The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-04-26
SEATTLE, MONDAY. APRIL 20.


II has become evident already that there
II to be mych more than change Of min
listers "a london. For a very long time
Mr. Rayard has held the honor. but he
has been almost entirely ignored by his
government All the important interna-
tional negotiations between this country
and Great Britain have been transacted
In Washington. This is very unusual. and
IL must have been very notifying TO Mr.
Bayara. who had himself been secretary
OF state under Cleveland. Not only did
he have 10 submit 10 the instructions OF
another when any business was done
through him. he had also 10 suffer the
humiliation OF observing most important
correspondence proceeding between the
two governments as 10 which he knew 1T
lie more than he read in the newspapers.
All this II 90 be changed and II Is evil
dent that Col. Hay and Henry White
will have the fun confidence OF the gov
eminent. Papers which had been kept
In Washington have been forwarded to
London. where negotiations will be con-
Quoted. There are some questions which
are better discussed there than here. and
one OF the chief OF those now calling for
attention Ia the Berins sea matter.
The London Times has led Its readers
astray on the subject. and It's comments
caused an unfriendly feeling to meet the
proposed joint action Of the governments.
Ii has been sharply corrected by the inter-
ests in London affected by the present
conditions. and there viii probably bs
some intelligent action taken. In this az
fair the characteristics OF the two ambas-
sadors we're strikIngly contrasted. Bay
ard deprecated any action by this gov
eminent. but White. who had already
taken the responsibility pending Hays
arrival. took bold stand. lie knew this
government TO be in the right on the sub
jecs. and that the British government
could he brought 20 see IL.
Ii Is always very important that there
shall be no hesitancy or misunderstanding
at the outset OF such a discussion. The
false Impression made by the FIRST publ
cation of this governments purpose made
II difficult to get the controversy back
into harmonious lines. The intention is
not to reopen the Boring sea controversy.
but merely 10 revise the peiagic seal re-
strictions. which have manlfes,iy been In.
adequate To the purpose for which they
we're imposed The fairest Interpretation
Of the question f. that IL is one OF natural
history and not Of law. and IL the exist
enee OF ths most valuable species OF seals
Is Ia jeopardy. IL would be the merest
pedsn'ry for the British government TO
refuse % discuss the question until the
time % the treaty expired.
II Is true that no provision has been
made for reopenins the question. but /,
was assumed that the regulations made
would ee ample TO achieve the purpose
for which the commission drafted the
treaty. II Is not proposed 10 revise the
terms of the treaty. but 90 revise the
regulations made under authority 81 tho
treaty. The experience and tact Of the
new ambassador. aided by his no less
skiilfui secretary OF legation. viii be
shown In the very earliest DAYS Of their
tenure. for this question must he dealt
with, aud upon their ability the success
OF the neSotiations depends.
There Is enc factor In the controversy
which has not hitherto been taken much
tate account. bat has been compelled to
manifest Itself on account 81 the facts in
the case. London Is the chief fur narks,
Of the world. and IL is not az, arsuu,.r,
hat fact the farriers have % confront.
Seal skins are deserierating Ia quality.
II once zeal skins should lose their name.
the industry would Ne Killed. Their rarity
and their beauty kept TIE price up. bat
when a seal skin Is no longer shs syuo-
nym 81 sxcelisnes. SIS virtue viii pass
away never 20 be restored
Our new ambassador. therefore. will ana
his hands strengthened 1T the outset BY =
force On English Sen 10 which the British
government viii be compelled 10 give at
sa~ftsF.