The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-05-30
SUSPENDING SEAL FISHING.
A Bill introduced In The House to Prohibit
II fOP a PERIOD.
HOW THE PROPOSITION is RECEIVED.
Strong Feeling Expressed Against the Action
in Many Quarters-The Interest Felt
I'm the Matter Here.
[By Cable 10 the Times.I


LONDON, Nav 29.-Mr. William Henry
Smith. the First Lord of the Treasury. to-day
introduced in the House of Commons the bill
proposed by the Government prohibiting
British subjects from catching seals in the
Behring sea for a certain period. The dura-
ton of the time during which seals cannot be
captured is not, however, given In the bill.
The Standard. in commenting on the mea-
sure, says IF the bill is an essential portion
of the international arrangement for the gem
eral restraint of the capture of the seals twill
be welcome, but if it imposes disabilities on
British subjects while it leaves the hands OF
American adventurers free vast amount Of
explanation will be necessary 20 make it palat-
able TO Parliament or the country
STRONG FEELfNG AGAINST 1T.
A dispatch from Victoria. British Columbia
saws that great excitement prevails there over
the proposed action of the British Govern
ment to prohibit British subjects from catch
ing seals in the Behring sea during close
season. and that sealers openly propose
to evade any law that may be passed on the
subject.
The feeling in London and Liverpool
among the merchants interested in the seal
fisheries, outside Of the American company.
Is very strong against the proposed measure.
and the Government is freely denounced for
a cowardly surrender to the United States.
In the House of Commons to-day MIR. Bryce
asked if the Government. in view Of the fact
that the Behring Sea bill was fixed for a second
latest papers about the negotiations with the
United States.
Mr. Smith said that the Government would
do so with the assent of the United States,
and he cabled to Washington asking such as
sent.
EFFECT OF THE BILL THERE.
WASHINGTON, ID. c.. May 29.-Considerable
interest is being expressed here over the pro-
posed action of the British Government 10
prohibit British subjects from catching seals
IN Behring sea during the coming season.
This proposition. cable dispatches say, has
caused great excitement. and sealers are
openly proposing to eyade any law that may
be passed on the subject.
The feeling among London and Liverpool
merchants, cable advices say. outside OF the
American company is very strong against the
proposed measure, and tho Government IS
freely denounced for what they claim, is q
cowardly surrender TO the United States.
Should the proposed law pass, and the
seaers carry out their avowed intention, and
disregard the law and capture sealsj when-
ever and wherever possible. 1t will give the
United States considerable trouble TO protect
her interest in Behring sea.
MORE VESSELS REQUIRED.
To protect our interest in Behring sea will
require several more vessels than have usually
been sent 10 these waters, as it has been
proven heretofore that the revenue cutters
Bear and Rush are insufficient 10 protect our
interests under the present laws, and if the
l,dopQsed closure law is passed it viii prob
ably double the work in this direction.
The Alert. Thets, Marion and Mohican are
now at San Francisc. and are about the only
vessels for this service, and will probably be
detached for this service should the necessity
arise. The other vessels of the Pacific sta
tion-the San Francisco. Baltimore, iroquois
and Ranger are at present scattered at points
some distance from San Francisco, and 1t
would require some time TO recall them,
probably not in time to be sent TO Behring
sea on duty of this kind.
No definite arrangements have been, how
over, made, as it is not certain what stops the
British Government will take.