Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-11-17
DERING SEA CONTROVERSY.
Justice Harlan's Address Before tn
Church Of the Covenant Mems Society

Justice Hnrlan's Address Before the
Church of the Covenant Mems Society.
An extremely interesting and entertain-
ing talk on the Boring sea question was
given last evening by Mr.. Justice Harlan
at the meeting of the Mems Society Of the
Church Of the Covenant, which was held
in the chapel Of the church. 1t was the
first meeting Of the fall Of this society,
which Is composed exclusively Of men who
are connected with the congregation Of the
church. and there was large attendance
not only Of the members, but Of number
Of prominent men who came as invited
guests. A brief business meeting was held
by the president Of the society, Mr.. VIM. e.
Curtis. At the close the members Joined
their guests in the chapel
The speaker of the, evening was intro
duced by President Curtis with few
pleasant predatory remarks. A large map
which was suspended from the wall at the
back of the platform showed the location
OF the seal islands and their relations to
the land which surrounds Boring sea- At
the outset Mr.. Justice Harlan, who. as Is
well known, was one Of the arbtrators
representing the United States in the re-
cent Boring sea commission, gave a con-
else history of the Jurisdiction exercised
over the islands by RusSia and their &C.
Qu1sltion by the United States. His ac-
count of the habits Of the seal was not
only entertaining, but was replete with
valuable information
lie outlined the arguments supporting the
contention of the American arbitrator
that the seals were property. This conten-
tion the speaker regretted to say, was not
supported by majority of the commits
sion.. The speaker also thought it was a
mistake that pelagic sealing was not en-
tirely prohibited, as the American arbitra-
IL ,ul,f hnU hot
under the circumstances this country had
gained much In securing q closed season
and an area about the seal islands where
sealers could not pursue their avocation.
The Years Catch.
He said that he had seen In the papers
statements to the effect that the catch Of
the sealers was greater this year than last
year He did not believe, II this fact was
as stated, that the seals were taken from
the herd belonging to the Boring sea ISL
ands, but were probably from the herd that
has its headquarters off the japanese coast.
He referred to the feeling in the air at
Paris that the people of the United States
were not deeply interested in their rights
In the 'Bering sea, which he attributed
largely TO statements In some American
newspapers. On the other hand the Brit
ish arbitrator had the undivided support
of the people and the press of England.
He spoke OF the appointment of the tri-
puie'i as sreaL step IN advance ana as
an indication that the two great English
speaking ratiCns were willing to submit
their interests by an appeal to reason rath-
err than to force.
The great interest which was manifested
by the audience In the address by Justice
Harlan was indicated in some degree by
the hearty applause There was a tenor
sclo by the precentor Oh the church, Mr.
Pearman and then those present were in
vited to partake of refreshments. Capt G.
J. Ffebeger. who is chairman CT the social
committee having charge of the arrange
ments for these meetings was. to the re-
greet Of all, unable to be present, owing to
a recent death in his family. Among those
present were Assistant Secretary Hamlin
Mr. Eckels. the controller Of the currency
Col. John NJ. Wilson and Gen. Flagler.
Good Musfc and a. ENah Nina