The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-03-11
TO ARBITRATE OR FIGHT.
THE ATTITUDE OF GREAT BRITAIN
Eeyardiup the Bshring Sea Controversy-No
New Developments In the Matter
Reported mt Washington.

ada England will withdraw from arbitration
and meet any issue that the United States may
choose TO raise in Behring sea with plain as
sertion Of the right of English subjects to
hunt for seal outside of the recognized limit
Of United States jurisdiction. This posi-
ton is urged by many of the Tories.
and is said to be regarded without disfavor.
although as yet without open approval at the
Foreign Office. The Tories are desperate tor
an issue that would arouse jingoism and rally
the country TO the support OF the Govern
ment.
Lord Salisbury's eastern policy is generally
approved even by the Liberals, and the opin-
ion is expressed in Tory circles that the pres
tige thus gained would stimulate general
support of course assertiye Of British ana
Canadian claims in North America.
SOME ABSURD LETTERS.
There has been n notable disposition of late
on the part of the newspapers commonly sup
posed 20 be in the confidence OF the Govern
ment TO foster feeling of hostility 70 America
and to arouse an impression that Americans
are unfriendly 20 Great Britain. With this
object ridiculous communications have been
published alleged to have been written by
Americans and containing bombastic menaces
against England. Even If these letters were
genuine they would not be published under
ordinary circumstances and without some
special motive on the part OF the
newspapers giving them space. There is some
reason, however, 10 believe that they have
been written 10 order, as 1t Is not thought
likely that any genuine and sensible Ameri-
can would threaten. as one or these writers
has done 10 throw 100000 men into Great
Britain and blot 1t from the face OF the eartn.
This absurd letter. however. Is Deing inaue
the subject Of general comment throughout
England as an evidence of the American brag-
gadocio and animosity.
IRRITATION or TIE WORKING PEOPLE.
The Tories also regard the time as favorable
for an anti-American demonstration on ac-
count of the irritation that exists among large
numbers of working people, who have had
their wages reduced or been deprived OF en-
pioyment altogether on account OF the Mchln-
lev law. This feeling is especially strong IN
Wales and tho manufacturing districts. which
are also strongly Liberal. and which, some sup
porters of the Government think, might be
won over TO Lord Salisbury by the course
that would cause the Americans to suher the
same thing in retaliation for the suffering
which their high tariff has brought upon
many thousands in Great Britain. For these
reasons Lord Salisbury's attitude Is openly
supported by the Tories and II IS not without
sympathy among Liberals.
THE NAVY CAN BE DEPENDED on.
In naval quarters. while officials are re-
ticent unoffically 10 Is stated that the British
squadron in the Pacific can be depended on
to do its duty IN the event OF an encounter
with the Americans. Ii is well known that
during the recent revolution in Chill the sym
pathies OF Rear Admiral Charles +. Hotham
and his fellow officers were strongly with the
evouticpists and that they would have
liked nothing better than chance
Ia rebuke the course of the American
navy. Not few of the Chilian naval officers
had been trained in company with the British
officers and there was strong fellow-ieellng.
This feeling has not diminished with Chilis
surrender to American demands. SAID gen-
tleman Yesterday who is persona grata at the
admiralty: The Americans will make u
most serious blunder If they suppose there
will be any hesitation on the part OF the
British navy in defending British su lects
engaged in an occupation which Great
Britain holds 10 be lawful
READY FOR LINGO" POLICY.
Rightly or wrongly the sentiment Of the
Tories expressed IN the clubs. tho parliamen-
tary lobbies and public places generally IS
that lingo" policy toward America on the
Bahrinc sea question will DO both safe and
POLITICALLY profitable. and that. even IN the
gravest event. 1t would be the best policy to
pursue
The Tory ST. James Gazette, commenting
on the news from Washington. says that
great fuss is being made by the American
Government over the mOdus yyendi, and
suggests that it would be better to allow seal
ing 10 20 on ss usual and for tho arbltrators
afterward TO decide what damage u any. had
been done.
SHOULD CALL ENGLASD's BLUFF.
WAsu1xaTox, d. c.. March lO.-It was very
Quiet today about the State Department.
The Behring matter was. OF course
subject of discussion among officials and at
taches, but there was nothing new III the
matter Sir Julian Paunce.ote did not visit
the department and II was stated that no
communication had been received from the
British Government. direct or indirect. TO in
dicate the tone OF Lord Salsburys reply OF
the sth instant. In official circles. department
and congressional. there was expressed a de-
sire, in sporting parlance, 70 call tngland's
bluff" the opinion being generally held IN
agreement with that expressed IN Dir. Phelps
letter to Secretary Barnard viz. That there
need be no fear but that resOute stand
on this subject will put an end To the mlschleI
complained of. 1t IS not 10 be reasonably eX-
pected that Great Britain will either encOur-
age or sustain her colonies in conduct which
sne herself comedies 10 be wrong, and which
is detrImenta.to TO her own Interests as vel! as u
ours. 10 Is said tie President Is content with
the situation as far as 1t has been deyeI-
oped and is satisfied that he will be Loyalty
supported by Congress and the people III
maintaining the rights Of the nted States.
The officials appreciate the political cxi-
gencies that doubtless impel Lord Salisbury
to take the position implied oy MS Ielusal 10
extend the lnOdus yiyendl.
POLITICS, OF COURSE.
An approaching general election III Great
Britain and Lord Salisbury's natural desire
10 win is sufficient 10 explain that but ~ Is be-
lleyei that no evil consideration Will be suili-
cient TO lead the Government into u contest
with the nited States over an issue which,
as Mr. Phelps says, they cOncede 10 be wrong
and indefensible Inquiry at the Capitol re-
yeaied the fact that. in its present shape and
under present conditions, the treaty Will
hardly be ratified. Said one senator. Il am IN
favor of calling kngands blum. She won't
fight and am not IL favor iOf trying to ar
btrate as 10 Il right claimed by us which she
has been and is persistently violating There
is no excuse for any one not knowing to what
country the seals IN the North Pacific and
Behrnc sea belong. The seals Oh the Rus
sian side living in warmer water, have thinner
fur than these freQuentlng the rOOkeries on
the American shore. and are worth 10 per
cent less Any one who kills u seal. even III
mid knows To what country II be-
longs. They can be identified Just as easily
as a feet OF boats carrying tho United states
flag. and there would be just as much sense
in "A proposition 10 arbitrate our right 10 pro-
tect these boats from destruction a. there is
in the proposition 10 arbltrate our right u
protect these seals"
WRITTEN BY TIE PRESIDENT.
An interesting fact in connection with the
Letter which was given to Sir Julian Paunce-