The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-03-23
England Slow in Enforcing the
Arbitrat0rS' Award.
TEN SHIPS FOR THE PATROL.
Admiral Walker TO Be Assigned TO
the Pacific Station.
Mafntsin Quorum During the
Breckanrtdge Trial. Hence Unable
TO Cnseat Republicans

wasHgysrox CfrY, March 2o-Secretarv
Gresham xas before the house committee
on foreign affairs today concerning the
status of Bering sea affairs. There were
brought oct i'm rorrsnt Developments as TO
the manner in which her maies.y's gov
erument was active in the award of the
Besing sea court of arbitration. The
strictest Injunction was put on members
of the committee 10 refrain from discuss
ing the secretary's statement. Later in
the day, however, on Mr.. Gresham re-
turn 10 the state department the general
points in the hearing were made known.
Secretary Greshssn explained the situation
fully.
1t appears that by the terms of the
treaty of arbitration both Great Britain
and the United States bound themselves
to abide by the decision OF the court of ar
biira,ion. 1t has been contended that
this court was so binding that no court OF
law or parliamsnf was needed TO carry
out the decree of the court. Senator Nor
gan. of the arhitrators. has taken the
ground that the decision in itself was part
of the organic law of both countries,
based on the original treaty. which has
the same binding effect as a state Law.
Secretary Gresham deemed it wise. how
ever. 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 vet presen ted no
such legislation, SO for as officially known.
There have been unofficial statements.
however. in California and elsewhere as to
the proposed bill to be presented to parlia-
ment 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 pro-
posed British bill gives British naval
officers discretion in executing the re-
strictive regulations, whereas the court
made these regulations imperative. The
regulations 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, 1t was
believed that in due time both govern
ments would arrive at an understanding.
The house committee took no action on
the bill as submitted by the state DEPART
ment to execute this country's part of the
arbitration decree. There appears no OBJ
lection to the bill. 4nd 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 a view to
having the British parliament more fully
execute its part of the decree. Secretary
Gresham's appearance before the commits
sion was the occasion for the exchange of
numerous courtesies and pieasantries. He
came prepared to answer questions even
on Hawaii. There was no reference, how
ever. to Hawaiian affairs. Represents
tives Storer and Geary asked the secretary
a number of questions on the British po-
sition and the Bering sea question in gem
erai.
called upon the navy department to sup
ply a fleet to police the seal waters, and
every effort is being made to get the YES T.
sells together. They will number ten. If
so many can bs assembled, five ravenue
marine and one fish commission boat.
and probably the Yorktown. Con-
cord. Bennington and Mohican. The
idea of sending the Charleston around
from Montevideo has been abandoned.
Whether Admiral Walker will himself go
IN command of the fleet is not vet known.
but in view of the uncertain state of the
regulations touching sealing ana the
necessity for prompt action in an
emergency. il is possible the admiral will
be held on the scene. This is possible by
the intimaiion BY the department that
this duty is to be Temporary and that il is
likely TO be relieved before next fall