The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-05-13
ACRIMONIOUS DEBATES.
FURTHER SHARP ARG UMENT IN
THE BEHRING SEA COURT.
with Sir Charles RusselI's speech Began
Bad Feeling Between the Americans
and the Britons.

PARIS. Nav 12.-Sir Charles Russell
continued his address in behalt ot the
British in the case before the Behrlhs
Sea Tribunal Of Arbitration to-day SIR
Charles discussed the rights oil hussia
I'm the Behring sea under the treaties
between Russia and the united S'ales
and between Russia and Great Britain.
Sir Charles contended that the treaties
I'm question recognized merely territorial
rights Sir Charles then went INTO an
ANALYSIS OF the American statutes re-
lating TO the Behring sea, ana argued
that the statutes in question We're terri
torial I'm their character, and not alpu-
cable TO foreigners
Sir Charles Russell referred 10 the
forged interpretations In the American
case as originally presented ana argued
that when the forgeries were extracted
from the case nothing remained or 'ne
rights claimed to have been derived from
Russia.
American Agent John w. Foster eN-
plained that the contents OF the documents
were unknown until the Americans case
was prepared. As soon as the forgery
was discovered the documents were with
drawn.
Sir Charles Russell replied that while the
documents had been withdraw the
formal case depending on the documents
had not been materially changed.
Mr. Phelps. of the American counsel.
rptorted that the American case had
been restated i'm the counter case.
The discussion was of an acrid charac-
ter. the proceedings since Sir Charles
Russell began having been characterized
by more heat and temper than at any time
since the opening Of the tribunal.
The incident yesterday, which seemed
to threaten the success Of the arbitration,
was based upon a difference Of opinion
between the American and British repre-
sentatiyes as 10 the liability Of the Uni
ted States for seizures made I'm Behring
sea, I'm the event OF decision against
the United States on the question Of
jurisdiction. The heat exhibited by Lord
Hannen. one of the British arbtrators.
Is considered an indication that Great
Britain anticipates a favorable decision
on the issue Of jurisdiction, and is anxious
TO mulct the United States as heavily as
possible i'm pecuniary way.
IL was Sir Charles Russell who brought
ont. through an allusion I'm his arguments,
this purpose OF the British. Sir Charles
referred 10 the powers Of the tribunal of
arbitration I'm regard 10 causing 10 be
through the assertion by either Great
Britain or the United States OF alleged
rights declared by the tribunal 10 have
no real foundation.
Lord IIanuen asked n the tribunal pro-
noun"ed judgment on the facts NJ the
seizures and should settle the names
and natioualties and also the owle ship
OF the vessels seized, and should at the
same time decide separately on the gen
eral question 10 the effect that the United
States had not the right OF lurisdictl1n
claimed by 81. II would rot nee sssarily
follow that the United States must ac-
cord damages.
American Counsel Phelps replied that
he would give no guarantees in behalf
OF the Government OF the United States
The treaty states that the arbitrttocs
must carefully settle the facts Of the
seizures The further questions of liza
biity and the amount of damages must
De settled by negotiations between the
two governments. The arbitratOrs had
no right 10 hX the liability Personally
Mr. Phelps added. he did not doubt
that IL the question as 10 the right Of
jurisdiction should be decided against the
United States the United States would
accord damages.
Lord Hammer. warmly: Then the whole
arbitration is useless.
Senator Morgan. 10 would be impossible
even for the President of the United
States 20 give guarantees regarding the
result Of future negotiations. as when
such negotiations are completed they must
be confirmed by twO-thirds vote Of
the Senate I'm their favor
This terminated the incident which
evidently left a deep impression on all
concerned in the case. and was followed
to-day by more iuterchanscs Of a some
what acrimonious character.