The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-01-10
The Behring Sea Controversy.

There was communicated to Congress on
Monday the concluding correspondence oe-
this government and Great Britain concerning
the Behring Sea controversy. secretary
Blaine had determined to exercise Jurisdic-
lion over the high seas not recognized among
nations, and to seize all vessels found seal
fishing within the limits. Great Britain
declared that such exercise OF authority To-
wards her subjects would be met by force.
Upon these declarations war cloud began 10
or;sn and Mt first there was some excitement
in both countries, which has now happily
abated.
Mr. Blaine has taken an untenable POSITION
and contrary to the contention OF this uoV-
eminent. when in ls2224 Russia assumed
the very same jurisdiction now claimed by
Secretary Blaine. The United States pro-
tested. and Russia receded from her claim by
,reotv stipuIations of 1925. Great Britain also
protested against the Russian claim ana IN
1896. in a treaty. Russia abandoned her posi-
ton. The treaty with the United States was
for ten wears 1t was never technically re-
newed. but the agreements made were never
violated The treaty between Russia ana ''reat
Britain was renewed in 1913.
1t had been well settled principle OF IN
ternational law that nations jurisdiction
extended only three miles, or gun-shot, from
shore. but Russia extended her jurisdiction to
one hundred Italian miles. The United States
and England protested, and Russia relIn'
miished her claim. Now Mr.. Blaine claims
the same jurisdiction that Russia claimed,
and which was promptly contested by his own
government.
The reason for this contention OF Secretary
Blaine is primarily to give to the sealing COM
panies of this country monopoly OF the seal
fisheries of Behring sea, and secondly to create
n situation of danger that will unite the people
of this country. strengthen the Republican
marty and give it a further lease OF power,
upon the theory that the people of this govern
ment will not ''swup horses while crossing Il
stream" as Mr.. Lincoln put it,
Mr.. Blaine has probably discovered by tins
time that he is not seconded by the people
Nearly all the leading journals of the country
have severely criticised him for assuming such
an untenable position, and boldly asserting
that political ambition is at the bottom of Mr..
Blaine ; action. Virtually the position OF Mr.
Harrison and Mr.. Blaine has been repudiated
by the country.
Mr.. Blaine is dangerous man for Secretary
of State. His desire for notoriety and fame
and political prominence would lead him into
any kind of excess. He is man OF sensi'-
lions. rather than statesman, and his last
move is more far reaching in It's results than
appears. Great Britain is not the only coun'
try interested in the Behring sea controversy.
1t is an international question, concerning the
Jurisdiction of nations over the high seas, and
France, Germany Russia, Spain and all other
nations are interested. In conflict over the
matter Great Britain would have the moral
support of all these governments, If not then
active aid. Mr.. Blaine was most iool-hardy
in his course. Even if he had been half right
or raised n point that had some semblance OF
right, he is censurable for not consentng tc
submit the question to arbitration, AS pro
nosed by Great Britain But with no lega
ground 10 stand upon, and setting up clam
that would provoke the opposion of all nations
his conduct cannot be charterzed as less thar
fool hardy, and the prompt Reputation OF h''
position by his own countrymen should Ot
sufficient to make him reverse his policy and
drop the matter entirely. This country is not
in condition TO 20 to war. Our people do mo-
desire war. Even where our rights were IN
vaded or denied, war should only be resorte'
to after all efforts at a peaceable settlement
Ind EIiIed.