The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-03-25
MR.. WHARTON to SIR JULIAN PAUNcrForr
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
az II 4 March % 1896

DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
WASHINGTON. ID. c., March p. 1892
Sir: am directed by the President to say
that your note dated the 18th instant and de-
livered on the Goth instant Sunday has bad
his immediate attention IL view of what he
deems 10 be the extreme urgency and gravity
OF the matter under discussion. The urgency
grows out OF the fact that much further pro-
fraction of this discussion will make any
modus that may be agreed upon Intellectual
TO protect the interests OF the United States.
and will give TO Canadian sealess practical
immunity by reason OF the lmpOssiblity
of communicating to them the agreed re-
strictions. Ii s known TO this Government
that the seaIers have hastened their departure
TO escape notice of possible modus, and
that every day almost adds 10 the fieet
that must now be oyerhauied at Sea- Al
ready forty-seyen Canadian vessels nave
cleared for the sealing grounds (as against
thlrty-one at the same date last year. and are
engaged in following up and destroying
ths seal herds These vessels will. If
not stopped and turned back at the
passes. 90 into the Behring sea and
pursue TO the very shores OF our Islands
the slaughter of the mother seals seeking the
accustomed rookeries 10 be delivered OF their
voung This is crime against nature. Ihis
Goyernment expects 10 show II the arbltra-
zion nroceeds. that female seals constitute the
LARGER ner cent. of the catch or the pelagic
seaisrs That III view of this serious and
confident contention of this Government
His Lordship should assume that an
other years suspension OF such seal
ing is not necessary 70 prevent an undue
diminution Of the seal herds. ana should IN
sist that pending an arbitration 1t shall go on
nrecisely as if no arbitration had been agreed
unon is as surprising az IL Is disappointing
II Her Majestys Government SO little re-
snects the claims and contentious Of this
Government as to be unwilling 70 toroear for
y single season TO disregard them. the Presi-
Jont cannot understand why Lord Salisbury
Ill have proposed and agreed To give 10
shosa claims the dignity and standing which
N.far,,ca to "a high court of arbitration inn
i;on Trom the moment an arbitration was
aaraed mon neither party was at liberty to
d;sreesrd the contentious OF the other.
II met be assured that the sincere purpose
&c tho two Governments was 10 promote
naace and good will, but II, pending tue arbi
ration. either deals with tho subject OF II
snIelv nnon the basis OF its own contention
and in utter disregard Oh the claims OF the
"shsr this friendly end is not only not at
tainad but new sense of injury and injustice
~ aSded eyen If it should be found possible
10 nroceed with an arbitration under such
oon5itions. For it must not be forgotten that
II Her Naiesty's Government proceeds during
tb;s sealing season upon the basis OF
this contention as TO the rights OF
Tia Canadian sealers. no choice
is left TO this Government but to proceed
unon tho basis of its confident contention
that pelaeio sealing In tho Behring sea IS an
infraetion OF its jurisdiction and property.
His Lordship will hardly fail 10 see this.
Herein in tho opinion OF the President. con,
sists the gravity Of the present situation. ava