The herald., 1894-03-23
STATE OF BERING SEA AFFAIRS.
John Bull Not Acting in Good
Faith.
Gresham Before the House Foreign
Committee.
Bill to Put the Findings of the Arbi-
tratIOn COURT Into Effeot-Do-
ings in Congrsss-Wash-
ington Notes.

BY the Associated Press.
WAsHINaToN March o. Secretary
Gresham was before the house commit
tee on foreign affairs today concerning
the status of Bering sea affairs. There
were brought out important develop
ments as to the manner in which her
maiesty's government was active in the
award OF the Bering sea court of arbi-
tration. The strictest injunction was
put on members OF the committee to
refrain from discussing the secretary's
statement.
Later in the day, on Mr.. Greshsm's
return to the state department, the gen.
eral points in the hearing were made
known. Secretary Gresham explained
the situation fully.
1t appears that by the terms OF the
treaty Of arbitration both the United
States and Great Britain bound them
selves TO abide by the decision OF the
court OF arbitration. 1t has been con-
tended that this court WAS 30 binding
that no court of law or parliament WAS
needed to carry out the decree ot the
court.
D0uhJUI OuO Vi bno bAOlblh-
tors, has taken the ground that the de-
cision in itself was part OF the organic
law OF both countries, based on the
original treaty, which has the same bind
ing effect es state law. Secretary
Gresham deemed it wise, however, to
have congress pass a law carrying out
the COURTS decision, and the measure
was drafted and submitted to congress,
but the secretary expressed surprise that
Great Britain has yet presented no such
legislation, SO Tar as was officially
known.
There have been unofficial state
ments, however, in California and else-
where, as to the proposed bill to be pre-
sented to parliament. These disclose
that the proposed British legislation
falls considerably short OF executing
Great Britain's part in the award. 1t is
pointed out that the proposed British
bill gives British naval officers deere
ton in executing the restrictive regula-
tiona, whereas the court made these
regulations imperative. The peculiari-
ties OF the British measure are also said
to be short OF the recommendations Of
the court OF arbitration. Secretary
Gresham expressed no grave concern
over the condition. On the contrary, it
was believed that in due time both
governments would arrive at an under
standing.
The house committee took no action
on the bill as submitted by the state
department to execute this country's
part in the arbitration decree. There
appears no objection to the bill. and it
can be readily reported at any time.
The intimation is made that in the
meantime Ambassador Bayard will
further communicate with her majesty's
government with view to having
British legislation to more fully execute
it's part of the decree.
Secretary Gresham's appearance be.
fore the committee was the occasion for
the exchange of numerous courtesies
and pleRssntries. He came prepared to
answer questions, even on Hawaii. There
was no reference, however, to Hawaiian
affairs.
Representatives Storer and Geary
asked the secretary number Of ques-
tions on the British position, and the
Bering sea question in general.