304 DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 



the subject of IVIr. Blaine's note to yon of tlie 4tli instant, tliat seal- 

 taking on the islands and in the waters of Behring Sea be limited, asin 

 said note expressed, as to citizens of the United States and subjects of 

 Great Britain, pending the arbitration of certain questions in contro- 

 versy between the two Governments. 



In several interviews with j'ou since the 20th instant the desire of 

 the President for an early response to the note of the 4th of May has 

 been reaffirmed. 



The situation evidently calls for prompt action. Each day's delay in- 

 creases the existing difference in the ability of the respective govern- 

 ments to make the proposed limitation of seal-taking efiective. It is 

 reported that a large fleet of Canadian sealers has been for some weeks 

 or months on the seas. They are daily going farther out of reach. The 

 revenue cruisers have awaited definite orders. Their i)resence is ur- 

 gently needed in the Behring kSea. Any further delay tends to defeat 

 the very jmrpose for which the agreement is sought. It is quitc^ incom- 

 patible with fairneSvS and justice to our citizens that this should be per- 

 mitted to continue. 



Ample opportunity has been afforded to Her Majesty's Government 

 to bring this condition to a close by an effective agreement; but there- 

 suit is still uncertain and, to all api)earances, remote. The Bresideut 

 would be glad to know that it is near at hand and certain ; but he can no 

 longer hold back in furtherance of a vague hope, to the detriment of the 

 legitimate interests of the Government and citizens of the United 

 States. 



I am, therefore, directed by the President to inform you that orders 

 have been given to the revenue steamer Rmh to i^roceed to the sealing 

 islands. 



Another revenue steamer, the Convin, is at San Francisco, nearly 

 ready to sail, and will very shortly put to sea. Should an agreement 

 be reached before her departure, ai)propriate orders may still be sent 

 by her to the islands. I mention this in order that you may compre- 

 hend how fully this Government desires to effect an arrangement for 

 this season, and that you may realize how each day's delay lessens the 

 ability of Her Majesty's Government to effectively cooperate with 

 regard to British subjects and tends to destroy the practical utility of 

 an agreement to limit the seal catch. 

 I am, etc., 



Alvey a. Adee, 



Aoting Secrciary. 



Sir Julian Faunccfote to Mr. Adee. 



British Legation, 



Washutgton, May 37, 1S91. 



Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of 

 yesterday's date, and to inform you that 1 have communicated the sub- 

 stance of its contents to the ]\Iar(piisof Salisbury by telegram. 



I feel assured that his lordship will greatly regn't any inconvenience 

 which may be cause<l to your (Joveriiment by tlic imjjracticability of re- 

 turning an immediate re])ly to the [)r()i)()sal contained in l\lr. IJlaine's 

 note to me of the 4th instafit. 



Lord Salisbury, as I liad tlie honor to state to you verball\, is using 

 the utmost expedition; but the lateness of the proposal and the con- 



