The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-08-20

OF the treaty boundary limo where that me-
ridisn strikes IL.
| Violations OF the law In pelagio sealing,
therefore. may begin not only two months
earlier than while Behring Sea included the
only forbidden waters. but nearly as far
south os Santa Barbara, on the coast OF
California. thence extending over vast
area to the west and north.
In Behrlng sea itself the whole area east
OF the lsoth meridian and OF the treaty
boundary line Is subject to violations OF the
law up to July 81. or during an important
period OF three weeks or more after the
herd has entered that sea. MS we'll as before
Its entry. Then throughout the year, but
practically from early In July until late in
October. circle OF sixty miles radius
around the islands is to be guarded With
the extent Of this area. and the great
prevalence OF fogs, 1t may be understood
how difiicnlt thorough patrol Of the zone
will be. When the prohibition. as under the
present modus Vipendi. included all the
eastern part of the sea, tho passes could be
watched, and q sealer following the herd
through these passes or lying in wait for 1t
beyond, was In great danger OF being over
hauled by cruiser. But now. after the
slst OF July. the sealers may lawfully enter
Behring Sea and maintain Gordon around
the islands, sixty miles distant therefrom.
AS an Offset. we have the British Govern
ment as we'll as our own now solemnly
engaged to forbid its citizens to violate the
new regulations. It Is admitted that most
or oil Of the Victoria sealers have strictly
obeyed. this year, the British orders in
council forbidding them to enter Behring
Sea. go that most OF them may also be ex-
peoted In like manner to obey the new or
ders. under the decision Of the tribunal.
Indeed. II the Dominion comments on that
decision are correct. 1t will nearly or quite
ruin lawful pelagio scaling by making 1t
Improbable during so short season. Be-
sides. British cruisers. to preserve respect |
for their own laws. may aid ours in the |
police duty. Just rs this very year, up to the |
latter part Of June, the war ships Garnet |
and Nymphe boarded and warned no fewer |
than seventeen sealers. two OF which were |
American. II so active in patrol work under |
the modus uiuendi. they may be equally |
useful under the new regulations.
But. after all, the bulk Of this work must |
come upon our own vessels: and the Govern
ment. whatever the aid rendered by Great |
Britain, will naturally depend on its own
resources for guarding tho valuable inter-
ests of the Pribylov Islands. There con be
no doubt that poachers will abound; while
as to sealers sailing under other flags than
the British and the American. We are worse
OF than ever. and shall continue to be worse
or. unless other countries accept the new
regulations.
Congress. therefore. should recognize
and provide for the difficulties OF patrol
duty by promptly authorizing new revenue
cutters. For several years the revenue
marine has had to call on the navy for aid,
and the latter has taken charge Of tho
Behring Soa police work. sending to its per-
vessels that were needed else
where. Thus We have seen this year the
Petrol taken from the Aslatic station. whore
she was wanted for current service, and the
Mohican and Ranger from the Pacific Sta
ion. where there were great and stimuli
aneous demands for vessels at Apia, Corin-
%. and Callao. With the task Of the future
low well defined. there should be no lack o:
appliances for thoroughly performing it.