Montgomery County sentinel., 1891-01-16
BEIfRING SEA INBROGLIO.

nlle lne btep hhen ny INC IJuBlisu gov |
ernment in reference to the dispute over
certain rights in the Behring Sea, by appeal
ing to the Supreme Court of the United
States, is novel and new departure in the
way of settling national difficulties, It must
be admitted by all conservative and sound
thinking men, it is stride greater in up
holding the sound principles of civilization
than ever has yet been taken by any nation.
There is law of nations as full, as well
settled and defined as the laws OF our gov
ernment or States. In all matters oil dis
pute we are compelled to resort to the courts
to redress our wrongs and protect our rights
The Supreme Court of the United States is
the highest and last resort to all our citizens
in saying what the law is, and the Judges
of that Court should be, and are presumed
TO be, the living oracles of the law.
Now let US see what the dispute is. Mr..
Blaine contends, first, that it is closed sea,
and not subject to the general laws which
govern the high seas, as recognized by all
nations. Second, that while Alaska and
the Aleutian Islands belonged to Russia,
that country treated the Behring Sea as be.
longing to that nation, and never recognized
it as subject to the laws which govern the
high seas.
Now, as to the first point, can it be ques-
toned for moment that our Supreme
Court is not competent to determine whetha
er it is closed sea, and not open to the
commerce Of the world. Nc one doubts the
compelency of 'this Court o. ol19eeIllla q lel n
question, but the objection comes from some
sources that the English government will
not feel itself bound by any decision of that
Court, further thar such decision suits her
views and purposes.
This excuse Is like the man who went to
law with his neighbor to redress certain
conceived wrongs, saying, II will law him
through the courts, and if the courts fail to
redress my wrongs will take the matter in
my own hands and redress them myself"
England, in noble spirit, has appealed to
our highest tribunal. She must either abide
by the decision of that forum, or by refusing
to do so bring upon England disgrace and
dishonor. Can nation like England afford
TO resort TO petty subteriuge like this.
AS to the other point of how Russia acted
when she was the owner of Alaska and the
Aleutian Islands. Suppose Russia did claim
and control the Behring Sea, and if in so
doing she acted wrong, usurped and exer-
cised an illegal power, does our Secretary,
Mr.. Blaine, therefore conclude it follows as
consequence that the United States of
America shall do the same thing. In this
day of enlightenment and civilization the
better plan would be to cease from doing
wrong. Upon the same principle in years
to come, Mr.. Blaine or his successor might
say because Russia ostracised the Jews and
punished her criminals by sending them TO
the SHOWS and icebergs of Siberia it was
right for the United States to do likewise.
Mr.. Blaine's reasoning may be right, but
his conclusions and practice would hardly
be sustained.
One other objection offered is that the ac-
tion of England is an affront to our State
Department. 1t can not be placed in the
category of affronts or insults, it may show
on the part of England want of confidence
in Mr.. Blaine to deal with such matters, but
it does show on the part of England con
fidence and respect for the integrity and
wisdom of four Supreme Court that does hon
or to our nation, and of which every citizen
should be justly proud,
When England rejects the decision of
the Supreme Court and sets at defiance the
law of nations then and then only can the
United States appeal to the sword and the
protection Of Him who has made it nation
of freemen.