FUR SEALS OF ALASKA. 35 
obtained, we have reached a conclusion as to the proper course for 
the Department to follow if the matter is left in our hands. 
It is the opinion of the Department that the time has come to adopt 
some positive measures for the further restriction of the killing on the 
islands. The Department, however, does not think it would be wise 
at the present time to suspend the killing entirely, and for that reason 
we are not in favor of the resolution as it now stands. 
I take it that the purpose of the resolution is to preserve enough 
male life on the islands to guarantee the perpetuation of the herd. 
The Department is confident that the desired end can be accomplished | 
by applying less drastic measures. If the herd can be saved without a 
complete suspension of the killing it would certainly be a serious mis- 
take to take suchaction at thistime. Why? Because the result would 
be alarger surplus of male seals on the islands, and these seals would 
go into the sea to become the prey of the pelagic sealers. 
Just at this time when we have reason to believe that the pelagic hunt- 
ers are becoming somewhat discouraged, and when we desire them to 
become still more discouraged it would seem most unwise to provide 
for them an additional stock of seals, and thus add to the profits of 
their business. The great object to be obtained, everybody seems to 
agree, is the cessation of pelagic sealing. We want the Government 
to negotiate with Great Britain for a revision of the sealing regula- 
tions. In order that we may be successful in these negotiations it is 
highly important that no impetus be given at this stage to the pelagic 
sealing industry, because that industry continues to be the chief 
obstacle to such negotiations. It is the influence the Canadian 
sealers bring to bear upon the British Government that stands in the 
way of a revision of the regulations. 
Furthermore, if we take this action of suspending immediately ali 
killing on the islands, it deprives us of a measure that can be offered 
to the British as an inducement for similar action on their part regard- 
ing pelagic sealing. Pending the adoption of new regulations for the 
- better protection of the seals, we want to ask Great Britain to stop all 
killing at sea. In return for such action we can offer on our part to 
stop the killing on land. 
For these reasons it seems to the Department that it would be very 
unwise, in advance of any understanding with the British, to suspend 
all killing on the islands. Such action would impede the Government 
in its efforts to secure an international agreement for the preservation 
of the seals. 
Mr. Wiuuiams, of Mississippi. But what number do you propose to 
> restrict it to? 
Mr. Hircucocg. I shall be very glad to explain to the committee 
in detail the plan we have tentatively fixed upon. While we may 
decide to modify it somewhat as to the details, it will represent in its 
main features the policy the Department is ready to carry out. 
First of all, we propose to limit still further the ages at which seals 
can be taken; we will prohibit altogether the killing of seals under 
2 years of age; we will also prohibit the killing of seals above 4 years 
of age. Killing will thus be restricted to seals between 2 and 4 years 
old. Furthermore, a regulation will be issued requiring the com- 
pany, under the direction of our agents, to cull out from the drives 
and release a certain number of 3-year-old males, and likewise a 
certain number of 2-year-old males, say about 1,000 of each. The 
