8 REPORT OF BRITISH COMMISSIONERS. 



(c.) To the iucrease of sealing- upon the high seas, and the manner in 

 which it is pursued. 



I need scarcely remind you that your investigation should be carried 

 on with strict impartiality, that you should neglect no sources of infor- 

 mation which may be likely to assist you in arriving at a sound con- 

 clusion, and that great care should be taken to sift the evidence that is 

 brought before you. 



It is equally to the interest of all the Governments concerned in the 

 sealing industry that it should be ])rotected from all serious risk of 

 extinction in consequenceof the useof wasteful and injudicious methods. 



You will be provided with all the documentary evidence in the pos- 

 session of this Department which is likely to be of assistance to you in 

 the prosecution of your inquiry. 



Mr. A. Froude has been appointed to be your Secretary, and will accom 

 pany you on your tour, 

 vi Separate despatches will be addressed to you with regard to 



the expenses of your mission, and the form in which your cor- 

 respondence with this Office should be conducted. 

 I am, &c. 



(Signed) Salisbury. 



[Inclosure in No. 1.] 



Commission passed under the Royal Sign Manual and Signet, appointing Sir George Smyth 

 Badcn-Fowell, E. C. M. G., M. P., and George Mercer Dawson, LL. D., F. li. S., to 

 undertake an inquiry into the Conditions of Seal Life aiid the precautions necessary for 

 preventing tlie extermination of the Fur-seal Species in Behring Sea and other parts of 

 the North Facific Ocean. 



Victoria, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdoni of Great Britain and 

 Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India, &c., to all and singular 

 to whom these presents shall come, greeting ! 



Whereas, we have deemed it expedient tliat Commissioners should be appointed 

 for the purpose of inquiry into the conditions of seal life and the precautions neces- 

 sary for preventing the extermination of the fur-seal species in Behring Sea and 

 other parts of the North Pacific Ocean : 



Now, know ye, that we, reposing especial trust and confidence in the diligence, 

 skill, and integrity of our trusty and well-beloved Sir George Smyth Baden-Powell, 

 Knight Commander of Our Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, 

 Member of Parliament; and of our trusty and well-beloved Professor George Mercer 

 Dawson, Assistant Director and Geologist of the Canadian Geological and Natural 

 History Survey, have nominated, constituted, and appointed, and do by these pres- 

 ents nominate, constitute, and appoint them our Commissioners to undertake the 

 inquiry aforesaid: 



And we do hereby give to our said Commissioners full power and authority to do 

 and perform all acts, matters, and thiugs which may be necessary and proper for 

 duly carrying into effect the object of this our Commission. 



In witness whereof we have signed these presents with our Royal hand. 



Given at our Court at Windsor Castle, the 22nd day of June, in the year of our 

 Lord 1891, and in the fifty-fifth year of our reign. 



By Her Majesty's command, 



(Signed) Salisbury. 



iTo. 2. 



The Marquis of Salisbury to the Behring Sea Commissioners. 



Foreign Office, January 15, 1892. 

 Gentlemen: I have to inform you that Her Majesty's Minister at 

 Washington has sent home the text of seven Articles, signed by himself 

 and Mr. Blaine on the 18th ultimo, which are to be embodied in a formal 



