The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-07-10

preparations WeTO Iuuuo III tcho"ihe
tho slaughter there. A notice was pub
lshed long ago thatnegotiations with Rus
STA wero pending. and that all vessels clear
ing from ports OF British Columbia for seal
hunting near Russian domains would be
held responsible for ascertaining the out
come OF the negotiations. 1t Is we'll
known fact that In years past British and
American schooners have raided the Rus
sian rookerles. Year before last, on one oc-
casion, nine schooners. 1t was said. united
in landing about forty boats. which slaugh-
tered the seals on the Commander Islands;
and on renewing their exploits the follow
ing day they were fired upon by the Rus
sian guards. In recent examination by q
Russian Commission OF last years seizures,
IL was found that most OF tho captures had
been OF vessels accused Of having hunted
within three miles OF Russian territory. 1t
Ia therefore evident that a prohibition COW
ering thirty miles must be Of great use In
preserving seal life.
1t must be admitted that Russia has rot
thus far done much to support the Ameri-
can case at Paris. II tho London report OF
the findings Of the Russian Commission Is
correct. the seizure Of four OF the British
ground that they had been sealing within
league from the shore. while In regard to
two others. the Ariel and tho Willie Nc
Gowan. which were captured long dis
tance away. Russia comedies that they may
havo claims for indemnity. Our Govern
ment might we'll ask. "Call you that back
ing OF your friends ?"
But Russia from the first seems to have
been less concerned than our Government
with the question of tho protection Of seal
life. and to have been anxious chiefly about
the bold raidings upon her undisputed juris-
diction. Possibly she may not yet have ex-
perlonced losses from pelagic sealing like
those that have threatened to ruin the
Pribylov Islands. it being only Of late that
she has been much troubled by poachers.
Or. she may be content to let America fight
out the general question at Paris. proflting
by any gain that may be made In the de-
cson there in behalf of owners OF seal
islands. while avoiding any chagrin or loss
OF prestige from IN adverse decision. We
need not infer that she Is more amicably
disposed than formerly to Great Britain.
but that il she has quarrel to pick with
her, 1t is to be on subject involving some
thing more valuable. She might go to war
about Afghanistan or Bulgaria. and yet not
about the seal herds.
Nevertheless. this amicable agreement
upon q thirty-mile zone does have q certain
promise for the practical protection Of seal
life. The distance Is noteworthy. as being
that which Lord SALISBURY proposed last
year for the Pribylov Islands. and exceed
ing that which has been proposed by the
British counsel at Paris during the present
hearings. Year before last Mr.. BLAINE had
suggested sixty miles Us a proper radius.
under certain conditions. All that is q ques-
ton OF detail, depending upon the actual
habits OF the seals. 1t may be that Russia
was the moro easily satisfied. from not hav-
ing made claims as extensive as our own In
regard to what is required for the effective
protection Of the seals. Having been
mainly anxious to prevent British and
American schooners from providing around
her islands and shores. and actually land
ing upon them and dragging Off the seals.
she is perhaps quite delighted at procuring
protective zone Of SO great width.
We are not to expect that the arrange
ment thus effected will wholly prevent
pelagic sealing on the Russian side Of Beh-
ring Sea this year. Probably many Of the
Victoria vessels got away for the seasons
cruise before receiving notice Of the pend
ing Anglo-Russian agreement. Some OF
them, therefore, will perhaps receive their
first knowledge Of the British Order In Coun-
Gil from the Russian cruisers. But tho gen.
eral effect must be to diminish the slaugh-
ter of the Arctic seal herds, and that is q
gain for American policy.