The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-03-09
THE BERING SEA DIFFICULTY
Meeting Of the Cabinet to Discuss
the Situation.
4 STRONG ANSWER Sent SALISBURY.
The Senate Considers the Arbitration Treaty-The
Right Of the United States Claimed to De
Beyond Question.
Special to THE MoRSTNs CALL.

WASHINGTON. March g. The Cabinet
meeting to-day was important, notWth-
standing the absence of Secretaries Blaine,
Foster and Noble. The entire session was
devoted to the consideration of the Beriug
Sea question in general The opinion was
unanimous that the position assumed by
the British Government in opposing the re-
newal of the modus viyendi was untenable,
and was not justified by the condition of
the sealing industry. 1t was argued that
the opening of the Bering Sea this season to
the indscriminate slaughter Of the seals by
poachers would undoubtedly result in
serious injury, il not in the total destruc-
tion of the industry, and thus defeat the
very object Of the negotiations. 1t was de-
cided to insist en- the establishment of a
m0dus vivendi somewhat similar TO that Of
last year.
Another question was in regard to the
transmission TO the Senate of copies of the
correspondence on the question since JAN
uary 6, 1891, the date of the last published
volume. to aid that body in its conSdera-
ton of the treaty. While the general opin-
Ion was favorable to this course it was con-
clnded TO leave the matter open for a few
days. The correspondence would naturally
Include the last communication received
from Lord Salisbury respecting the modus
vivendi for the coming season, and its trans
mission may be delayed until it includes
also The response TO Lord Salisbury. This
Government is dasirous of reaching a
prompt agreement in regard to the fisheries
In order that II may be officially pTOmul-
gated IN advance Of the departure of the
sealing fleets.
Discussed by the Senate.
The Senate in executive session this
attPTnnOn 10 in nft,
IN regard to the Berlng Sea. There was
much opposition to it Some of the SeDa-
tors bitterly resented the idea of any treaty,
holding that the right of the United States
to the waters acquired from Russia was
beyond question, and that it would be a
cowardly surrender on the part of this Gov
ernment to submit its rights to the uncer-
tain decision of foreign arbitrators. Atten-
tlOn was also called to the fact that one of
these arbitratorS was q subject of a power
with which our relations were much
strained-Italy. Other Senators appeared
TO believe that the approval of the treaty
would be distinct gain IN the diplomatic
battle, lnasmueh RS 1t committed Great
Britain to the recognition of the fact that
the United States had claim TO the juris-
diction over the waters of the Bering Sea
under the Russian title-a point which she
has heretofore steadily refused to allow.
third group of Senators thought the
treaty should not be approved finally with
out the addition of a clause renewing the
m0dus vivendi. Indeed, there was mani
fest9d general feeling of disappointment
growing out OF the refusal Of the British
Government 10 accede to the reasonable re-
quest Of this Government in that respect
Some Senators to ok the ground that while
the treaty might safely be ratified the Adj
ministrato should be instructed, in the
event OF the continued refusal of the
British Government TO insure the protection
OF the seals during the arbitration proceed
ings, to order the vessels of tie United
States to seize every offending vessel with
out regard to nationality.
After considerable discussion the treaty
was referred to the Committee en- Foreign
Relations.
Reply OF the Government.
II was learned late this evening that Acting
Secretary Wharton delivered to the British
Minister this afternoon the reply of this
Government to Lord Salisbury's note de-
clining to renew the modus viyendi. The
reply relterates the position Of this Govern
ment, and insists on a renewal of the modus
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.
OTTAWA. Ontario. March S.-Minister of
Marine Upper stated to-day that the chief
contention against the renewal Of the modus
viyendi was that it was not necessary for
the preservation of seal life, as held by the
United States. The only danger of exter-