Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1897-11-04
AN AGREEMENT REACHED
Sealing Conference Advanced
to an Important Stage.
GREAT SECRECY MAINTAINED
Has Been Formed to Preserve Herds
England May Not Agree.

Washington, Nov. LIN reliable
quarters it is stated that the conference
between Russia, Japan and the United
States, now proceeding here in refer
ence to sealing in the Behring sea and
the North Pacific, has advanced to an
important stage, and that a proposition
has been reduced to writing, which, if
accented, will bring about a complete
change in the sealing question. The
proposition is said to be acceptable to
the United States. 1t is understood to
be acceptable similarly to the Russian
delegates now here, but, in view OF the
restrictions placed upon them by their
credentials, it has been thought desir-
able to cable St. Petersburg for final in
structions.
The greatest secrecy is preserved in
all official quarters as to the nature of
the proposition, and it is not officially
admitted that any proposition has been
made. From equally reliable sources,
it is understood that the proposition
has a far reaching scope, and provides
for the material Limitation or entire
suspension OF pelagic sealing on the
high seas. Such a decisive step, if
agreed to by Russia, Japan and the
United States, would not, it is under
stood, involve a concerted move to
menace the claims of Great Britain and
Canada to the right to pelagic sealing
on the high seas, but would rather be
a proposition expressive of the conclu-
slOns OF the three most interested pow
ers that, in the interests of humanity
and the preservation OF the seal herds
Of their respective governments, all ma
tions, including Great Britain and her
colony, Canada, should unite with
Russia, the United States and Japan
in such effective prevention OF pelagic
sealing on the high seas as will put an
end to it, and thereby secure the pre-
servation Of the seals.
The deliberations OF the conference
leading up TO the proposition were
productive OF numerous interesting and
important features.
But little had been known of the
Russian regulations until the confer
ence met. Under them a neutral zone
Of 35 miles was established surrounding
the Russian islands, within which
Great Britain agreed to suspend pelagic
sealing. While this was of material
advantage TO Russia, yet it was felt
that any proposition for the entire sus-
pension Of pelagic sealing, even. be.
yOnd 30 miles, would have to be recon-
ciled with the modus vivenii. 1t was
felt that this could be done, as the
modus was not a continuing agreement,
but was from year 10 year depending
for its existence on the annual readop-
ton by the British parliament.
Owing to Japan's view OF the sub
lect the opinion of the seal experts was
laid before the japanese delegates.
This opinion was to the effect that,
while the japanese seal possessions
were little or nothing at the present
time, yet that by adequate protection
OF the seals, her decimated rookeries
would be restored and a large seal prop
erty built up. This expert view APP
pears to have been convincing to the
japanese delegates, for Mr.. Fujita not
only catl d the final proposition to ia
pan, but accompanied it with his favor
able recommendation. The conferees
being Thus agreed, it only remained to
hear from the respective governments
that they represented.
An adjournment was accordingly
taken until Wednesday, by which it is
not doubted the government at St.
Petersburg and Toxic will have taken
final action on the proposition.
REMARKABLE RULING.