Smyrna times., 1893-08-23
A Satisfactory Arbitration.

The Behring Sea decision has been
received with satisfaction on both
sides of the Atlantic. This is an IN.
erring indication that the arbitration
has been a drawn game, in which each
contestant has practically won the
case. The main issue with Great Bri-
Tain as a maratime Power was the free
dom OF large bodies of water. The ar
oltratOrs have ruled against the princi.
pie OF exclusive Jurisdiction, whether
grounded upon the Russian cession or
property rights in Il seal herd whose
breeding places were American shin
giles of beach England secures her
main contention, and her counsel have
the satisfaction of knowing that they
MADE out their case. The United
States, on the other hand, have OBJ
taIned theirchief objective point in the
protection of the herd which was men.
aced with destruction. They were not
successful in obtaining a decision in
their favor on the abstract questions of
jurisdiction or property rights involved
In Article vi. But they have secured
substantial victory in the regulations
which are established for the preser.
walton of the seal.
Mr.. Phelps remarks that regulat,ons
similar to those now imposed bv the
authority of the tribunal were all that
the United States originally asked for
and were the basis of settlement of the
controversy when Mr.. Bayard was
Secretary of State. That settlement
was upset by the opposition Of Canada
whose sealers demanded the privilege
OF destroying the herd in the North
Pacific and Behring Sea, Just as the
fur seal had been extirminated in
southern waters in the last century
Protracted negotiations and a costly
arbitration involving bills for damages
Tor the seizure of Canadian sealers
have followed ; and in the end an ar
rangement, which might have been
made i've years ago except for the in
tervention of Canada, has been ordered
While time and money would have
been saved if Great Britain had not
been duped by Canadian sophistries
and opportunities, the arbitration with
It's diplomatic overtures has served a
useful purpose. 1t has provided
broader and more satisfactory regula-
tions for the protection of the seal
than could have been arranged by the
concurrent action ofGreat Britain and
the United States, with Canada as a
self-interested and officious marriott.
Arrangements made under such condi-
lions would have been temporary, and
would have required constant revision.
Inc regulations sanctioned by an inter
national tribunal from whose decision
there can be no appeal provide a final
and equitable settlement of the con-
troversy.
The moral effect OF international ar.
oltration must not be overlooked. It
IS a distinct gain for civilization to
nave matters at issue between great
nations submitted to a court of this
nigh character. 1t is an object lesson
for Europe, with its circle of military
camps and its impoverished popula.
ton staggering under the burdens of
war taxation in time of profound
peace. England and the United States
can well afford to pay the costs of an
arbitration which exerts a beneficial
educational effect in promoting the
ends Of peace and good will among
nations. Ifthe results of the arbitra-
tration are equally satisfactory to
England and the United States. the
object lesson is the more valuable for
the humane ends of civilization. The
world now knows that it is practicable
Tor two nations to submit their claims
and grievances to an international
court and to obtain a decision which
will be mutually satisfactory. 1t is a
practical lesson in the higher arts of
civilized progress.
Great Britain in reality had as mate
rial an interest in the preservation of
the seal herd as the United States.
The skins are dressed and dyed in
London and other English cities. and
provide occupation for large body of
workers. The extinction of the herd
would have destroyed prosperous
industry there as well as deprived the
people of cold climates of one of the
most useful and valuable furs. Enp.
land loses nothing by the adoption of
sealing regulations which will para.
lyze the operations of Canadian fish.
ermen in the North Pacific. On the
other hand, the United States. in hav.
ing the technical questions decided in
favor of England, lose nothing that is
OF real and permanent value. Ameri.
eau diplomacy is progressive, and is
not interested in the revival of anti
quated ideas of exclusive jurisdiction.
Ii the technicalities had been ruled in
favor of the United States, there might
have been embarrassing precedents and
applications of principles with refer
ence to the North Atlantic fisheries.
AS the case nOw stands tha A,..; |
Government has obtained under most
favorable conditions the precise meas.
ure of protection of the seal herd which
was required, and there are no awk.
ward precedents to embarass the State
Department in future negotiations with
maritime Powers.--N Y. Tri6 une.
Always on Top.
I'll.