The times., 1897-05-20
JOHN ". FOSTERS MISSION
Will Go to Russia After Treat.
ing With Great Britain.
WHAT HE EXPECTS TO DO
1t Is Probable That the Czar's Gov
ernment VIII Join Hands With
This Country in the Enforcement
of Measures to Protect the Fur
Seals.


been appointed by the President 10 con-
duct negotiations with foreign governments
having in view the settlement OF the long
discussed seal question, sailed nom New
York for England yesterday.
From England Mr.. Foster VIII proceed
to St Petersburg, having been invested
by the President with authority Ito ne
gotiate and conclude a tIeaty with Russia
for the protection OF the fur seais in
Bering Sea-
1t does not appear that the procIastinat-
ing policy OF Great Britain is likely to
lead to what the United states would de-
sire most in negotiations having in view
the stoppage OF the rayages of pelagio
sealers. This Government, 1T appears,
would be glad Of a renewal OF a modus
vivendi, such was formerly in force
in pursuance OF an arrangement for in
suring protection to seals England objects
to this, tut is willing 10 an investigation
by scientists of the claim made by tbs
country TO the effect that pelagie sealing
is 30 disastrous to the herds that seal
life lis actually in danger Of extinction.
The general impression in Administration
circles here aud indeed in all quarters where
the subject has been one OF grave atten Ion
is, that SO far as protection of seals lsres,
nothing can be expected of England. The
demands of the Canadian sealers upon the
Mother Country are too formidable 10 be
set aside, even if there was any strong
sentiment in Great Britain that favored such
q stand
Consequently, expecting nothing and hop
ing for nothing beyond long drawn out dip
lomatic palayers, from England, the United
States turns it's attention, or rather renews
its negotiations, and does expect much from
Russia. That great nation is as anxious as
this one is that the seal herd shall not be
eXterminated, and ex-SecretaTy Foster,
when he leaves England, whicl viii Je after
a very brief stay there, will 90 direct TO
st. Petersburg officially armed with ali
Necessary power 70 negotiate "A treaty with
the Car government.
Ifthe United states and Russia join hands,
and Mr. Foster believes they will. Bering
Sea will become practically closed sea.
The fues OF the State Department
contain letters showing that the Cars
government looks with favor upon such
treaty ar Mr.. Foster viii propose In
answer TO a letter from the Secretary OF
State, the Russian minister in Washington
wrote some time ago that q proposition
from this country had been submitted TO
special commission at ST. Petersburg,
and that the commission had reported that
it recognized the necessity Of uniform con-
troll OF seal hunting. 7 he commission recon-
mended tDat rules should be drawn up
providing a uniform system for all the
northern portion OF the Pacific Ocean
from the coasts of America TO Asia The
letter from the Russian minister To the
Secretary of State says further:
while accepting, in principle, the sug-
gestion concerning the appointment OF
the aforesaid commission. the imperial
government attaches much greater i'm
portance to the 'Inodus viveBdi. whereby
the decisions of the tribunal of arbitra-
tion at Paris are to be enforced IN all
waters OF the Pacific Ocean situated
north of the thirt y-fifth parallel Of north
latitude, including the Sea Of Okhotsk.
The spirit Of equity which actuates the
Federal Government does not permit me
to doubt that Your Excellency will be
pleased TO agree that the pres sent state
Of things. in which the decisions Of the
tribunal OF arbitration at Paris are en-
forced only in the eastern part OF the
Bering Sea, the fur seals in the western
part of the same sea being thus deprived
of this protection, should no longer exist.
In reality, all the good measures that
have been taken in Bering Sea are para
Iyzed and productive of no results, from
tie very fact that the western part is
not within the protected zone.
"In ordering me to convey its thanks to
the Federal Government for the kind com
munication which it has been pleased 10
ke to it, the imperial government IN
structs me to assure your excellency of rs
earnest desire 10 cc-opera te in the success
OF the aforesaid suggestions. As of eny
other suggestion tending to establish a
uniform regime for the regulation of fur
seal hunting on the high seas in all parts
of the Pacific Ocean north of the thirty-
fifth parallel of north latitude
Subsequently, whenit was proposed that
the United States. Russia, Great Britain
and Japan appoint a mixed commission
to consider the seal question, Russia 81 b
mitted brief memorandum thereon 10
the Secretary Of State OF this SGovernment,
in which she indicated her views on sew
eral points
As q result of all this there Is a general
feeling of confidence at the state Depart
mant that Mr.. Fosters commission to St
Petersburg will be productive of great good
AID that iJ will lead 20 tne conclusion OF a
treaty with Russia whereby thatnatiOnv viii
act in concert with this, for the protection
of the seal herd.
Mr. Foster is also endowed with authority
tc conclude treaty with Japan for the
same purposes, and to this he will direct his
attention upon hisreturn from Russia. which
will be in the latter part OF the summer
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