The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1892-03-12
BY r. H. COPELAND.
Discussed the Matters.
WASHINGTON, March S.-The cabine

WASHINGTON, March S.-The cabinet
meeting today was Of the most import
ant character Notwithstanding the ab.
senoe of Secretaries Blaine, Foster and
Noble. The entire session Of TWO hours
was devoted to the consideration OF the
Behring sea question in general and to
Lord Salisbury's last communication in
opposition to the renewal of the modus
vivendi Of last year in particular.
The president and every member
of the cabinet present participated in
the discussion, and the opinion was
unanimoue that the position assumed
by the British government was untena.
bic and not justified by the condition of
the sealing industry. The argument
was made that the opening of the Behr-
ing sea for the present season
to the indiscriminate slaughter of
seals by poachers would undoubtedly
result in serious injury il not a total
destruction of the industry, and thus
destroy the very object sought in the
negotiations between the two countries.
1t was, therefore, decided to insist on
the modus vivendi, somewhat similar to
that of last year, having for its object
the protection OF seal fisheries.
by joint action of Great
Britain and the United States,
pending q settlement of the questions at
issue by arbitration. Another question
considered was in regard to the trans
mission to the senate of copies of the
correspondence on this question that
has taken place since Jan. 5, 1891, in
order to aid that body in its considero'
ton of the treaty of arbitration trans
mitted to it by the president today.
While the general opinion was favor
able to this course, it was on
cluded to leave the question open for o
few days. This correspondence would
naturally include the last communion
ton received from Lord Salisbury re-.
specting the question OF the modus vi
vendi for the coming season, and its
transmission to the senate may be de-.
layed in order that it may in
clude also the response to Lord
Salisbury, which is to be made
in accordance with the action of the
cabinet today. Inasmuoh as Sir Julian
Pauncefote, British minister, had o cor.
ference with Wharton. who is acting
secretary Of state, late this afternoon, it
is inferred he was apyrised of the presi-
dents earnest desire for ar agreement
between the two countries respecting
the present sealing season that will pre-.
serve the status quo of the fisheries IN
til the main question can be arbitrated.
The government is DESTROYS of
reaching a prompt agreement in
regard to the fshevies in order that it
may be officially promulgated in adj
vance of the departure of sealing fleets
now fitting out in this country and Can.
ada.
A latar dispatch says: "Since the
above was written it is learned
that Acting Secretary Wharton
has delivered to the British
minister the reply of this government to
Lord Salisbury's note declining to re-
new the modus vivendi. This reply re-
iterates the position of this government
and insist on q renewal of the modus
vivendi of 1891 for the coming session.
1t is understood Sir Julian Paunoefote
cabled the entire text of the note. tc
Lord Salisbury this evening""