The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-08-09

there were not discovered until nearly 200
seals had been killed. This raid, which
was apparently participated in by an en-
tire ships crew in Ave boats, was repulsed
by agents Lembkey Judge and native
forces only and three of the raiders were
KILLED and FIVE captured. Most of the
seals killed on shore by raiders were
pregnant females with nursing yong. few
DAYS old which died of starvation. Large
proportion of those killed in water also
females in search Of food for yong. Some
of the raiders taken state they are from
schooner Toya Maru. Nos 2 and ! of the
captured boats bore that number. Other
prisoner states he is from schooner Mel
Maru. During the time I was on the
island schooners were frequently sighted.
.It is evident that at least eight or
ten schooners, believed to be Japanese, are
sailing in close proximity to island. the
twelve prisoners were taken on cutter Nc
Cullough to Kodiak, and after hearing
before commander were held for jury and
taken in charge by marshal"
Japanese Charge Calls.
The Japanese charge Mr., Mlyaoka.
called at the state department this MORN
ing for information about the killing or
the Japanese. He had received no dis
patches from his government regarding
the affair, and acting Secretary Bacon
gave him the same lIIOTHdtoh HhiSh
was sent to Amba ssador Wright
seals are recognized as property by
international law and the Japanese Killed
by American officials on st. Paul island
stand the same position as burglars shot
In the act of stealing. according to prom
inent authorities on international law
No international incident can result from
the shooting of the Japanese poachers
n is said. at the state department. This
Iog M an1an6G
Japan. other than those that courtesy may
prompt and a mere expression Of regret
that s,Ich an incident should take place
is all that Is looked for.
Janan has no treaty obligations which
In any way require her to protect seals
in the Bering sea.
Not an international Incident.
After discussing the matter with Mr..
Racon. Mr.. Miyakoa agreed that 1t was
not a case to cause an international lnci-
dent and that 1t was similar 10 otner
classes that have occurred between citi-
zens between one country on the soil or
another.
Tho government of the United States
will take no further active interest In
the matter of the killing of the japanese
noachers except that the twelve prisoners
roust he tried by the United States au-
thorities and according to law. 1t Is not
intended to send any more revenue cut
tars in Alaskan waters. as 1t Is under
stood the ships now there are suilsc.ene .s1ia
~ nrotect the interests of citizens OF this
Government. The Japanese raiders were
ranulsed by the agenst of the leassees OF
the island and not by United states au-
thorities. Special Agent Lembkiey refer-
rod 10 in Solicitor Sims dispatch is not
connected with the government, but Is an
agent of the company which mas leased
the island
Depends On the Judge.
Acting Attorney General Russell mas
s,,,,en M instructions to the United States
attorney at Valdez. where IT Is presumed
the Japanese poachers VIII be tried,
whether the department takes any part
In the matter will depend entirely upon
DEVELOPMENTS The United states atlor-
nev there is under general instructions to
nrosecute all violaters of the law, and it
is presumed at the department that he
will proceed under these instructions
The active agents of the United States
government in the conflict which resulted
in the killing and wounding OF the Jap
anese poachers are Walter /. Lembky and
James Judge. Lembky is the chief agent
at the fur seal fisheries of Alaska, and
Judge is cne of his assistant agents. Both
are located on St. Paul island of the
priheloff group. Lembky has been in the
service about fifteen years He is held In
high regard by the officials of the depart
nent. who say that he is able, conserva-
five and thoroughly trustworthy. His
business is to guard the seal rookeries
particularly during the breeding season.
which is also the killing season between
MAY / and September Is.
Native Guards Are Indians.
rbe native guards referred to in the
dispatch Of Solicitor Sims are Indians
who reside on the islands. Congress makes
an appropriation for their support and
they practically are wards of the govern
ment. The Indians exc out an existence
by working for the North American Conn