The record-union., 1897-07-15

IiDr1um for the last two years, although
re comedies a diminution as compared
with 1892. If all the Professor claims is
admitted, it is not mitigated against the
contention that since pelagic sealing be-
came general the decline of the herd has
neen steady and rapid. Since the re-
ceipt of Lord Salisbury's dispatch ex-
planning, explicit inquiry has been made
OF DR.. Jordan as TO the relative con-
dition of the herd since 1895 and in 1896
and in previous years, and he has fur
nlshed the chapter on the decline of the
herd from the forthcoming final report
OF himself and associates.
Although Professor Thompson has
been very careful throughout the report
to say nothing likely TO embarrass his
Government in the conclusions the
voice of true scientific investigator
speaks in firm and certain tones While
ne regards the alarming statements of
the herds immense decrease as over
drawn, he says: There is still abundant
need for care and prudent measures of
conservation in the interest of ALL
1t is not easy to understand how
Lord Salisbury can reconcile his re-
fusal to entertain the proposals of the
L ISSlu6llL Will lIle lUlSI6SlS VI HIS wv II
countrymen, to say nothing of the
friendly relations which he has been de-
sirous of maintaining with the United
States, Russia and Japan.
THE experience had with the scien-
tific commission of 1892, as we'll as the
reports of 1896, just under review, shows
that it is difficult through them to reach
a harmony Of views, but we have at
hand certain statistics of undisputed
authority pointing Enthusiastically to con-
clusions which should be controlling"
Secretary Sherman quotes we'll
known statistician, showing the de-
crease in the catch. He says: Lord
Salisbury attributes this large falling
off in Behring Sea to the stormy
weather prevailing; but does not cite
his authority. [ am not aware of any
purpose to that effect Captain Hooper,
who commanded the American cruising
fleet in Behring Sea in 1895 and7S96,
reports: The weather in Behring Ssa
was not materially different the last
two years.
The point when sealing ceased to be
profitable seems to have been reached
during the last year. Lord Salisbury
informs US that the result has brought
many owners of sealing vessels to the
verge of bankruptcy. It thus appears
that the condition of things predicted
blythe Government of the United States
has already come to pass-the CONNER
cial determination of the seals'
Here follows a long and exhaustive
review written, by the Secretary show
ing the reports made by Secretaries
Gresham and Olney to secure a set
tlement Of the dispute. Continuing,
Secretary Sherman says:
THE manner in which the British
Government discharged its police du-
ties under the award is in marked con-
trast with it's appeal for a strict OBJ
servance of the five years period of
the regulations. An equal obligation
rests upon each Government to patrol
the waters embraced in the award, in
order to see that the regulations are
not violated by the sealing vessels
The Secretary of State here quotes
figures TO sustain his contention, and
then says:
AS it is shown that practically no
patrol service had been rendered in
Behring Sea by the British cruisers
during the previous year, the infer
ence would seem to be that her majes-
tvs Government understood that the
American cruisers only were to per-
form the patrol duty and the British
cruisers to talk over and act upon
the validity of seizure of British YES
sells.
The detail enforcement of the regu-
lations has further developed on the
part of the British Government
strange misconception of the true spirit
and intent of the arbitrators"
In this connection Secretary Sherman
blames the British authorities for Civ
ing notice that their Government would
aot renew the arrangement as to the
sealing of arms.
The next paragraph says that the
tardy action of the British Govern
ment in refusing to renew the arrange
ment of 1884 led to much trouble and
inconvenience in connection with the
patrol of Behring Sea. The complaints
of the British Government against the
severe measures of search resorted to
by American cruisers, the resultant
lengthy correspondence, the various
propositions made by Secretary Olney.
and the fac that another season had
been entered upon without any settle
ment of the question, are all comment
ed upon by Secretary Sherman.
In conclusion the Secretary saws:
The President therefore entertains the
hope that even at this late day the
British Government may yet yield to
his continued desire so often expressed
for conference of the interested DOW
ers, and in delivering to Lord Salisbury
copy of this instruction you will state
that the President will hail with great
satisfaction any indication on the part
OF her majesty's Government of a dis
position to agree upon such a confer
ence. JOHN SHERMAN"