The state chronicle. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1891-1893, 1892-03-26
TALKING OF WAR.
The Behring Sea Matter Subject of Much
Discussion at the CAPITAL.

WASHINGTON March 20 The |,
sole subject of talk in official circles
i the danger of war with England.
Few believe that war will result, but
all see the danger of it and look for
England 70 recede from the position
she has taken to avert it, as they re
gard tha, position utterly untenable.
The prevailing opinion seems to be
that war is preferable to the United
States retiring from the position she
has taken. In reaching the conclusion
that England will not fight, it
is taken into consideration that
even to succeed in the war, to
gain control of the seal fisheries, and
TO establish her contention respecting
the Brhring sea, would not compensate
her in any degree for the untold mil
lions she would lose in damage to her
commerce on the seas, the confscatiOn
Of her subjects property in the United
States, and the hundred other channels
that would lead TO financial disaster,
aside from the enormous expense of
the war itself. The idea is always ad
yanced that with Ireland in a
turbulent state, and Russia awaiting
herself of an opportunity to
pouncc on India and acquire that
country, England would have her
hands full both at home and abroad,
and, even it successful, could not but
come out of the wars with her power
shorn and her credit well-nigh gone
These reasons are advanced by think.
ing men here as likely to form such a
public opinion as 10 overturn Lord
Salisbury rather than permit him to
90 TO war with the United States. No
fears are expressed on either side as to
the ultimate outcome should war be
declared, but at the same time while
not expecting it the United States will
not be wholly unprepared should it
come. Aside from the activity which wa:
displayed by the navy in anticipation o
trouble with Chile, officials Of thu
army are beginning to bestir them
selves, not in actual war preparations
but in acquainting themselves will
the strength of The enemy. In even
Of war, Canada would doubtless be at
tackled and overrun immediately. Th
official reports of the Canadian govern
ment show that they have in the militi
$4,000 men. On the muster rolls {
the United States there are 10000
militia The United States army
$4,000 strong and formidable fore
il now on the Canadian border.
Aside from this formidable fore
which could be thrown into Canada
at these several points, al few hour
notice, strong bodies Of United State
troops are stationed along the Can'
dian border at Foris Buford, Spokan
Sherman and a -sinahoine. These fac
werevery generally discussed at the W.
department to-day and created son
little enthusiasm and the old veteran
of the last war shifted battle fro
afar. 4 small but significant ord
was issued from the Treasury dtpar
ment this afternoon transferriI
Lieutenant John +. Reinburg from Il
Coifdr to the Rush. Roth are reven,
cutters, the former at Wilmingto
y. c., and the latter at San Francisc
II shows that all vacancies on the re
enue cutters are being filled, in anti
patton Of being called into active ST
vice.
The officials at the State depa
ment charged with the duty Of preps
ing the case Of the United States
troyersy were busily engaged. Gen.
W. Foster is in almost constant &C
ference with Mr. Frank Psrtrid
the solicitor Of the department. and n
}. Stanley Brown, who visited the S,
island last year as special agent Of
government, and Mr.. Ivan Petr,
who was special census agent in Al
ka, have joined Profs. Mendenhall a
Merriam, the Behring sea commissi,
ers, in aiding Gen. Foster in prep
ing and arranging the data u{
which this government will pres
and rest its case This will incll
the formal report Of Profs. Mend
hall and Merriam, which is no,
fully completed, and vast deal
evidence and information collected
them and Brown and Petr
The cabinet meeting to-day
not exciting; hardly interest
in a news sense. There was moth
to do in the Behring sea matter an
was discussed only informally. III
was no truth in the rumor, which fo
circulation during the afternoon.
Lord Salisbury had replied to
Presidents note of the 22d, the las
the correspondence recently publis
"Much has been said about Lord
isbury's notification to the Presto
that he would not renew the exis
mod,S virendi, respecting sealin!
the Behring sea-" said promil
official to day. at has been note
~ -. r II IT