New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-07-08
Canada and Japan Agree.


The ultimate result Of the proposition
vas that Canada and japan agreed on an
equal division of this general fund. This
meant, OF course, that Canada thus con
scented 10 accept - per cent net. instead
IF %. or even %. per cent gross OF the
catch OF the United States, together
with a like proportion Of the Russian
catch. The suggestion was then made
tina, inasmuch "a Japan had now
small. but potentially large. herd. that
country should agree TO contribute 30
per cent Of her nar catch. 10 be divided
equally between Russia and the United
States, and this was agreed to, and
| finally II was agreed. in view Of the fact
, that the seals are entirely wild and may
choose their rooaeries at their own will
that should any seol herd establish itself
on British soil. Great Britain should
contribute 80 per cent net Of its catch.
To be divided equally among the three
other powers.
In view of the necessity for immediate
compensation Of the shippers. who by
the terms Of the treaty will be stopped
from further engaging in pelag sealing.
this country, as has been told consented
10 make cash payments or advances. to
both Japan and Canada, the equivalent
Of such advances TO he deducted from
the skins which under the agreement
would subsequently he due to those
| powers, and in return for this concession
| the United States secured the right COM
| pletely to suspend killing on the rock
cries within its jurisdiction for such time
as may be deemed advisable.
Destroys Market for PeIaeic Skins.
A feature of the convention is n para
graph prohibiting the importation Of
sealskins into the territory Of any Of the
parties to the treaty when taken by
! pelagic sealers The original gray seal
skin is practically worthless unless care
| fully tanned and dyed, which can be
done to perfection only in London, so
| that the market for pelagic sealskins is
practically destroyed by this provision.
| Another feature is a provision for the
maintenance Of a patrol OF the seal
waters by all the parties to the conven-
ton A change from the existing prac-
! tice, however, is found in the fact that
pelagic sealers captured by patrolling
vessels must he delivered TO their own
governments for trial.
The successful outcome Of the nego-
tiations is the occasion Of the utmost
qualification TO the President and to Sec
rotary Knox, and is regarded as reflect
| ing great credit on the diplomacy Of
! Secretary Nagel and Mr.. Anderson, the
American delegates. both Of whom won
the warm regard and respect of the
other delegates. As has been said, the
possibility of further negotiations and
agreements which may logically follow
this international arrangement. and
which may result in the conservation Of
ali valuable game, fish and birds threat
| ened with extinction. constitutes n"
small part of the value of the result Just
achieved.
1t is also = matter Of interest That all
the delegates to the conference brought
with them experts on the protection and
propagation OF seals, and AL agreed in
the belief that tho welfare Of the herds
ia promoted by the killing Of the super
f1uous males commonly known as bach
elors," all taking the view that their
elimination makes for the welfare of
both females and their young.
The treaty will continue for fifteen
years and thereafter until terminated by
one years notice from any Of the pow
ers concerned.