Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-08-16
THE BERlNG SEA DECISION.
Prof Merriam Discusses the Points Set
tied at Paris
The Question Of the Use Of Firearmi
an Important One-Ths
etxty-Mile Limit.

Prof c. Hart Merriam Of the Agricultural
Department is well posted in regard to
pelagic seal fishing and the Berlny seal
questions generally. Two years ago, in
connection with Mr.. Mendenhall, he repre-
sented this country on joint commission
which was instructed to proceed to the sea-
islands and investigate the alleged destruc-
ton Of these animals, as we'll as other mat
ters relating to the questions then in con-
troversy between Great Britain and this
country.
This report, which was submitted about
year ago, furnished the tribunal with the
basis OF facts in the arbitration just closed.
matters OF common agreement between the
countries. AS might naturally be supposed
Prof. Merriam read with a great deal of
tribunal as printed in yesterdays Star.
This morning, In talking with Star re-
porter, he said that he hesitated to say
very vital point there seemed to be a diff
ference between the report Of the decision
sent by MIR Foster and that which came
shotguns would be allowed, while the other
held that the tribunal had decided that all
firearms should be prohibited in the hunt
He said that it was of little consequence
whether there was a prohibition on the use
or rifles or not, as Sealers had practically
reached the conclusion that 1t did not pay
was that rifles could be used at a longer
range than shotguns and ii frequently hap
pened that before the seals could be rea ed
their bodies had sunk and could not be re-
covered. 1t was necessary to fire at a
shorter range with the shot guns. and OF
course the men could reach their victim In
q briefer time.
Then. too. some Of the shot were liable 70
penetrate the lungs of the animals and,
dying gradually. they would float for a
longer period than IL they had been killed
at once If firearms were prohibited in
peiagic seal fishing then the United States
had gained great advantage. On the op-
posite theory he should say that the de-
cision reached by the tribunal was a COM
promise and that neither country would be
entirely satisfied.
The sixty mile zone was unquestionably
or great value as IL comprised the best
nsh1ng grounds. but 1t would practically
be impossible to police this area owing to
Its large extent and also to the fact that
fogs prevailed there the greater part of the
year. The month Of August. which had
been made an open season, was the best
month In the entire year.
The sealers never remaiacd on the hunt
ing grounds later than the last OF Auglst
portions Of June and July and under she
decision the season was now so mucn re.
stricted that possibly some OF the ssalers
would not think it would pay to nit out for
so short time
The recommendation made by the tribu.
nal that both countries should unite in pro-
hfbitfnS all sealing for a period OF years
was an excellent one in the opinion Of Mr.
Merriam, but he did not think il likely
that IT would be carried out If It was
business Of sealing would be Obliged tc
abandon 1t, and this industry which is now
at its height: would have a check which 1,
would probably not recover from.