St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1892-03-09
FOR A MODUs VIVENDI.
Harrison and His Cabinet to In.
sist on a Renewal.


Harrison and His Cabinet to In
sist on Renewal.
WASHINGTON, March 8.-The cabinet
meeting today was of a most important
character, Notwithstanding the absence
of Secretaries Blaine, Foster and Noble.
The entire session of two hours was de-
voted to the consideration of the Beh-
ring sea question in general, and to
Lord Salisbury's last communication III
opposition to renewal of the mOdus
vivendi of last year in particular. The
president and every member of the cab
met present participated in the discus
sion, and the opinion was unanimous
that the position assumed by the British
government was untenable and not JUS
tilted by the condition of the sealing IN
duStry.
The argument was made that the
opening of Behring sea for the present
season to the indiScriminate slaughter
of seals by poacherS would undOubted
ly result in serious injury, if not total
destruction Of the industry, and thus
defeat the very object sought in the ne
gotiationS between the two countries.
1t was therefore decided to insist on a
modus vlvendi somewhat similar to that
of last year, having for its object that
protection of the seal fisheries by the
Joint action of Great Britain and the
United States, pending the settlement
of the questions at issue by arbitration
Another question considered was in
regard to the transmission to the senate
of copies Of the correspondence on this
question that has taken place since
Jan. 5, 1891, the date of the last pub
liShed volume, in order to aid that body
in its consideration of the treaty of
arbitration transmitted to it by the
president today. While the general
opinion was favorable to this course, it
was concluded to leave the question
open for few days.
This correspondence would naturally
include the last communication re-
ceiyed from Lord Salisbury respecting
the question of a mOdus vlvendi for the
coming season. and its transmission to
the senate may be delayed in order that
it may include also the response to
Lord Salisbury. which is to be made in
accordance with the action of the cab
met today.
Inasmuch as Sir Julian Pauncefote,
the British minister, had conference
with Mr.. Wharton, who is acting secre-
tary of state. late this afternoon, it is
inferred that he was appraised of the
presidents earnest desire for an agree
ment between the two countries re-
specting the present sealing season that
will preserve the status quo of the fish
cries until the main questions can be
arbitrated. This government is de-
sir0us of reaching prompt agreement
in regard to the fisheries in erder that
it may be officially promulgated in adj
vance of the departure of the sealing
fleets now fitting out in this country
and Canada.
1t is learned late tonight that Acting
Secretary Wharton delivered to the
British minister this afternoon the re-
ply of this government to Lord Sails
bury's note declining to renew the mo-
dus vivendi This reply reiterates the
position of this government. and insists
on renewal of the moduS vivedi of
1891 for the coming season. 1t is under
stood that Sir Julian Pauncefote cabled
the entire text of the note to Lord Sails
bury this evening.
Should Lord Salisbury persist in his
refusal to join in modus yiYendi, after
receiving the reply to his recent note,
sent today, it is probable the president
will notify him that the laws of the
United States against Illegal sealing
will be enforced against all vessels Of
Tending, and the usual proclamation
warning poaehers off the sealing waters
will be issued. The programme, how
ever, will depend largely upon deVel-
opponents from time to time. They may
be such as are entirely unforeseen at