The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-10
ruE BERING SEA CONTROVERSY.
Settlement Delayed by the Hardness OF
the british Gnyerument.

WASHINGTON CITY, Feb. Especial. 1.-The
people OF Seattle evidently take an interest in
the Boring sea fisheries. The matter has been
discussed somewhat of late, and came IN at a
cabinet meeting Tor q short time today. There
are quite a number OF the commissioners in
Washington City, and probably each will be
seen by those representatives in congress who
are interested in the seal fisheries business.
Representative Wilson has received from
the Seattle Chamber OF Commerce a
letter which he has been directed
to forward to the president, setting
forth the views OF that body upon the sealing
qaestion. This letter will probably be forwarded
by the president to the Americ n and British
commissioners and the contents will be duly
considered by the diplomats who are supposed
to arbitrate these matters that have agitated
the two nations SO long. The r.al issue of the
whole controversy, of course, will be the ques-
ton of the character of Bering sea aud of the
seal fisheries as regards the jurisdiction OF the
United States.
The former argument made by Secretary
Blaine in his correspondence with Lord Sails
bury! to demonstrate that the United States has
jurisdiction there which entities the republic to
prevent the destruction of its property, the
seals, will undoubtedly be made anew before
the tribunal of arbitration The other side will
no doubt oppose this contention with the logic
formerly utilized by the British premier Upon
the three neutral votes, then, will depend the de-
clson. The arbitrators can not be designated
without treaty first having been entered into
between the two countries, and there
is now some correspondence going on
between the state department here
and the foreign Office in London
in regard to the terms OF that instrument There
is an evident disposition on the part of the Off
Gals of the state department to chafe over the
delay of Lord Salisbury in this matter. The
American draft OF the treaty is all ready for sub
mission TO the Senate and no step can be taken
until it has been ascertained that similar
treaty will be ratified on the other side. No
such notification has yet been received, though
elaborate preparations were made few days
ago to have Lord Salisbury's assent to the Amer
lean draft cahled to Washington City 10 save
time
Meanwhile there has been no sign that the
promised renewal OF the nlodus uirendi viii be
corsummated soon enough 10 prevent the Pa
c!ic sealing fleet from fitting out for the seasons
work. There Is growing feeling here that it
is part of the British iolicy TO force a delay
until so late date that the issue of the pro-
ciamation will avail little or nothing, and a
repetition of last seasons difficulties Will result
The standard belief is tina; the English gov
eminent is only half-hearted in its efforts
- solve the problem, and is trying
10 embarrass the United States in every possible
way. The question of reciprocity with Canada
may enter into the negotiations somewhat and
may prevent an carly agreement, although 1t
would seem that if Canada was anxious for
reciprocity she would be anxious to have this
matter adjusted as quickly as possible in order
that the reciprocity arrangement could be made
II is believed here in Washington City that
the little bout with Chile has placed this gov
ernment in position TO deal with England with
t far frmer hand than if she had backed down
in that controversy.
WASHINGTON CITY, FEB. 9-The Canadian
reciprocity commissioners, Hon. Mackenzie
Bowel, Sir John Thompson and Hon. George E.
Foster, arrived this afternoon, accompanied by
W. q. Parmalee, assistant commissioner of Gus
toms for Canada, and DoUgal Stewart, who will
act as secretary. The commissioners will be re-
ceiyed by Blaine tomorrow.