, 1891-07-04
THE SEALING QUESTION.
Synopsis of the Bill Introduced in Paula
ment to Prohibit Seal Hunting in
Behring's Sea.

London, May 30.-The Behring Sea bin,
introduced into the house last evening on
behalf Of the Government, by w. II. Smith,
first lord of the treasury, provides that the
Queen may by 0rders-in-council prohibit
Britishlsllips''from hunting seal in the waters
of Behring's Sea for a period as yet unspe-
Gifted, which is to be limited by such orders,
1t further provides that while such order
is in force, no person belonging to aNy
British ship, shall kill, take, hunt, or at.
tempt to kill, take or hunt seals IN the
waters of Behring's Sea during the inter-
dicted period, no British ship, its equipment
or crew, or any part Of its equipment or
crew, shall be employed in killing, taking
or hunting, or in any attempt to kill or
take or hunt seals in such waters during
the interdicted period: The bill also pro-
vides that the persons continuing to disre-
gard the provisions of the act and all persons
aiding and abetting in such continuance
shall be held guilty of miSdemeanOur, and,
upon conviction of the offence, tie
ship, or Ships owned by such v~iolatrrs OF
the law, together with everything found
on board Ofthe vessel or vessels. shall he
declared forfeited. Any regularly COM
mieSiOned officer of Her Maiesty's regular
forces is, by the bill, clothed with full
power to stop and examine any British
vessel found in Behring's Sea during the
period of introduction. He may, if, in his
opinion, a British ship is attempting to
avoid the provisions OF the act, .detaln her
or any part Of her equipment or crew,
Where British ships are found in Behring's
Sea with implements used in fishing or for
shooting seals, with skins or bodies Of seals,
such vessels shall be taken under guard
until such time as her master shall have
proved that he was not attempting to con-
travene the provisions of the act. The act
in its enforcement, shall apply to the ami
NAL known as the fur seal, and to any other
marine animal which may, 10y oIder-in.
council, be specified in this connection. The
term Behring Sea shall be constituted 70 he
the sea known as Behring Sea and within
the limits, to be described in the ordcr-in-
council. Equipment will be held to COM
prise everything belonging to the mechanism
and outfit Of a ship, and any regularly COM
missi0ne d British officer on full pay, amy
customs officer or any officer, has, under
the conditions above set forth power to
seize and detain ships subject to forfeiture
and bring them in for adjudication Of their
cases, before the high court of admiralty in
England or Ireland, or before any court
in Her Majesty'S domain.
Having jurisdiction, these courts shall
make such orders as they deem fit, and may
award to the officers bringing ships such
proceeds of the sale Of the forfeited vessels
rs they shall see fit. No off GERS taking
vessels into custody, under provisions of
the act, shall be held responsible either by
the court or criminal action for such Seiz-
uro or detention, even should the ship
not be brought i'll for adjudication; or, if
brought in, is declared not liable for such
seizure or detention. Should such ground
not exist, judge or court may award pay
ment of cost or damages. to agrieved party
and may make the order as may be thought
proper. Offences under the act are punish
able by fine or Imprisonment, without hard
labour. 1t is expected the bill will pass
next week, after which the Council will fix
a period of prohibition.-Tetoria Colon ist,
June 5.