New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-06-14
THE FUR SEAL CONFERENCE.

II is difficult to place credence in the
| rumors which find circulation in Wash
| ington to the effect that Japan is in
terposing insuperable obstacles to a
Joint agreement between the powers
represented at the international Fur
Seal Conference. now in session at the
national Capitol. The practice OF
pelagic sealing has long been not only
an economic blunder of serious pro-
portions. but discredit to humanity as
well. At the invitation of this coun-
try. which is most extensively inter-
ested. the representatives of Japan,
Great Britain and Russia have met in
conference with the representatives, Of
| me United states. and have for some
weeks been seeking 10 effect Il joint
agreement whereby the various fur seal
herds may be protected from the ruth
less and almost wanton destruction OF
the pelagic sealer. For time all
seemed to go well with the negotiations,
nut now there is a hitch which threat
ems an unfortunate outcome. As all
parties TO the conference are pledged 10
secrecy, only rumors have found their
way into the public prints.
The rumor that Japan is seeking 10
overreach the other powers and is fail
ing to show proper friendliness TO the
United States is hardly credible The
recent treaty between the United
States and Japan. in which this coun-
try conceded all that was asked by the
japanese government even the OmiS-
sion of that clause which specifically
retained to this country the right TO
exclude japanese laborers, the feeling
of qualification which Japan then 'ex-
pressed, the protestations of corlial and
sincere friendship which followed its
ratification. all argue against the pos
| slbility that Japan is now seeking TO
obtain more than her share of remuner-
alton for her shippers engaged in pelagic
sealing. or in any way to place serious
obstacle in the way of a policy which
means so much 10 this country.
The report that Japan was offended
! because of the convention with Great
! Britain ratified at the last session Of
| Congress. whereby the Canadian sealers
were TO he restrained from engaging in
pelagic sealing and 10 he compensated
| for the loss that prohibition would in
met upon them. does not bear scrutiny,
| for the reason that Japan was consulted
with regard TO that treaty and the com
pieted draft submitted for her approval
| The interests of the japanese shippers
are large. hut that is situatiolt which
! this country went into the conference
prepared to meet There is, in fact.
every reason TO believe that reason
able attitude on the part of the powers
participating IL the conference would
! insure a satisfactory outcome. While
/ little has leaked ont of the conference
room. il is known that Russia has acted
with entire fairness throughout the ne
gotiations. and it is hard to give any
credence 10 the report that Japan is
proving unreasonable. or that she will
permit herself To he outdone by Russia
| in equity or even i'll generosity.
Authentic reports of the difficulties
which have been encountered by the
ccnferrees will he awaited with inter-
est. hut with confidence that Japan
cannot have been found wanting in the
rea soma bleness of her demands or in
that generous and kindly disposition
toward the United States which this
country has every reason TO expect
| from her