The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-01-15
AN UNsEEMLY CONNECTION.

AN UNSEEMLY CONNECTION.
The Washington City correspondent of
the New York Herald has allowed himself
to become worked up to an alarming ex-
tent by the course that has been taken in
presenting the case of the Canadian
schooner w. P. Hayward before the Su-
preme Court. To say that the young man
is agitated, even turbulently agitated,
would be mild way of describing his
condition. That at the drop of hat he
would plunge the country into a war with
Great Britain-with the whole world, if
need be-on account of it, his manner of
handling the subject clearly implies.
But that he grossly misrepresents the
attitude and sentiments of the administra-
tion-especially the Secretary of State and
the Attorney General-in respect to this
matter, cannot admit of doubt Either
that or the public has been grossly misln-
formed as to the actual situation. So far
as the public has been informed, the facts
are as follows: About two years ago the
Hayward, having seal skins on board, was
seized by the Rush, taken into Sitka, and
libeled for sealing within United States
jurisdiction in violation Of law. Her al
legged offense was committed fifty miles
from the nearest land owned by the United
States. An appeal has been taken from
the United States court in Alaska TO the
United States Supreme Court at Wash
ington.
The seizure was made in pursuance of
law of the United States with which the
public is quite familiar by reason of its fire.
quent publication in leading newspapers,
and of proclamation by the President
that by the same means has become IA
miliar, and of conforming order from the
proper department. All of these agree in
limiting the prohibition of sealing lin the
waters of Alaska within the Jurisdiction of
the United States" leaving the limits of
jurisdiction-not accidentally, but of set
purpose-undefined. If the act was COM
mitted within the jurisdiction of the
United States" there will be no division of
public opinion in this country about hold
ing the vessel to the last extremity of the
country's resources, nor is it at all likely
that, this question being settled, England
will make any contention against this
view.
Now comes the other side to this contro-
versy and asks our Supreme Court to settle
the question whether our country had legal
jurisdiction over the waters in which
this alleged offense was committed
This the Herald correspondent de-
nounces as ''pettifogging." If it were
so the Supreme Court is abundantly able
to discover the fact, and to protect itself
against it without the guardianship of the
Herald correspondent. But to the ordi-
nary, uninspired mind, considering the
portentous issues at stake, this seems a
great compliment for high officials of
foreign government to have paid to the
ability and the integrity of our highest
court. 1t is doubtful if so great mark of
respect was ever before paid by foreign
government to the judiciary of country
with which it was having contention, as
| to the merits of that contention.
But this bellicose correspondent says,
| and tries to make the administration saw,
| that the legal issue has been finally settled
| by the Alaska court, and that the only
| pending issue is not legal but political.
| That in matter imperilling long, bloody
| and costly war of doubtful issue the de-
cision of territorial court can be final is
| utterly preposterous. If the pend
ing issue be political rather than
one of law, the Supreme Court is thor
oughly competent to so decide, and its de-
cision win be acquiesced in by the country
without question.
But whether legal or political, this Sec
ton, and especially this city, is deeply in
terested that il be settled without asoid-
able delay. War would be damaging to
verge Of disaster to this section. at least
for a time, but if it is essential to the
maintenance of the national honor or to
national rights, the consequences will be
accepted without demur. But if the seal
ing range is open it should be open to
Americans no less than to foreigners. If
II Is subject 10 our country's jurisdiction,
all should be treated alike. If open, this
city is the natural Quitting depot for the
American vessels that now by the score
are forced to make their outfits at Vic
toria and sail under British colors
That the Secretary of State and Attor-
ney General should have publicly made
use Of the expressions that this fiamboy-
ant correspondent puts into their mouths
-''pettifog1ng, have got his head
(meaning the British Prime Ministers)
in chaneery at last"-in reference TO an
international controversy, is inconceivable.
To credit such assertions would oe alike
insulting to those statesmen and to the
country whose prominent and honored
officers they are.
| A MOST FAMILIAR SnrNn