New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-06-13
THE ,,BEHRING SEA DISPUTE.
BELIEF THAT THE ATTITUDE OF ENG
LAND HAS BEEN MODIFIED

LORD SALISBURY SAID TO BE WILLING TO DIS
Cuss THE QUESTION NOw-JoHN w. Fos-
TIERS TALK WITH MR.. LIEBEs.
London, June 12-There il reason to believe
that in consequence Of the representations made
by Colonel John Hay the United States Ambas-
sador. to the Foreign Office. the attitude OF the
British Government with regard to the reopening
Of the Behring Sea question has undergone some
modification and that while some weeks ago it
was believed that Lord Salisbury was averse to
having the question discussed until next year.
the date arranged by the Paris award. there IS
a disposition to discuss matters now. Inquiry at
the Foreign Office fails to elicit exactly what
this change IT, The greatest reticence Is dis
played in the matter, and at the American EN-
bassy the officials decline 10 discuss 1t.
John w. Foster, who is now in ST. petersburg
is expected back in London on July l. He did
not call at the Foreign Office while he was IN
London, but he had conferences with Colonel
Hay and on the day previous to his departure
he had an interview Of nearly an hour with Mr..
Liebes Of the North American Commercial COM
pany, who has been In communication with the
Embassy during Mr. Bayards term Of office re-
garding the false statements alleged to have been
their catch.
During the interview Mr.. Foster. when asked
as to the propositions he was to lay before the
Russian Government replied that he would not
know until he got TO ST. Petersburg. Mr. Foster
was Informed by Mr.. Lebes that his going to
Russia and any arrangements he might make
there would not be binding upon England. as
Great Britain as far he could learn. would do
nothing in the matter until the fve years speci-
fed by the Paris award had expired. The
Canadians, moreover said Mr. Liebes, although
they made no money out Of the business. would
mot be satisfied to give In unless they got COM
pensatiOn.
Mr. Iiebes then said to Mr.. Foster: Il will be
very willing. personally. to pay the Canadians
any profits they have made during the last three
years and will furnish very good security for
the amount provided the Governments con-
cerned will satisfy the Canadians in the way OF
buying their vessels.
Would they be satisfied" remarked MT. fos-
ter. :,
Mr. Liebes replied: Il have seen here Leopold
Boscowitz. son of Joseph Boscowitz. OF We
toria. Il. c.. Canadian seaer having ars :, IN
terests and he said TO me: 1 assure you II we
are COMPENSATED for our vessels the question
can be settled in ten minutes.
Mr.. Liebes replied: Have you authority 10
speak for any one beside yourself? to which
very glad TO be bought out.
Il suppose you will expect very large
nroet -" said Mr. Licbea to which the reply was
made "No. the business has not beer very
profitable we shall be glad TO get out OF IT..
Mr. Liebes having related this TO MI. roster
the latter replied Even II such proposal were
made | doubt very much If the United states
Congress would ever vote money for Such pnr-
pose. .,,,
Mr. IiebeJ said In answer: II do not thnK
there is any other way Of settling the matter
on the one side have the ownership or prop
crty and the other side has legally the right
TO destroy IT, Unless the parties interested can
he compensated in some way by receiving part
OF the profits or by being bought out II cannot
be settled AS far the North American Com
pany Is concerned. do not care either way
But II we get no seals we cannot be expected 10
pay our subsidy t. the United states Govern
ment.
Mr. Liebe3 further told Mr. Foster that ne had
received from his own people on the island carry
this month report showing that seals were
much scarcer than ever. and that the tax" tniS
wear will only be third of last years Mr
Foster said he knew this perfectly, and ADDED
that he understood the Canadians were not
making money.
The Russian agent who has been in London
trying to find out whether there ig any tiutn IN
the assertion that larg" percentage or me
pelagic skins lying In London are those OF fe-
males found that about per cent OF them were
females He has been summoned to return to
Russia