ae as ae ay 
APPENDIX TO CASE OF GREAT BRITAIN. 515 
and fishing in waters which, previous to their own acquisition 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. 
465 I have to request that you will read this despatch to Mr. 
Blaine, and leave a copy of it with him should he desire it. 
Iam, Sc. 
(Signed) SALISBURY. 
{Inclosure in No. 336.] 
Memorandum, 
In 1870, Collector Phelps reported, ‘The barque ‘Cyane’ has arrived at this port 
(San Francisco) from Alaska, having on board forty-seven seal-skins.” (See Ex. Doc. 
No. 85, 44th Congress, Ist Session.) 
In 1872, he reported expeditions fitting out in Australia and Victoria for the pur- 
pose of taking seals in Behring’s Sea, and was informed that it was not expedient to 
interfere with them. 
In 1874, Acting Secretary Sawyer, writing to Mr. Elliott, Special Agent, said: 
“Tt having been officially reported to this Department by the Collector of Customs 
at Port Townsend, from Neea-ah Bay, that British vessels from Victoria cross over 
into American waters and engage in taking fur-seals (which, he represents, are 
annually becoming more numerous on our immediate coast) to the great injury of 
our sealers, both white and Indian, you will give such proper attention to the exami- 
nation of the subject as its importance may seem to you, after careful inquiry, to 
demand, and with a view toa Report to the Department of all facts ascertained.” 
(Ditto, May 4th, No. 117, p. 114.) 
In 1875, Mr. McIntyre, Treasury Agent, described how ‘‘ before proceeding to harsh 
measures” he had warned the Captain of the ‘‘Cygnet,” who was shooting seals in 
Zapadnee Bay, and stated that the Captain appeared astonished that he was break- 
ing the law. (Ditto, March 15th, 1875, No. 130, p. 124.) 
In 1880, the fur-seal trade of the British Columbia coast was of great importance. 
Seven vessels were then engaged in the fishery, of which the greater number were, 
in 1886 and 1887, seized by the United States Government in Behring’s Sea. 
In 1884, Daniel and Alexander McLean, both British subjects, took the American 
schooner ‘‘San Diego” to Behring’s Sea, and were so successful that they returned 
there in 1885, from Victoria, with the ‘‘Mary Ellen” and the ‘“ Favourite,” 
No. 337. 
Sir J. Pauncefote to the Marquis of Salisbury.—( Received May 23.) 
[Telegraphic. ] 
WASHINGTON, May 22, 1890. 
A statement appears in the newspapers to-day that after a Cabinet 
Council, held on Tuesday, it has been decided to reject the British 
counter-proposal, and instructions have been issued to the officer com- 
manding the United States Revenue eruizer “Bear,” now lying at 
Seattle, similar to those of last year, with one exception, viz., that, 
instead of capturing, she is to dismantle all vessels found sealing in 
Behring’s Sea, and to seize their log-books and skins as evidence in 
case of judicial proceedings being taken. 
I went at once to Mr. Blaine, who did not deny these statements. 
I remonstrated against the publication of such news before he had 
returned any reply to the proposals of Her Majesty’s Government, and 
against the issue of such instructions while negotiations are pending, 
