PROPOSED INTERNATIONAL MEASURES, 1890. 211 



The negotiations now being carriedouat Washington prove the read- 

 iness of Her Majesty's Cxovernment to consider whetlier any specia- 

 international agreement is necessary for tlie protection of the fur-seall 

 ing industry. In its absence they are unable to admit that the case put 

 forward on behalf of the United States affords any sufiicient justifica- 

 tion for the forcible, action already taken by them against peaceable 

 subjects of Her Majesty engaged in lawful operations on the high seas. 



"The President," says Mr. Blaine, "is persuaded that all friendly 

 nations will concede to the United States tlie same rights and privileges 

 on the lands and in the waters of Alaska whicli the same friendly nations 

 always conceded to the Empire of Eussia." 



Her Majesty's Government have no difficulty in making such a con- 

 cession. In strict accord with the views which, i)revious to the present 

 controversy, were consistently and successfully maintained by the 

 United States, they have, whenever occasion arose, op})osed all claims 

 to exclusive privileges in the non territorial waters of Ueliring Sea. The 

 rights they have demanded have been those of free navigation and fish- 

 ing in waters which, i)revious to their own ac(iuisition of Alaska, the 

 United States declared to be free and open to all foreign vessels. 



That is the extent of their present contention and they trust that, 

 on consideration of the arguments now presented to them, the United 

 States will recognize its justice and moderation. 



I have to request that you will read this dispatch to Mr. Blaine and 

 leave a copy of it with him should he desire it. 

 I am, etc., 



Saliseury. 



[liiclosiire.] 



In 1870 Collector Phelps reported " Mio l>;ii(|ue ('i/diic liii.s nrrivod :it this port (Sau 

 Francisco) from Alaslva, liavinij on buaid 17 sculykiiis." (See Ex. Doc. No. 83, Forty. 

 Iburtli Congres.s, tirst session.) 



In 1872 lie reported, expeditious littiiiii; out in Australia and Victoria for the pur- 

 pose of talcing seals in Uehriug Sea, aud was infonucd that it was not expedient to 

 interfere witli them. 



In 1874, Acting Secretary Sawyer, writing to jNlr. Elliott, spt'cinl agent, said: 



"It having been officially reported to this Department by the collector of customs 

 at Port Townseud, from Neah Bay, that British vessels from Victoria cross over 

 into Auieriean waters and engage in taking fur-seals (which hii represents are annu- 

 ally becoming more numerous on oui' immediate const) to the great injury of our 

 sealers, l>oth white and Indian, you will give such i)roper atteutiou to the examination 

 of the subject as its importance may seem to you, after careful inquiry, to demand, 

 and with a view to a report to the Department of all facts ascertained." (Ditto, May 

 4, No. 117, p. 111.) 



In 1875, Mr. Mclntyre, Treasury agent, descriljed how "before proceeding to harsh 

 measures" he had warned the captain of the Cygnet, who was shooting seals in Za- 

 padnee Bay, and stated that the captain ai)peared astonished that ho was breaking 

 the law. (Ditto, March 15, 1875, No. 130, p. 124.) 



In 1880, the fur-seal trade of thoBiitish Columl)ia coast was of great importance. 

 Seven vessels were then engaged in the lisliery, of wiiicli the greater number were, 

 in 188G and 1887, seized by the United State's (iovci-anirut in Behring Sea. 



In 1884 Daniel aud Alexander McLean, both British subjects, took the American 

 schooner Sau Dmjo to Behring Sea, and were so successful that they returned there 

 in 1885, from Vietona, with the Mary Ellnii aiid the Favourite. 



