Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1892-04-29
new MODUS VIVEgDL
The Convention Between the
United States and England.
Protection for the Seals During
the Tendency of Arbitration.

An agreement between the United States
and Great Br,t4in for modus vivendl in
relation 10 the fur seal fisheries in Barinr
Sea for the present season has been signed,
at Washington, by Sir Julian Pauncefote,
the British Minister, representing the Gov
eminent OF her Britannia Majesty, and by
James G.. Blaine, Secretary OF State
representing the Government OF
the United States. This import
ant agreement was signei at IL
o'clock in the morning at the residence Of
Secretary Blaine, VINO, owing TO the lncle-
ment weather, did not go to the de partment
He at once took il over to the Executive
Mansion and laid it before the Pre>i lent
who in the afternoon transmitte 1t TO the
Senate for its action.
The moius Is in the form OF a supple
mental convention to the treaty OF arbitra-
ton recently negotiated and ratified. Ii
says that both Governments will prohibit
during the sealing seaSoL the killing of seal
in that part Of the Boring Sea lying
eastward of the line Of demarcation
described in article No. l OF the treaty
of 1867 between the United States
and Russia and each Government will
en- join its citizens and vessels TO an obSer-
vance of this AZ reement. The United
States, it is uDderStoo1, is allowed TO Kill
for the subsistence OF the natives on the
islands of St Paul and st. George 300
year, and the United States binds ivself to
observe this prohibition.
The vessels of either the United States or
Great Breatian, or citizens of either coun-
try, offending against this agreement may
be seized by either of the high contracting
parties but soon as practicable should DO
handed over to the authorities of the nation
to which they belong, who shall have sole
jurisdiction to try the offence and impose
the penalties for the same.
1r1 al ! no hn
ment is renewal of the agreement of 1891.
with the addition of a clause providing for
the settlement of damages sustained by the
Canadian sealers through the interruption
of their business in case the arbitr alton gees
against the United States. Under this
vessels have already begun to file
their claims with Il commission APP
pointed to receive and present them. But
General Foster. the agent OF the United
States, who Is preparing the case for this
Government, and the Hon. E. S. Phelps, coun-
sci, are leaving no point uncovered. and
will be fully prepared to meet the claims on
this score, in the event that they shall ever
be pressed for payment.
The British Prime Minister has sought all
along to reduce the liability of his Govern
lnent practically to nullity, by insisting
that Great Britain can acknowledge no re-
sponslblllty for the injuries TO seal life done
by Canadian poachers, and must be
charged with such damages only as
have resulted directly from Gorvern-
ment action. Mr.. Blaine, it is understood,
has endeavored in framing the new agree
ment to obtain from Great Britain more
general acknowledgment of liability along
the lines laid down in last summers -Jrre-
spOndence, and it is said that in the terms
agreed on, he has maintained the contentious
OF the United States with creditable success.
Tie Senate discussed the modus vivendi
briefly in executive session and tn len referred
it, according to usage, to the appropriate
committeeman on Foreign Relations.