The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-01-07
THE SEAL SQUABBLE.
Il Looks More Warlike the
Farther Away You Are.
LONDON PAPERS HISS BLAINE.
The Secretary Of State Proposes m In
transitional Commission to Visit Ber-
ing sea and the Breeding Islsnds.

LONDON, Jan. 6.-Solicitor-General Clarke,
speaking ct Plymouth tonight, said with refer
ence TO the Bering sea dispute that Lord Sails
bury was only asserting the doctrine laid down
by the United States government years ago,
namely, that no nation could claim sovereignty
over the open sea II was 10 be hoped that Lord
ealisbuyy's ofFer would be accepted. but II an
English vessel was seized on the high seas and
violence used toward British subjects, one fatal
half-hour would put Il beyond the power OF the
two countries 70 settle the difficulty By arbifra-
tion.
The Press Association announces that Sails
bury u engaged In the consideration OF the
fcfty-page dispatch received from Blaine, De-
cember 20 Last, from Washington City. IL does
not contain . definite acceptance OF salisbury
proposals for arbitration on the main question,
that of the right of British sealers 70 catch seals
IN Boring sea- The association says that Blaine
discusses only subsidiary point, arbitration on
the dime Of closing the sealing season. The
association adds: 4Blaine has not replied
70 Psuncefote's note OF june last, In
which the latter says her rnajesty's government
must held the government of the United states
responsible for the consequences arising from
acts OF interference with British vessels con-
traTy TO the principles of international law. The
association also states that no preparations have
been made to augment the British feet In the
Northern Pacific ocean, as this step might be re-
Rnrded as q menace
The 81. JAMES Gozote today says: "we accept
the oficial d Mai In regard to the Boring sea
troubles, but why is the United States navy be-
ing mnsxed In Pacific waters unless IL Is TO make
Bering sea mare clcusumf The officers OF the
American navy do not act upon rumoz printed
IA the papers"
Tho Pan Man Gazette says: aBlaine obviously
means 70 try mere bounce for the sake OF max.
ng political capital. We are convinced, how
ever, that the Americans win not support him.
II Is imperative to arbitrate the matters in dis
pute."
Blaine's "bragKiug spread-eagieism," and 1t is OF
the opinion, In view OF the possible though I'M
likely American display Of force In Bering sea,
that Great Britain ought instantly to strengthen
her Pacific squadron. The Globe also advocates
. settlement Of all the matters in dispute by
means OF arbitration.
The Post says: aEnglishmen can afford TO
treat with Indifference the tactics OF the Blaine
wire pullcrs. Hard words break no bones We
are not unaccustomed to hear ourselves roundly
abused for the deficit OF this or that political
party in America, but we give Americans the
credit that they win not allow any politician 70
goad England into quarrel which, whatever its
issue, win be disastrous TO all concerned"
Sir Charles Tupper, Canadian commissioner
here, says he does not believe the United States
- massiug naval feet TO attack foreign vessels.
He thinks the American governments state
ments on the Boring sea controversy may have
been circulated for election purposes
WARRINGTON CITY, Jan. 6-lspecial-t -Secre-
tary Blaine, II II said, has arranged for q con-
ference In this city between representatives of
the United States and Great Britain on the seal
eshing questions In Bering sea It win be held
within . month, probably, and Sir Charles
Upper u said 10 Be the head Of the foreign del
egstion. Arrangements win be perfected, IL
possible, for . visit 20 the seal islands,
In June and July by commission composed OF
representatives Of the two governments, to ascer-
tain - near - possible the number of seals
available, and 10 study the likelihood Of tho
depopuiafion Of the rookeries at the present rate
Of catching them II Is said that the business
OF the company now holding the franchise win
be Suspended up TO and during the invest.
CATION.
OTTAWA, Ont, Jan. alt 10 stated on the best
authority that no oficial information has
reached here - 70 whether or not Blaine has
replied to eaAisbury's ofYer to submit the Bering
sea question TO arbitration or as to the expected
nature OF his reply. Neither IL there any in
formation In dispatches received respecting the
probable action Of tho British feet in Bering
20 next season.