The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-08-19

The original lease Of the seal privi-
leges Of the Pribylon Islands with the
Alaska Commercial Company ran for
twenty years from May, 1870. and during
that period it is estimated that the
United States received from the lessees
in rent, bonus, etc, at least slO,OOOOJ,
representing an estimated total catch
of 1000 900 seal skins. The revenues under
the existing contract have been very
much less I'm consequence OF the re-
duced limit of the catch. 1t is estimated
that the North American Commercial
Company, the present contractors. have
secured less than 5000 skins. all told,
during the three years OF their lease.
Their catch is estimated at 2O0OO skins
for 1890. 1900 for 1891, and 1900 each
for 1892 and 1893. Il seems now that the
government is going 10 exact fun rental
OF $4,000 a year from May, 1880, the date
Of the present contract TO last twenty
years.
Unofficial advices received at the Treas
ury Department indicate that the seal
catch OF the present season is unusually
large. The catch was principally along
the japanese cOas, OF the Arctic Ocean.
Reports from eighteen American vessels
show total catch OF lS,i6o skins; from
twenty-one British vessels a total catch
OF 2.6i5 skins; one Hawaiian steamer
300 skins. and one japanese vessel 2,2Zl,
making a total OF 49032 skins.
The main interest in the decision now
centres in the question OF damages. In
accordance with article OF the con-
ventiOn for the renewal Of the moduS
viyendi the arbitration tribunal must de-
eide how much compensation is due
Great Britain from the United States,
10 be used for British subjects for abb
staining from the exercise OF the right
to take seals In Bering Sea during the
pendency OF the arbitration.
IL Is understood that the commissioners
OF arbitration have already passed on the
subject, but their report has not been
made public. SO much Is definitely set
tied with regard to the damages this Gov
ernment will be obliged to pay. and they
must be paid promptly by agreement in
the treaty renewing the modus yiyendi.
But the main question Of damages for
seizures made is not in so dehuable and
settled a condition. There is no provision
for allowing damages 10 persons VINO
have been injured through the unlawful
seizure OF sealing vessels, and II Is stated
at the Department OF State that the mat
er must take the course usually followed
I'm diplomacy Claims against the United
States, either individual or in bulk, VIII
be fled by the owners or vessels selzeu-
Then the United States will enter into cor
respcndence with the Government Of Great
Britain with reference TO their settle
ment II II is seen that settlement as
10 the Justice OF the claims made and the
conDensation 10 be made can be reached
the matter will proceed through the ordi-
nary diplomatic channels. Failing 10
come 10 some basis for settlement with
out resort TO arbitration the two Govern
ments will agree 10 leave the question TO
the judgment OF an unprejudiced tribunal,
and to this end a claims commission WIN
be appointed.
A prominent lawyer OF this city. who has
made special study OF the Bering sea
question. made the following statement
TO a reporter to-day In regard TO the re-
suit OF the arbitration proceedings:
tTo begin with, the English won ana