71 



The conclusions T Imve reacliod are: 



1. That the United States have a property in the Koals in and habit- 

 ually resorting to their islands in Bering- Sea. 



2. That this property is in the lawful possession and control of the 

 United States when it is found on their islands, or within the limits of 

 their territorial jurisdiction, and they have the exclusive jurisdiction 

 to i^rotect and preserve them within those limits. 



3. That this property is also in the lawful possession of the United 

 States when the seals are found in the open ocean and, in such waters, 

 they have such rights of jurisdiction over these fur-seals as any owner 

 of land animals would have over domestic or domesticated animals, 

 when fonnd on the public highways. 



4. That, as a sovereign poAvcr, the United States may punish its 

 citizens for appropriating or destroying its property on the high seas; 

 but they can exercise no higher powers over property so situated, when 

 it is being appro])riated or destroyed by the citizens of other countries, 

 tliau a private owner could exert under like circumstances. 



