The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-01-29
SETTLE 1T rEAcEAsLy.

netting dispatch from San Francisco. 10
The effect that masters of English seaiers
leaving Victoria are Instructed 10 sail into
Hchsing sea, and that some of them vii!
b equipped for tight, the Victoria GoloHlss
combats the report In manner calculated
% strengthen rather 10 weaken IL. "No
en-" says the t5loaist. ..has authority 10
rive the captains instructions. except tie
owners of the vessels" And adds ttlat
sslhers y no evidence 1t al that lie mas
m resolved o|her than tas usual instrae-
tions" sis n quito svasive. and clearly
III III s general understanding that such
Urdosu have been issued. though 1t may not
have heep announced In IN official manner.
and might not be provahle under the rules
= evidence adhered 10 In legal actions.
And this Is made still mora clear when
De Victoria paper proceeds TO admit that
sths sealcrs are expected 10 visit Behring's
ga before their return" '.They know
chat they hare right to hunt seals on the
high seas In all parts Of the Pacific ocean"
etc. And then follows . confession that
they are supplied with firearms which are
commonly used for killing seals, but
smight do duty TO fight" The whole con-
clndes with an assurance that the seaiers
"still have faith in the power OF Old En-
gland TO protect them
There Is little .oon 10 doubt that the
sealers viii start upon their cruise this year
prepared and determined To defend what
they believe Ia lie their rights. and that I'M
less the tive governments come 20 an under
standing, or unless ossr government inodl-
Hes The orders issued last year. there Is
likely to be = collision that may lead 10 a
conflict between the two nations which.
however IL may terminate, viii invoive de
plorahle and disastrous consequences.
II is folly ta suppose that the United
States and Great britain can engage in .
war an. emerge from IL without an saer-
mons expenditure of blood snd treasure on
both sides. losses which IL VIII be emily with
rare good fortune that either nation will
recover from in a quarter of century.
Representing as these two nations DO,
The highest development Of human fitness
for seif-governnaent. and stse best ccmpre-
hension Of political freedom. and the
broadcast capabilities for enlightened states.
manshlp, prolonged conflict between.
them would be calamity Ia the whole
human race. That there should he danger
that such q conflict il to be precipasaled hy
\ controversy over the rights Ia XII few
seals: over commercial question Of com.
raratsye inssgnisiosnee. in which bat =
corporsi's guard of the citizens of either
country have any direct interest. Is shame
fui and outrageous.
Every consideration 81 humanity and of
the welfare nj both Countries, ana os the
progress nj free institutions throughout
The world. demand that the statesmen Of
both countries, IL there I've any real states.
men in either. give pfemrs attention 10
this matter. and settle Ii TN accordance
with the plainest principles ei justice ard
equity. A clear headed and risAt-msustei
representative OF each nation ought TO he
able to Get Together and settle II with All
sciute fairness within a week. II this b.
true. II Is worse than madness, II Is net
Que shit short OF Downright insaiay re-
postpone its scttaemens until the most tsg.
vihle and destructive war Of modern times
may have become inevitahse.