The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-04-01
THE SEAL PATROL FLEET
sr<rrsxES or WAR GATH
xRlno IN sEHRISG SEA.
p..x,.,o,s ar the Bshring See Bill ~ Ap-
proved by the Cabinet Mes''"x-'s''"''
of yesseIs-The British Measure

| tarv Of the Navy has issued all "e@e''"
orders for gathering the seal patrol meet
ord ono vessel. the Mohican, is ALREADY
on tho way from San Francisco to Port
Townsend. Washington. proceeding ieis-
urely and keeping close lookout Tor the
o,,oarance of herds, which are cApecteo
- tho oregon Cast about the present
,,,,e BEFORE the Mohican reaches her
ses,,natia the Yorktown will be follow
,.s9 her on the same mission, and the
| -. wilI depart a week later than the
york,oxvn AS soon as the herds are re-
| ,or,ed the three revenue cutters, Rush,
| i,o~-tn and Bear and the AlbatrosS
v,it, leave San Francisco ard cruise slow
| " northward, protecting the herds from
| nalae1c poachers. The Ranger, now AT
,canulco Mexico, returning from her
Con,ral American duty, Is expected at
o., Francisco not later than April 18TH.
cra w,ll be made ready TO join the old
vessels OF the feet by April 18th. and
the Remington, which has peen hurrylhs
from Europe. and left MonteVideo March
Dist. is under orders to reach San Fran
cisco before May 1st to proceed ten days
later IN cruise with the herds. which by
that time should be off VancouVers IS
land.
Ship. for Guard Driy.
The coast defence armored ship Monte
rev is TO leave San Francisco to-day for
San Diego and Santa Barbara, returning
northward April 18th for duty in Puget
sound. where she will remain all sum-
mer. She will not cruise 10 any extent,
but IS TO be stationed near the northern
boundary of the United States for guard
duty while all the other ships are at
sea The Adams, now at Honolulu. Is
under orders TO meet the other vessels
of the patrol fleet off Vancouver May
1st after taking supplies at Port Town
seed. She will complete the patrol force
along the coast Of nine vessels. IN adj
dition to these ships the Concord and
Petrol. now on the Asiatic station. will
leave Yokohama within ten days and
go directly 10 Unaiaska to assist in pO-
Icing Behring sea when the seals reach
there.
These eleven ships will constitute the
entire American cruising feet, and naval
officials think II will prove thoroughly
efficient. At any rate no other vessels
are available. The Monterey will not be
withdrawn from our own coast. The
Philadelphia Will remain at Honolulu
kunti relieved by the Charleston In June.
THE Marion will leave Yokohama April
10th, stopping for coal at Honolulu and
then proceeding to San Francisco for
extensive repairs which can hardly be
finished before August, when she may
relieve the Adams In Behring sea.
.- The Behring SEA Bill.
The text of the Behring sea bill APP
proved by the Cabinet yesterday has been
obtained. 1t follows the provisions OF the
tribunal of arbitration by prohibiting citi-
Zens of the United States from sealing
within sixty niles OF the seal islands at
any time; II establishes a close season
for citizens of the United States outside
of that zone from May LIST to July 3lst
1t prohibits the use of steam vessels dur
ing the open season. 1t provides that the
master of every sealing vessel shall keep
n record of seals caught; and establishes
the penalty Of perjury for any false state
ment. 1t prohibits the use OF nets. fire.
arms. etc. except shot guns. outside
of Behring sea. United States Indians
sealing in canoes or boats are exempted
from these provisions. The President IS
empowered to regulate. special licenses
and distinctive flags.
The penalties for violation of the act
are fine of not less than $500 and i'm
prisonment not more than six months,
and forfeiture of vessel and cargo. etc.
NlOiduOlS OF tUt law 10 De tHiOIltu
the District Courts Of Alaska, California,
Oregon, or Washington. 1t requires the
President to furnish a sufficient naval
patrol force and makes IL the duty Of
the naval or revenue commander. when
so instructed by the President. 10 seize
all vessels found in prohibited waters, with
all on board, and take them TO the most
convenient port
Ses1nre NJ Vessels
The last section OF the BILL which is
the most important. provides for the
seizure of any vessel and the arrest OF
any citizen OF the United States by the
naval forces OF her Majesty, the Queen
OF Great Britain, But when so seized
and detained they shall be handed over,
as soon as practicable, with any proofs
on board TO any naval or revenue officer
or other authorities OF the United States,
whose courts alone shall have jurisdic-
ton TO try the offence and impose the
penalties for the same. provided, how
ever. that British officers shall arrest
and dSain vessels and persons, as I'm this
section specified only after, by appro-
pirate legislation, Great Britain shall
have authorized officers Of the United
States, duly commissioned and instructed
by the President to that end 10 arrest,
detain, and hand over TO the authorities
Of Great Britain, vessels and subjects OF
that Government offending against any
statutes or regulations of Great Britain,
enacted or made TO enforce the award of