Both Countries Agreed as to the E'-
Visibility of Fixing a Season Limit
The Question of Entire Possession
Causes a Split.
WASHINGTON, July For some time
past there have been publications (as in fact
there have been every SUNNI for b last
several years. iatimati ore or less
directly that there il a strong probability
of serious trouble between tbs United States
and Great Britain over the Behring sea
sealries question. No alarm Is felt here over
these reports, and the latest, which was
published in an afternoon paper in this city
to-day, was this evening officially denied by
Sir Julian Pauncefote, the British minister.
THE PUBLICATION.
This publication said: 1.-THE negotiations
between the state department and British
minister concerning the Behring sea
trouble are Off for the present. The nego-
tiations were progressing favorably upon
proposition by Sir Julian for a temporary
agreement for the protection Of the sealries.
1t is understood that Sir Julian informed
the Secretary Of State that he was in
structed to say that If any Canadian
sealers were captured they would be
released. In this situation the matter now
| rests. It was also stated that before Secre-
| tary Blaine left the city Sir Julian officially
| notified him that if any vessel sailing under
| the flag of Great Britain should be seized
| by the United States revenue cutters in
Alaska. the squadron would be instructed
| to take the prize at any cost"
A DENIAL BY SIR JULIAN.
When an Associated Press reporter this
| evening called the attention of Sir Julian to
| those alarming reports he said: II have
made no communication of the kind
to Secretary Blaine. There is
the Northern Pacific are there to protect
the British flag and our sealers, but have
not broken off negotiations, and there Is no
reason to expect disturbance of the friendly
relations existing between the two govern
ments. On the contrary, Secretary Blaine
has been obliged to leave for the benefit of
his health, and has expressed himself will
ing to continue the negotiations, and as we
have so arranged shall continue them.
NO TROUBLE APPREHENDED.
Sir Julian said he was not aware Of what
instructions had been given to the British
| fleet or the American revenue cutters but
he thought it very unlikely that
during friendly negotiations any
| thing would occur likely to
provoke any disturbance OF the cordial
| relations which happily continue between
the countries. But" he said" ''the great
| point is that the negotiations have not been
broken Off and these alarmist reports which
| really do much harm, are not correct"
THE LAST COMMUNICATION.
It is understood that the last communica-
ton on the sealries question which was sent
from the state department was one in
| which Secretary Blaine went into full argu-
| IF In nj
versy Great Britain is aiming at settling
the whole thing by arbitration. There are
two principal questions at issue.
The first Is as to what regula-
tions would be sufficient to
secure closed season. The governments are
agreed that the seals should be preserved,
| but differ as to what means are necessary
| to that end. 1t is believed that a satisfac-
| tory settlement of the matter will be-
| reached.
THE QUESTION OF POSSESSION.
The next question is as to the legal right
| Of the United States to entire possession and
control of the seal fisheries in Behring sea
to the exclusion and deprivation of Great
| Britain and other countries. Great Britain
regards that as question of law, and hopes
that it will be left to settlement by arbitra-
ton.
Assistant Secretary dee OF the state de-
partment was seen this afternoon, and said
no communication had been received by the
department from the British minister.
There is a feeling in some quarters that it
will be the policy Of the United
| States during this season to
police Behring sea and warn
off all intending poachers, but during the
| tendency of negotiations 1t is believed that
such instructions by the first controller to
| the revenue cutter were milder than those
last year.
QUIET SEASON EXPECTED.
1t is, moreover, expected that from these
causes there will be considerable less unlaw-
| full sealing this year than last, and as but
one or two American vessels will be policing
Alaskan waters during the greater part Of the
| fishing season, no particular significance
| is attached at the navy department to the
assemblage of the British Pacific squadron
| at Esquimault during the present summer,
as that has been its practice for many years
past. Its duty Is, of course, at all times
| to protect British interests and the British
| flag, but it is not known here what special
instructions, if any. have been issued as to
| the course to be pursued in case any sealers
sailing under the British flag are captured
and put under arrest.
| TROUBLE OF COURSE, POSSIBLE.
That trouble might arise out of such a
case is possible, but that no particular con-
| cern is felt here over the movements OF the
British fleet on the Paclf1c coast, and tne
proposed concentration Of war vessels at
| Esquimault b. c., is shown in no way
stronger than the action Of our own navy.
| The United States steamer Spinta, which is
| scarcely more than an armed tug, is the
| only American vessel in Alaskan waters,
and no other vessel will be sent there this
summer, with the possible exception Of the
| Thetis, which usually makes a cruise north
| during the fishing season. She is now at
San Francisco. The Ranger and Alert are
also being fitted out at that port, but
| it is said at the navy depart
ment that nothing has yet been
determined with regard to their future
movements, except that the three vessel
will be utilized in making speed trial of
the new cruiser San Francisco, which will
| take place soon.
| Commodore Ramsay, who is acting as
Secretary of the Navy, said to-day In the
| most positive manner that no orders
had been issued for the preparation
| OF any vessel for service in Behring sea-
He made no secret Of the fact that vessels
would be sent there if occasion should arise
Secretary Blaine's absence from the city Is
also regarded as showing the feeling OF the
administration on this question. IL trouois
were.imminent it is believed he would not
- off ~