Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1893-08-16
HISTORY OF THE DISPUTE
United States Claims Based ON the
Treaty and Transfer From Russia.


WasHISGroN. Aug. l5.-Shortly after
the Aieutian islands were transferred 10
the United States the question Of the
rights Of foreign vessels TO take seals In
the adjacent waters, came up and was
the subject OF some little diplomatic COR
respondence. Ii wus not, however, until
1ss5 that the matter assumed a serious
phase. Reports were made that the
number Of seals were rapidly diminish
ing. and this largely on account OF the
destruction occasioned by vessels lying
outside Of the three mile limit and shoot
ing the female seals as they swan.
heavy with young. from the Pribyloff
islands to the other groups. The claim
OF the United States. stated briefly. was
twofold: First. that the Russian gov
ernment had asserted a right TO
the exclusive control Of the seal fisher
les in Bering sea and that this right had
been acknowledged by England; and
secondly. that from the nature Of the
case the seals should be protected while
moving from one part OF the American
territory to another. Mr. Blaine, in his
correspondence with the British govern
mtnt. expressly disavowed any intention
Of claiming that Bering sea was a marc
clausum. except as regarded seals. In
the spring Of $50 a rough draft Of
treaty was made and accepted by the
foreign Offices of both countries. proyid-
ing for arbitration. Reports we're pre-
sented on behalf Of the United States.
claiming that unless pelagic sealing was
stopped that there would be nothing to
arbitrate. and accordingly in 1sS0 the
modus vivendi was agreed 10. This was
o. last for year and by its terms Cana
dian scalers were prohibited from killing
seals. while the United States agreed to
prohibit the taking of more than seven
thousand live hundred seals on the
islanda
Tho claim OF the British government
was that Bering sea Is not mare clau-
sum. but part Il the Pacific ocean. on
which no regulations save those pres
cribed by maritime law should prevail
outside the three mile limit
When the United States purchased
Alaska she - course became possessed
u all lsussia's rights. whatever they
we're. but with this difference: That
whereas Russia controlled both coasts
the United States has but one the
Alaskan.
In iS1U the government leased 10 the
Alaska Commercial company the exclu-
sive right Tor twenty years to take fur
seals on the islands - ST. Paul and St.
George and in the adjacent waters. The
contract. which was very profitable 10
both lessor and lensce. vas renewed in
iso0
The matter stood thus when the
famous Black Dlarlond and other seiz.
ures took place. Owing probably to an
oversight Ar Blaine. Ia the opening cor.
respondents following the seizures.
ciaimsd Bering SEA ~ a mere clausum.
hut be simost imme hateiy receded from
th1s position and proposed arbitration
to settle once for al the right ~ Ell ma
tions 10 thaee waters The question og
territorial rights reiatcf back % the ne
gotiafions between the United States
ard Rfssia q is23 and to a treaty ne-
gofiste,f tefveeu Great Britain and
kussia IL lsEi in the latter he phrase
~faeifis ccear wasusesi. A rhrasc which
u now appears was no, clearly defined
The question. hoeever. eas cumpli-
/. Gated ~ the Threatened extinction of
the apais. ard Il became necessary 20
adopt immediate measures % @top the
wholesale slaughter. Il vss further
complicated ~ a claim act up by our
government that there Vas a property
right " The s"sis which propagated oa
the asisnds belonging T. tie United
States ard that therefore. Cana0ian
ralers should rot - permitted 81 kiil
such Hsals ia tbe open sea. The claim
- nof loo<ed upon with favor IS isrisfs
and MSS strenaousiy cOnfeste3 IS Lord
Salisbury
tInFi = hrai treaty could Be na0o-
siafr.h snsl - protect The rights - h,ssh
a iaa The gassios viverli = January l1
feaf re< r~esitin - Thiz was an
.es~ar>.eof hetNeea Ere ssd aFi the
tasesi states - iia.f tte eaten P1nii
,re fhs, ,irss- r - fte artiffsfars.
Reries fatives harrres ant Wea
3,~k sre ezpsrisa - speak ca iac re-