18 FUR SEALS OF ALASKA. 
of such legislation if we intend to enter into further negotiations with 
England, Japan, and Russia. 
The CuarrmMan. The committee will have to adjourn in about seven 
minutes. 
My. Fautxner. This is an important question. Gentlemen, as 
representatives of this great Government, will you, by the passage of 
this measure, repudiate the position the Government has taken as to 
the cause of the decrease of the seal herd in every international dispute? 
Mr. Grosvenor. Your remarks up to this time will be printed. 
Now, could you not dictate to a stenographer further and let it appear 
in the printed hearing? Would that not be as well as for us to have 
another meeting at some other time? 
Mr. Fautxver. Yes; I will do anything that the committee desire. 
IT am subject to their orders and their convenience and wishes in every 
respect. : 
the Cuatrman. We want to leave that with you. 
Mr. Fautxner. I have no desire one way or the other. I want to 
suit myself entirely to the convenience of the committee. 
Mr. Wiiuiams, of Mississippi. Speaking for myself individually, I 
would like you to make a full statement. I would like the Senator to 
make a statement to the stenographer. I would like to give permis- 
sion to both sides to extend in print. 
Mr. Favutxner. Every scientist, with the exception of Mr. Elliott, 
opposes his entire views in reference to the killing on the land. I 
want to explain the Russian situation in 1834 that has been referrd to. 
Mr. Witzrtrams, of Mississippi. It seems to me that when you do not 
leave the question of natural selection and propagation to the strong- 
est males and to nature to determine by this fighting-out business that 
you will leave it to males that may be inferior and will not produce as 
healthy progeny. 
Mr. Fauixner. I will refer the committee to the pages of the 
authorities where every view advanced by Mr. Elliott has been 
overthrown. 
Mr. Hiux. The herd is falling off 4 
Mr. Fautxner. Of course, and it will fall off so long as pelagic 
sealing continues. How could it be otherwise when they are fre- 
quently killing three seals whenever they kill a female? 
Mr. Wixxiams, of Mississippi. Prior to pelagic sealing it was said 
that a decrease had taken place in the Russian islands by land killing 
alone. I would like that point to be brought out. 
The Cuatrman. Will it suit your convenience to come here to-morrow 
morning ¢ 
Mr. Fautxner. Yes; Iam subject to your wishes. 
Mr. Wriuiams, of Mississippi. Before we adjourn I would like to 
have permission granted to let the speakers extend their remarks. 
The Cuarrman. That can be done to-morrow morning. 
__ Thereupon, at 12 o’clock, the committee adjourned until to-morrow, 
Thursday, March 10, 1904, at 10 o’clock, a. mm. 
