The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-04-30
THE SEALSKIN SACK.
Are the Bering Sea Fur Bearers
Becoming Extinct3
An AGENT TO Be SENT 70 SEE.


WARRINGTON CnY, April a-fspecial. Eeen-
nsti0nai Developments may be expected In con-
nection with the dispute over the seai fisheries
question. Sir Julian Pauncefote has endeey-
ored for week past 70 try and induce secre-
tary Blaine to join the British government in .
movement relative to the matter, bus the secrs-
tAYy Of stnte II not willing to enter into the
proposed negotiations Sir Julian is now said
to have become hurry, and insists that
some definite understanding be reached
without delay. Secretary Blaine refuses to
discuss the subject for publication, but 6ecfe-
tary Foster, who exercises Jurisdiction over the
seal fisheries Of Alaska, IL more communicative.
Secretary Foster stated this morning that he
had nothing to do with the diplomatic phase Of
the question, but he Il Interested In seeing that
the fur seal company, having the contract for
taking seals. carries ont it, compact with the
government. In reviewing the situation
Secretary Foster said that congress two
years ago authorized the secretary Of the
treasury 70 send Protector Elliott connected
With the smithsonian Institution, to Alaska 20
make . thorough examination Of the condition
Of seals on the isIandA Last summer he Waited
Alaska snd pfepared an elaborate report on the
subject 1t now appears that his report II not
entirely acceptable, and a. there is controversy
over some of his statements It was deemed adj
visable TO send another agent to Alaska, IN order
that there may be no further dispute - to
whether or not seals are decreasing, - q
claimed BY Professor Elliott In his report.
Stanley Brown, who is personal friend Of
Secretary Foster, has been selected to visit
Alaeka In 4 revenue cutter end make . thorough
Investigation of the real situation % 1t exists
there. In detailing the revenue cutter to take
Mr. Brown to the seal islands the secretary
wished TO avoid 0sing the company's steamers,
which might be construed as favorable TO the
company. The secretary says he has given more
attention to this sealing subject since
he entered the treasury than almost
any other question coming before him,
ana intends 70 see that justice II done
al concerned. Mr.. Brown will start for Alaska
the middle Of May, and will return AZ soon a.
practicable. When Professor Elliott submitted
his report he proposed that commission made
mp Of representatives from America and Eng
land proceed TO Alaska and see the state Of
affairs for themselves. He claimed that the
m agreement between the two countries BY
which al taking Of seals would be discon-
tnued for certain period, In order 70
allow breeding to ensue. Sir Julian Paunce-
fote, on behalf Of the British government, ac-
cepted this proposition, and It II said he has
heen for some time urging the plan upon the
government, and II he fails entirely there il no
telling what his next move may be.
LONDON, April 2o.-The Tfmes complains Of de-
Lay Of the Sayward case In the United States
supreme court and declares that the action Of
the United States authorities in the case almost
invites the civilized world TO express an opin-
ion, and says Lord salisbury's refusal to mix
diplomatic negotiations with legal proceedings
- amply indicated.