Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1892-04-02
THE eEHR,ne SEA ROW.


Eho Latest Correspondence the suhjcos
Made Publio-Lord Salisbury Refuses to
Renew tho Modus vivsndi, w,ercupon
President Harrison Informs Him That
This Government VIII Protect Seal Life,
II 1t Requires Ali Hor Available Foroo
to DO So.
WASHINGTON, March 25--Tbe addi-
Sional correspondence on the Behring
sea question was given out for publica-
tion Thursday evening. Sir Julian
Pauncefote, in transmitting Lord Sal
isbury's reply to the presidents note
of March g. says:
Lord Salisbury again points out that the
Information In the possession Of her maiesty's
government does not lead him to believe that
another years suspension OF sealing Is neces
sary to prevent an undue dimlnution Of the seal
herds. His lordship, however, proceeds to observe
that beyond that question 1t is considered by
your government that they have right to be
protected from the loss which they may incur
from free sealing being permitted this year. in
the event Of their claim to Behring sea being
upheld by the arbitrators. He states
that her majcstys government docs
not dispute that after the ratification
of the convention there will be some
foundation for this contention, but he adds that
the prohibition of all sealing as remedy has
this cifect-that the British sealers excluded
from Bchring would have an undoubted
ground of complaint II the British claim should
be upheld by the arbitrators
Acting Secretary Wharton in for
warding the presidents reply recites
that already forty-sevcn Canadian seal
'ers have sailed in order to avoid pro-
hibting notice. He continues
at must be assumed that the sincere pur-
pose OF the two governments was to promote
peace and good will, but If pending the arbitra-
ton, either deals with the subject of II solely
upon the base Of its own contention and in
utter disregard of the claims of the other,
this friendly end is not only not obtained, but u
new sense OF injury and injustice is added, even
II 1t should be found possible to proceed with an
arbitration under such conditions. For 1t must
not be forgotten that II her majcsty's govern.
'ment proceeds during this sealing season upon
the basis of its contention to the
rights Of the Canadian soaers, no choice is
left 10 this government but TO proceed upon
the basis OF its confident condition that pelago
sealing In the Behring sea Is an infraction Of Its
jurisdiction and property rights, His lordship
will hardly fail to see this
In conclusion Acting Secretary Whar.
ton says:
"Thc president directs me to say that tho
modus of last year is the least that this govern
ment can accept. In reason the restraints.
after II treaty of arbitration, should be moro
absolute, not less. He does not desire to pro-
tract this discussion, and having in
the most friendly spirit submitted the consider
alton which support the just demand of this
government that the property which is the SUBJ
tect of an agreed arbitration shall not be SUBJ
.ject TO spoliation pending the arbitration, he
expresses the hope that Lord Salisbury will
give a prompt and friendly assent to renew the
:modus
"The president will hear with regret that her
imajesty's government continues to assert q
right TO deal with this subject precisely as il no
provision had been made for settlement
of the dispute; and in that event
this government as has already been been
pointed out will be compelled TO deal with
the subject on the same basis, and TO use every
means in its power to protect from destruction
or serious injury the property and Jurisdiction
al rights which it has long claimed and en-.
toyed.'
WASHINGTON. March 25-The long
executive session held by the senate
Thursday afternoon, SO far as can be
learned, was barren of results. The
Behring sea arbitration treaty was not
ratified. No definite action was had
on the proposition to make the treaty
effective, only upon renewal of the
modus vivendi. The number of sena-
tors opposed to ratification has ma
terially increased.
1t now seems likely that the ques.
tion of ratification will be held in
allegiance until reply is received from,
Lord Salisbury to the presidents note
of March ~. This answer may be OF
such character as to stultify the basis
upon which the agreement to arbitrate
Is founded, or require the addition OF
still other qualifying stipulations
During the executive session there
was some talk on the general situation
which ourht to have been held in pub-
lie, for it showed that the senate is
practically unanimous in the view that
the president has taken the only posi-
ton that self-respecting nation could
take