The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-03-25

he is not willing TO be found in any degree re-
sponsIble for the results that may loi1o" tne
insIstence by either Government during TINS
season upon the extreme rights claimed by 1t.
In his opinion il would discredit in the eyes
OF the world the two great Governments
involved if the paltry profits ot single sea
son should be allowed TO thwart or even as
turb the honorable and friendly adjustment
Of their differences, which is SO nearly con-
cluded, but if His Lordship shall adhere 10
his refusal TO unite with us IN prompt anu
elective measures to stop pelagic sealing and
shall insist upon free sealing for British sub
ects. the question a 1t affects this Govern
ment is no longer one of pecunlary loss or
gain. but one OF honor and self-respect.
This Government. Notwithstanding the fact
that its right 10 take seals upon the friOylO1
islands is undisputed and wholly uninvolved
in the arbitration. has proposed to take no
profit from the island catch. but to limit the
taking of seals to the necessities OF the ma
tives of these islands, and 1t cannot consent
that, with indemnity or without..the contest
ed right of British subjects TO catch seals IN
Behring sea shall be exercised pending the ar
bitration. The President finds IL difficult
to believe that Lord Salisbury Is serious
in proposing that this Government shall taAe
separate bonds from the owners OF about one
hundred Canadian sealing vessels TO lndem-
Nifty il for the injury they may seyerally IN,
must decline to discuss a suggestion which
only his respect for Lord Salisbury and hls
belief that His Lordship has due apprecia-
ton of the gravity of this discussion enable
him to treat with seriousness.
We should doubtless have to pursue and
capture upon the sea many of the owners OF
those vessels TO secure the bonds suggested.
and as the condition is 10 be that the obll-
gors shall pay any damages which the arbitra-
tors may adjudgc while the treaty gives the
arbitrdtors no power TO adJndge any damages
the transaction would be without risk to the
obligtors and of no value to US.
This Government cannot consent to have
what 1t believes to be its rights destroyed or
impaired pending their determination by an
agreed tribunal. however adequate the Sc
curity offered. The reference in my last note
to the inconsistency of Her Malesty's Govern
ment in denying responsibility for the acts
Of the Canadian sealers was not intended 10
suggest willingness on our part under any
circumstances to see our property converted
into claim for damages, and particularly
as such a claim cannot now be heard or de-
termined bv the arbiiratOrs without refOr-
nation of the treaty, for His lordship must
remember that while he now offers what he
mistakenly calls security Tor SATISFYING any
damages which the arbtrgtOrs may adJudge.
he has already carried his point IN the treaty
that the arbtrators shall have no jurisdiction
10 award any damages.
AS TO His Lordships suggestion that Cana-
dian sealers may have some claim Tor COM
pensatlon If Great Britain shall restrain
pelagic sealing the President directs me 10
saw that he is not able TO see how the citizens
or subjects OF any of the treaty powers can,
bv any rule of law or equity, support any
claim against their respective governments
growing out of such necessary trade restraints
as the governments may lawfully impose 70
promote the larger considerations or pubAc
good and international peace.
The suggestion that the conclusions OF the
board Of abitratlon may not be reached and
announced in time TO govern the conduct OF
the parties during the season or 1873 IS,
think fully provided against by the treaty IT,
self
His Iordship is mistaken as to the time that
has lapsed since the signing OK the Delagoa
Bav agreement with Portugal. Ii Is not Iour
years old but less than one, the date OF sign
ing being June l3. 1891
If the present treaty is promptly ratified
and exchanged our mutual interests would DC
an ample guaranty against delay. The Presl-
dent had found no obstacle IN the way or
such a consumma;On. except the belief. now
unfortunately very prevalent here. that the
refusal of Great Britain to agree TO the preser
yation of the status quo Of the property dur
ING the arbitration, and her insistence that
pelagic sealing shall 60 on 10 the INJURY. II
not destruction. of our rights, largely defeats
the objects of the treaty.
The President directs me to saw In con-
clusion that the modus of last year IS the
least that this Government can accept. In
reason. the restraints after a treaty OF aroi-
traton should be more absolute, not less.
He does not desire 10 protrsct this discussion
and having now in the most friendly spirit
submitted the considerations which support
the lust demand of this Government that
tho property which is the subject of an
agreed arbitration shall not be subjected to
spoilaton pending the arbitration. he ex-
presses the hope that Lord Salisbury will
give prompt and friendly assent to renew
the modus.
The President will hear with regret that
Her Maiesty's Government continues TO as
sert right 10 deal with this subject pre-
cisely as II no provision had been made for a
settlement OF the dispute: and III that event
this Government. as has already been pointed
out. will be compelled to deal with the sub
iect upon the same basis and 10 use every
means in its power to protect from destruction
or seriously injure property and iurisdictlonal
rights which il has long claimed and enloyed.
/ have the honor to be with the highest
consideration, sir, your obedient servant.
lSignedl WILLIAM r. NHAhIoN,
Acting Secretary.
TIE SENATE sUsTLINs HARRISON.
ul,o carota in aYpcntive session this after