The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-03-09
OUR AMPH|B|0US WARDS.
The Boring Sea Arbitration Question
the Chief Topic in Official
Circles. .
Tho Senate Executive Session and
the Cabinet Meeting Given
Up to 1t.
Three Diverginx Opinions on the Matter
VIII Insist ON II Renewal of the
Modus Vivsndi.

WAsIifNGToN, March S.--Iha senate. in
executive session this afternoon considered
the arbitration treaty in regard to Bering
sea. There was much opposition to it. A
pody OF senators bitterly resented the idea
sot any trenty. holding the right of the
United States to the waters acquired from
Russia beyond question, and that it would
DC cowardly surrender on the part Of this
government to submit its right to the ull-
certain decision of foreign arbitrators. At
tentlon was also called to the fact that one
OF these arbitrators is the subject OF power
with which our relations are somewhat
stralned-Italy, Other senators appeared
to believe the approval OF the treaty would
be distinct gain iii diplomatic battle,
inasmuch as it committed Great Britain to
the recognition Of the fact that the United
states had claim to jurisdiction over the
waters of Bering sea under the
husian t1tle point which she
heretofore has steadily refused to allow. A
third group thought tho treaty should not
% approved finally without the addition of
clause renewing the nlodus vivendi. IN
deed. there was manifested general feel
ing Of disappointment growing out of the
British government to accede to the reas.,
enable request of this government in that
respect. Some senators took the ground
that while the treaty might safely be rati-
hed. the administration should be in
structed, in the event of the continued re-
fusal OF the British government to insure
the protection of seal during arbitration
proceedings, to order the vessels of the
United States to seize every offending yes
sel without regard to nationality. After
considerable discussion the treaty was re-
ferred to the committee on foreign rela-
tons.
The cabinet meeting to-day was import
ant, notwithstanding the absence of Blaine,
Foster and Noble. The entire session was
devoted to consideration Of the Bering sea
question in general. The opinion was
unanimous that the position occupied by
the British government, opposing a re-
newal of the modus yiyendi. is untenable
sealing industry. II was argued that the
opening of Bering sea this season to inds-
criminate slaughter by poachers will un-
doubtedly result in serious injury, if not
the total destruction of the industry and
thus defeat the very object Of the negotia-
tions. It was decided to insist Oh a nodus
vivenGi somewhat similar to that of last
yeat. m .l-,.+.@
Another question was in regard to trans
mission to the senate of copies Of corres-
pondence on the question since Jan.
Z, 1891, the date of the last published VOL
ume. to aid that body in consideration.
While the general opinion was favorable to
this. it was concluded to leave the matter
open for few days The correspondence
would naturally include the last communi-
cation received from Lord Salisbury re-
specting a modus vivendi for the coming
season. and its transmission may be de-
layed until it includes also the response to
Lord Salisbury. This government is de-
sirous OF reaching prompt agreement in
regard to the fisheries in order that it may
be officially promulgated in advance of the
departure of sealing fleets.
Acting Secretary Wharton delivered to
tho British minister this afternoon the
reply of this government to Lord Sails
burys note declining to renew tho modus
vivendi. The reply reiterates the position
of this government, and insists on a
renewal of the nlodus vivendi of 1891 for
the coming season. 1t is understood that
Sir Julian Pauncefote cabled the entire
text Of the note to Lord Salisbury this
evening.