Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1895-12-07


1t should, however, by no means be
lightly entered upon. since the Necessity for
the inauguration OF such q policy would be
regretted by the best sentiment OF our peo.
Pile, and because 1t naturally and logically
might lead to consequences OF the Rravest
character.
DESTROYING THE SEALS.
Our relations with Great Britain, always
intimate and important, have demanded
during the past year even = greater share oil
consideration than is usua..
Several vexatioIs questions were left un
determined by the decision OF the Boring
Sea Arbitration Tribunal. Tha application
ofthe principles laid down by that august
bedy has not reen followed by the
results they We're intended TO accom-.
pltsh, either because tho prinolp pies
themselves lacked in breadth aud defnite-
ness or because their execution has been
more or less imperfect. Much correspond
once has been exchanged between the two
Governments on the subject OF preventing
the extermnating slaughter OF seals. The
insufficency of tho British patrol OF Bering
Sea, under the regulations agreed on by the
two Governments. has been pointei out, and
yet only two British ships have been on
police duty during this season in those
waters.
The neel of a more effective enforcement
Of existing regulations. rs well as the adop.
ton of such addit 'onal regulations rs ex-
perience has shown to be absolutely neces-
sary to carry out the intent OF the award,
have been earnestly urged upon the British
Government, but thus far without effective
results. In the mean time the depletion OF
the seal herds by means OF pelagic hunting
has so alarmingly progressed that unless
their slaughter Is at once effectively checked
their extinction within q few years seems to
be matter OF absolute certainty.
THE BOUNDARY OF ALASKA.
The completion Of the preliminary survey
of that Alaskan boundary which follows the
contour Of the coast from the southernmost
point of Prince of Wa.es Island until 1t
strikes tho one hundred and forty-t1rst
meridian at or near the summit OF Mount st.
Elias awaits further necessary appropriation,
which Is urgently recommended. This sur
vey was undertaken under the provisions Of
the convention entered into by this country
and Great Britain July 20, 1892, and the SUP
Elementary convention OF February g. 1881.
As to the remaining section of the Alaska
boundary, which follows tho 141st meridian
northwardIy from Mount st. Elias to the
Frozen Ocean. the settlement OF which In.
wolves the physical location Of tae meridian
mentioned, no conventional agreement has
yet been made.
THE MONROE DOCTRINE.
1t being apparent that the boundary dis
pute between Great Britain and the Rspub-
Mc of Venezuela concerning the limits OF
british Guiana was approaching an acute
stage, u definite statement Of the interest
and policy OF the United States as regards
the controversy seemed to he required both
tions with the friendly Powers directly con-
cerned. In July last. therefore, despatch
was addressed to our Ambassador at London
for communication to tine British Govern
ment, in which the attitude Of the United
States was fully aud distinctly set forth.
The general conclusions therein reached
and formulated are in substance that the
traditional and established policy of this
Government is firmly opposed to forcible
ritorial possessions on this Continent;
that this policy Is as we'll founded In
principle as it is strongly supported
by numerous precedents: that as conse-
quence the United States Is bound to protest
against the enlargement OF the area Of
British Guiana in deroVatiOn OF the rights
and against the will of Venezuela; that, con-
sidering the disparity in strength of Great
Britain and Venezuela, the territorial dis
pute between them can be reasonably set
tied only by friendly and impartial arbitra-
ton, and that the res ort to such arbit ration
should include the whole controversy, and
is not satisfied II one OF the Powers con-
cerned is permitted to draw an arbitrary line
through the territory in debate AMI to
declare that 1t will submit to arbi-
tratlon only the portion lying On one side OF
1t. In view OF these conclusions the de-
spatch in question called upon the British
Government for definite answer to the
question whether it would or would not sub.
NIT the territorial controversy between it
self and Venezuela in its entirety to Impair
tial arbitration. The answer Of the British
Government has not been received, but Is
expected shortly, when further communica.
tion on the subject will probably be made to
the Congress.
TROUBLES IN HAWAII.
Early In January last IN uprising against
the Government OF Hawaii was promptly
suppressed. Martial law was forthwith pro.
claimed ind numerous arrests were made
Of persons suspected of beiny in sympathy
with the Royalist party. Among these were
several citizens OF the United States, who
were eth sr convicted by a military court and
sentenced to death, Imprisonment, Of
fine. or were deported without trial.
The United States. while denying pro-
lection to such rs had taken the
Hawaiian oath Of allegiance, insisted
that martial law, though alter
supersede justice itsslf. AMI demanded stay
OF execution until the proceedings had been
submitted tothis Government and knowledge
obtained therefrom that our citizens had re-
ceived fair trial The death sentences were
subsequently committed or were remitted on
condition of leaving the islands. The eases
of certain Americans arrested and expelled
by arbitrary order without formal charge or
trial have had attention, and in some in
90
STRANGE and claim for indemnity, which
Hawaii has not thus far conceded.
Mr.. Thurston, the Hawaiian Minister, hav-
Ing furnished this Government abundant
reason for asking that ha bo recalled, that
course was pursued. and his successor has
lately been received.
REMoNsTEAScE TO RUSSIA
Correspondence is OH foot touching the
practice of Russian Consuls within the juriS.
dic:ion of the United States to interrogate
citizens a to their raee and religious faith,
and upon ascertanment thereof TO deny
to Jews Authorization OF passports or legal
documents for use in Russia. Inasmuch as
such proceeding imposes disability,
which, in the case Of succession to property
in Russia. may be found 10 infringe the
treaty rights Of our citizens. and which is an
obnoxious invasion OF our territorial juris-
diction, it has ELECTED fitting ramonstrance,
the result OF whicl, it is hoped will remove
the case OF complaint.
NEUTRALITY AS 70 CUBA.
Cuba Is again graveiy disturbed. An in
surreclion, in soma respects more active
than the last Or 'caiing revolt. Which con.
tinued from 1868 to 1878, now exists in q
large part Of the eastern interior ,f the isl
and, menacing even some populations on
the coast. Besides deranging the CONNER.
cial exchanges OF the island, of which oul
countr,; take, the predominant share, this
fragrant condition Of hosiiIities, by arorsins
sentimental sympathy AMI melting adven
turous support among our people. has On
tailed earnest effort on the part of this Gov
ernment to enforce obedience to our neu
trality laws and to prevent the territory o.
the Unit ed States from being aoused as a
vantage ground from which to aid those II
a-ms against Spanish sovereignty.
Whatever may be the traditional sympathy
OF our countrymen rs individuals with u peo
Pile who seem to ue struggling for large
autonomy and greater freedom. deepened a!
such sympathy naturally must be IN behal
OF our neichbors. yet thu plain duty o.
their Government is 10 observe in good
faith tho rpcognizel obligations OF inter
national rela ionship. The Performance
OF this duty should not be made NOR
difficult by II disregard on the part o
l