The sun., 1895-05-19
Tho Patrol for tho Fur Seals.

Much satisfaction Is expressed in Canada
at the decision of Great Britain not to renew
last years arrangements for putting under
seal the hunting apparatus OF vessels that
proceed to Behring Sea during the close
season. A Victoria despatch declares that
this decision is due to the non-payment of
the sum of S425, 900 for damages to which
Mr.. GRESHAM had agreed. But we have
thus Tar seen no official confirmation of this
view in tidings from England.
The regulations that govern seal fishing
are of two sorts. First, there are the rules
prescribed by the Paris tribunal, binding
alike on Great Britain and the United
States, and this season as last. Secondly,
there are the additional regulations agreed
upon by the two countries. or made by each
for its own vessels or it's own people.
The placing of an official seal by Gov
ernment patrolling officer upon the imple-
ments used by a vessel in hunting the ami
mails was palpably intended for carrying
out the decisions of that tribunal with the
least trouble for shipedng. Perhaps Its real
objects can best be understood by citing the
instructions drawn up by our Government
for the guidance of the patrol fleet under
ain order TO protect from unnecessary interference
sealing vessels within the of the award during
the close Chat 10 to say between April 80 and
Aug but which havo not violated tho law any seal.
Ing vessel lawfully raversing intending
the OF tho award during the close her
way homo 10 port or any port or to or from the seal
ing grounds for any other legitimate purpose may
the application OF the master have hor sealing
nt secured under SEAL and entry thereof made on
her clearance and log book and such sealing up and
entry rhali be protection to the vessel against tho
1nterfe detention during the close by
any cruiser so long the seals axed shall remain
unbroksn unless there shall be evidence Of any VIOLA
ton Of the nShery articles OF the award, notwith.
standing"
The instructions add that this sealing up
may be effected either at port or at sea by
any naval, consular, or customs officer of
the country to which the vessel belongs, or,
In the case of British sealing vessels, at
the island of Attu, by any naval or
customs officer of the United States in the
absence Of a British naval or consular officer.
1t may be effected at SEQ for British vessels
by the commander Of q United States cruiser,
and for United States vessels by the COM
mandel of British cruiser. II the master
desires, the Government officer effecting tho
sealing up must give him certificate of tho
number of seals and sealskins on board.
And there Is a further instruction:
by the Gxth fishery art,oio OF tho award the use
Of netA firearms and explosives ~ forbidden In the
furss fishery but that restriction docs not apply
shotguns. when such nshing tskes place outside OF
Behr!ng Sea, during the whsn Il may be law
fully carried on. Amy sealing vessel having shotgnnA
and ammunition on board may. before entering Beh-
ring Sea- the application OF tlls master. have the
secured under seal. and an entry thereof made
on her clearance or log book and suoh sealing up
and entry may be Effected in the same manner. and
shall Anord the protection against improper
SELF detention In Bshrn6 Sea during season
when nahery may bs lawfully oasried thsre. the
securing OF sealing outnts under the iast preceding
Eegulatlon-"
1t is plain that the object of these rules is
less detention OF interference by otiCsrs Of