The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-05-31
THE BEHRING SEA BILL.
Provisions of the Measure Introduced in
the House OF Commons.

by Cable 10 The Times.l
LONDON, May 3O.-The Behring Sea bill, in
troduced in the House of Commons last even
ing on behalf of the Government by Mr.. w.
H. Smith, the Lord Of the Treasury, provides
that the Queen may, by orders taken in coun-
ell, prohibit British ships from hunting seals
IN the waters of Behring sea for period as
yetsunspecifed, but which is to. be limited by
such orders. 1t is further provided that
while such order IS IN force no person belong
ing TO any British ship shall kill, take, hunt
or attempt TO kill, take or hunt seals in the
waters of Behring sea during the period
named. No British ship, its equipment or
its crew, or any part Of its equipment or crew
shall he employed IN killing, taking or hunt
ing seals in such waters during thelnterdicted
period. The bill also provides that those
persons contrayening the provisions of the
act and all persons aiding and abettlng them
in such cOntraventiOns shall be held to be
guilty of q misdemeanor, and upon conviction
of the ohense.the ship or ships owned by such
violators Of the law, together with everything
found on board of the vessel or vessels snail
be declared forfeited
ANY REGULARLY. commissioned officer of Her
Maiestys naval force is by the bill clothed
with full power 10 stop and examine any
British vesselnfound in Behring sea during
the period of Introduction. He may, if in his
opinion a British ship is attempting to avoid
portion of her crew. Where British ships are
found in Behring sea with the implements
used in fishing or shooting seal with seal
skins or the bodies of seals. such
vessels shall lie to under guard I'M
til such time as her owner or master
shall have proved.that he was not attempting
TO contravene the provisions of the act. The
act in its enforcement shall apply TO the anil
nal known as the fur-seal and TO any other
marine animal which may by order of the coun-
Gil be specified in this connection. The term
Behring sea shall be construed to mean the
seas known as Behring sea and within
limits to be described in the order.
Equipment will be held to comprise
everything belonging to the mechanism and
outfit of a ship. Any regular commissioned
British naval officer on full pay; any customs
officer or any consular officer has under the
conditions above set forth power TO seize and
detain a ship subject TO forfeiture, bringing
her for the adjudication Of her case before the
High Court of Admiralty Of England or
Majesty's dominion having jurisdiction.
These courts shall makesuc orders as they see
fit and any award b the officers bringing In
the ship such portions of the proceeds of the
forfeited vessels as they shall see FIT. No OH
Ger taking vessel into custody under the
provisions of the act shall be held responsible
either by civil or criminal action for such
seizure or detention, even should the ship not
be broughtin for ADJUDICATION. or if broughtinis
declaredno liable to such seizure of detention
The officer must. however. show that he had
reasonable grounds for such seizure or deten-
ton. Should such grounds not exist the
Judge or court may award the payment OF
costs or damages to any aggrieyed party. ana
may make such other order as may be Thought
proper. Ofenses under the act are punishable
by fine or imprisonment without hard labor,
1t is expected that the bill will pass next
week. after which the council will fix the
period of prohibition