The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-03-14
WORK FOR THE CUTTERS
The CorWin, Rush, Bear and
Perry to Guard Sealing
Interests.
BIG VESSELS NOT TO BE USED.
This Summer the Treasury Depart
ment Battles Alone Against
the PoaCherS.

WASHINGTON, March 13.-It is said that
the usual patrol of Boring Sea by United
States and British warships will be dis
pensed with this season. The change in
the programme is due to the report on the
sealing industry made by Assistant Secre-
tary Hamlin as result of his visit of in
spection 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 mis- de-
parture on the Violet and that it has re-
ceived the approval of the British authori-
ties.
One reason given for the change is that
last years experience showed that the
patrol was an expensive failure, inasmuch
as in spite of it seal-poachers secured a
catch of over 10000.
Under the new order of things the pro-
lection of the seal industry will devolve
entirely upon the Treasury Department,
and orders have already been sent by Sec
rotary Carlisle to revenue cutter officers at
San Francisco to make the necessary prep
arations. The programme for the coming
summer is to have no naval vessels engaged
formed by vessels of the revenue cutter
service exclusively.
For the purpose four steamers have been
selected, and one more may be detailed.
The four which have been named are the
Corwin, Rush, Bear and Perry.
With the exception of the Perry the YES
sells are now at San Francisco preparing
for the cruise. The Perry is on her way
up the Pacific Coast, and it is expected that
she will be in California 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 Pribyloff Islands. Telegraphic in
formation from Vancouver is to the effect
that several Canadian poachers are getting
ready to clear from that port for summer
cruise.
The senior revenue marine officer will
command the fleet. His instructions are
now being prepared at the Treasury De-
partment. and when completed will be
sent without delay. The fleet will start
from Port Townsend, the rendezvous of
the naval fleet last summer during the
preparations for patrol service For the
past three years the American Government
has maintained large fleet of naval ships
and revenue cutters in Boring Sea to patrol
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 of the senior officer.
Two years ago Commander Evans with
the Yorktown carried out the orders of the
department, while last season this duty
devolved on Commander Clark with the
Marion as flagship. Probably fully $500, 900
has been expended in this time in the
efforts to prevent poaching. Last seasons
coal bill alone for 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 naval
establishment until there were practically
novessels available on the Pacific Coast for
ordinary peace work of the service.