New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-11-18
ABOUT THE SEALS.

What the United States and Canadian dlplo-
matists will decide 10 do about the seals, or
whether they Will come TO any agreement at
all is vet 10 be- seen. The United States and
Canadian scientific experts have however,
promptly reached complete agreement as 10
the condition OF the seal herd and OF the sealing
Industry. This Is gratifying from all points OF
view. and especially from that OF the United
States. For, as II to be seen from the published
report OF their findings. the experts unanimously
confirm almost every contention that has been
made by this Government, and thus establish
the American case more strongly than ever be
fore.
The experts find. for example that the Priby-
loft herd has in late years diminished in mum.
bers until II Is now only from oneffth to one
third It's former size and that this is due large
IL TO pelagic sealing. with It's indlscrimnate
slaughter CT female seals and the consequent
abnormal mortality OF pups These facts have
been vehemently denied by Canadian advocates
They are now established beyond reasonable
dispute II has been charged that the killing
Of bachelor seals on land IL one OF the causes
OF the d!mlnu.on OF the herd. This Is directly
denied by the expcrtc, who thus again support
the United States side OF the case Finally. the
experts declare-and these ARE. perhaps. the
most significant points OF ali-tha, pelagc seal
ers respect the limitations OF the law, and that
scaling both land and sea, now yields only an
inconsiderable profit That IS to say, II the seal
ing industry Is TO be profitable TO either coun-
try there must be prompt and radical change
IN the methods OF conducting Il, and that means
/ there must be a change in the law. since the
present law IS faithfully observed and yet fails
| TO effect It's object. Those are tho points the
/ United States has all along most strongly urged.
/ that the sealing industry IL being destroyed. and
that TO save II revision OF the regulations I'M
/ der the Paris award Is needed.
SO there we have the facts In the case at
| last on the unanimous authority Of an expert
commission representing both parties to the CON
troversy. II now remains for the Government IS
TO act upon them. And certainly, II scientific
representatives OF the Governments can agree
so perfectly to-the facts, the diplomatic repre-
| sentatives ought 10 be able 10 come to an agree
ment In their part OF the work. The complaint
| has been made hitherto that the Governments
could not act satisfactorily because they were
not In possession Of sufficient data That plea
can no longer serve. The facts are now known
and acknowledged One other consideration
which doubtless will have due weight is this
That questions Of prudence and right. and. IN
deed. of the mutual welfare Of two nations, are
not properly subject TO the rule OF give and
take. Some are saying Canada Will not sus
pend pelagic sealing because the United States
will not pay her sufficiently for so doing. Thai
Is not complimentary to the Dominion. II Is moi
conceivable that Canada will refuse to do thai
which justice requires unless she is paid for It
Or even II the findings Of her own commission
ers DO not convince Canada that Justice does re
quire It, she may reasonably b. expected TO SCI
that her own individual and selfish Interests
will be promoted by 30 doing.