Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-03-13
FHE BERING SEA FLEET
The Pa,rol of the Sea by War Vessels to Be
Abandoned.
A Policy Said to BE Opposed by Great
Brftafn-The Summers
Program.

1t is said that the usual patrol of Bering
sea by United States and British warships
will be dispensed with this season. The
change in the usual program is due to a
report on the sealing industry made by
Assistant Secretary Hamlin as result Of
his visit of inspection to the Seal Islands
last summer. The officials observe their
usual reticence on the subject, but there is
good ground for the statement that the
policy was adopted by the President before
his departure on the Violet and that it has
received the approval of the British au-
thorities. One reason given for the change
the patrol was an expensive failure, inas-
much as in spite of it the seal poachers
secured a catch Of over 10000.
Under the new order of things the protec-
ton of the seal industry will devolve en-
tirely upon the Treasury Department, and
orders have already been sent by Secre-
tary Carlisle to the revenue cutter officers
at San Francisco to make the necessary
preparations.
The Summers Program.
The program for the coming summer is
to have no naval vessels engaged in patrol
work. The duty is to be performed by ves-
sells of the revenue cutter service exclusive
ly. For the purpose four steamers have
tailed. The four which have been named
are the Corwin, the Rush. the Bear and
the Perry. With the exception of the Perry
the vessels are now at San Francisco pre-
pairing for the cruise. The Perry is on her
way up the Pacific coast, and it is expected
that she will be in Californian waters
some time this month. 1t is proposed to
start the vessels north at an earlier date
than usual, it having been learned that
some of the leaders Of the seal herd are
already on their way toward the Pribyloff
Islands. Telegraphic Information from
Vancouver is to the effect that several
Canadian poachers are getting ready to
clear from that port for the summer cruise
The senior revenue marine officer will COM
mand the fleet. His Instructions are now
being prepared at the Treasury Depart
ment, and when completed will be sent
without delay. The fleet will start from
Port Townsend, the rendezvous of the ma
val fleet last summer during the prepara-
lions for the patrol service.
Maintained a large Fleet.
For the past three years the American
government has maintained a large feet of
naval ships and revenue cutters in Bering
sea to patrol the forbidden waters and
make seizures when schooners were found
unlawfully taking seals. These fleets have
consisted Of from seven to nine vessels.
and have invariably been under command
VI the seihcr oHicer. Two years ago Com-
mander Evans. with the Yorktown, carried
out the orders of the department, while
last season this duty devolved on Com
mander Clark. with the Marion as flagship.
Probably fully 100000 has been expended
in this time in efforts to prevent poaching.
Last seasons coal bill alone for the five
naval vessels amounted to $4,000. while
that Of the revenue cutters brought the
total up to over 100000. Drafts have been
made upon the raval establishment until
there practically
on the Pacific coast for ordinary peace
work Of the service.