Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-03-09
IMPORTANT MEETING.
The Cabinet Discusses the Bering
Question at Length.
THE UNTENABLE GROUND TAKEN
b. Lord Salisbury With Regard to a Mod4s
Wyendi Was the Principal Matter Discussed.
Should the Correspondence Between the
Two Governments Go 20 the Senate?

WAsHINGroN, ID. c., March S.-The
Cabinet meeting to-day was Of a most
important character, Notwithstanding
the absence OF Secretaries Blaine, Eos
ter and Noble. The entire session OF
two hours was devoted 10 the cOnSidera-
tion Of the Bering Sea question IN gen
eral, and tG Lord SaliSOury'S last COM
municatiOn In opposition 70 renewal
OF the mOdus yivendt OF last year In
particular.
The President and every member OF
the cabinet present participated In the
discussion and the opinion was unanl-
nous that the position assumed by the
British Government was untenaole and
not justified by the condition OF the
sealing industry.
The argument was made that
the opening OF the Bcrlng Sea
for the present season 20 the indiS-
criminate slaughter Of seals by
poachers would undoubtedly result
In serious injury II not
the total destruction Of the industry
and thus defeat the very object sought
in the negotiations between the TWO
counties. IL was. therefore, decided 10
insist on mOduS viyendl somewhat
similar TO that OF last year, having for
its object the protection of the seal fish
cries by the joint action Of Great Brit
ain and the United States, pending the
settlement Of the questions at issue by
arbitration.
Another question considered was ia
regard 10 the transmission 10 the Senate
of comics Of the CORES SpOudence on this
question that has taken place since
Jan. q. 1891. the date Of the last pub
lished volume. in order 20 aid that body
in its consideration Of the treaty OF ar
bitration transmitted 20 il By the Presi-
dent to-day.
While the general opinion was favor
able 10 this course it was concluded to
leave the question open for a few days.
This SpOhdence would naturally
include the last communication re-
ceiyed from Lord Salisbury respecting
the question of mOduS yivendi for the
coming season. and It's transmission 70
the Senate may be delayed, in order
that il may include also he response 10
Lord Salisbury'S, which is 10 be made
in accordance with the action OF the
cabinet to-day.
IuaSmuch as Sir Julian Pauncefote,
the British Minister. had conference
with Mr.. Wharton, who is acting Secre-
tary of state. late this afternoon, II is
inferred that he was appriSed OF the
Presidents earnest desire for an agree
ment between the two countries respect
ing the present sealing season that will
preserve the status quo Of the fisheries
until the main questions can be aroi-
trated. This government is deSirouS OF
reaching prompt agreement in regard
10 the fisheries, in order that il may be
officially promulgated in advance OF the
departure of the sealing fleets now ht-
ting out i'm this country and Canada.
Since the above was written 1t Is
learned that Acting Secretary Wharton
delivered 10 the British Minister this aft
ernoon the reply OF this Government to
Lord Salis5ury'S note declining TO renew
the modus yiveudL The reply reiter-
ates the position Of this Government
and insists on renewal of the mOdus
vivendi ofds9l for the coming season.
l. tisunderstoOd that Sir Julian Paunce-
fote cabled the entire text OF the note
10 Lord Salisbury this evening.