running out of guns, which caused the steamer to heave-to. Captain Shepard and Lieutenant Tuttle boarded the English craft and asked for her papers. The officers of the "Black Diamond" offered no armed resistance, but refused to deliver the papers. Captain Shepard at once broke open the cabin, and forced the hinges off the strong box. and the captain's chest, thereby securing the papers. A search of the vessel disclosed 10,000 sealskins, which had been taken in Behring's Sea. Captain Shepard placed a noncommissioned officer from the "Rush" in charge of the Black Diamond," and ordered the vessel to be taken to Sitka to await further instructions. The captain of the "Black Diamond" stated that when in Victoria he had been ordered to pay no attention in case he was overtaken by the "Rush" and requested to heave-to. He said he would not have surrendered if the "Rush" had had an inferior force to his own. On the 1st July the schooner "Triumph" was also boarded by Captain Shepard, but no arrest was made, the skins on board having been captured in the Pacific. A passenger who arrived on the "Dora" said: "On our way down from St. Paul's Island we saw six sealers and the "Rush " pursuing. Undoubtedly by this time the "Rush" has made additional captures."

Captain Shepard's Report.

Washington, July 30.-A telegram from Captain Shepard, commanding the Revenuesteamer" Rush," says he seized the "Black Diamond" for violation of section 1956 of the revised statutes. This section was incorporated in the President's Proclamation of the 21st March, on the subject of seal fisheries. It forbids the killing, by unauthorized persons, of seal and other fur-bearing animals within the limits of Alaska or in the waters thereof. The penalty provided is a fine of from 200 dollars to 1,000 dollars, or imprisonment for not exceeding six months, or both, and the forfeiture of the vessels violating the law.

Inclosure 4 in No. 211.

Extract from the "Ottawa Citizen" of August 3, 1889.

BEHRING'S SEA TROUBLES.

(By telegraph to the "Citizen.")

Washington, 2nd.-The seizure of the British sealing-vessel "Black Diamond" by the Revenue-cutter "Rush" is believed to be the beginning of a series of seizures which must lead to some definite understanding between the United States and Great Britain on the subject. Great Britain has emphatically expressed the opinion that the United States' Government has no jurisdiction over the Behring's Sea outside the 3-mile limit. Our Government proceeds on the assumption that it has a right to protect the seal in any part of the Behring's Sea, although the State Department has never stated that assumption in direct terms, and all its official utterances on the subject carry the conviction of the Department's consciousness of inability to establish the claim on the basis of any Treaty agreement or international law. Even the Acts of Congress do not anywhere assert a claim over the whole of Behring's Sea, but only over Alaskan waters or the waters adjacent to Alaska and to our islands in Behring's Sea. Indeed, the one plea upon which the United States' Government captures sealing-vessels all over the thousands of miles of water within Behring's Sea is that the welfare of mankind requires that the scal shall be protected from poachers. The English Government agrees that the seal should be carefully protected and preserved, but contends that it has a right to be consulted as to the method of protecting the seal on the open sea.

The United States' Government is unwilling to take other Governments into partnership in the business, because the seal really belongs to the Pribylov Islands, although it sometimes strays to distant waters to spend the winter. Nevertheless, when it comes to a crisis, this Government will probably have to admit that it has no right to say, independent of other nations, that seal shall not be taken 200 or 300 miles from shore. It would not be surprising if some serious collisions should occur between the seal-hunters and our Revenue-cutters. The sealers are out in numbers, and the seizures that are sure to be made this summer must bring things to a crisis and lead to a settlement of right in the matter. Sir Julian Pauncefote will have big business to attend to when he returns to Washington. He will doubtless bring back with him some urgent representations from

Lord Salisbury. Sir Julian said before sailing for England that up to that time the subject had not been talked of at all between himself and the State Department here.

The seizure and search of the "Triumph," which was afterwards released because no sealskins were found on board, may be a more serious matter than the seizure of the "Black Diamond," for it involved the right of the United States to seize and search suspected vessels outside of what are conceded to be the limits of the jurisdiction of the United States.

Bangor, Me., 1st.-Secretary Blaine passed through this city this evening en route to Bar Harbour. A reporter called his attention to a declaration in a Boston paper that it would be impossible for the national Government to "sustain the pretension of Secretary Blaine that Behring's Sea is distinctly American water." The Secretary of State simply remarked that it might be well for the paper in question to indicate the occasion, official or unofficial, where he said anything at all on that point. Mr. Blaine added that everything done on the fur-seal question since the 4th of last March was in literal compliance with the directions contained in the Act of Congress which was approved by President Cleveland on the last day of his term.

Inclosure 5 in No. 211.

Extract from the "Ottawa Citizen" of August 6, 1889.

Victoria, B.C., 5th.-The most astonishing thing that has happened here since the foundation of the town was the arrival in the harbour yesterday of the "Black Diamond," Captain Thomas, which, on the 11th July last, was seized by the American Revenue-cutter "Rush," for the alleged illegal capture of seals in Behring's Sea. Captain Thomas, the moment he stepped ashore, was met by the owners of the schooner, and to them he reported the facts connected with the interruption of his vessel's sealing trip. He sighted: the Revenue-cutter "Rush" on the 11th July, 5 miles away. He was catching seals at the time, and was 70 miles off shore. He immediately made sail, intending to elude the cutter and avoid any possible trouble. The wind, unfortunately, was rather light, and the "Rush's" engines enabled her, inside of an hour, to overhaul the "Black Diamond." The Commander of the "Rush" at first signalled the schooner to heave to, but no attention being paid to the order by Captain Thomas, the "Rush" steamed almost alongside, her Commander shouting out his order for her to lay to. This he did three times, but Captain Thomas still paying no attention to him, he steamed ahead of the "Black Diamond" and lay across her bows, compelling Captain Thomas to haul his vessel up sharply and lay to.

Then Lieutenant Tuttle, three other officers, and two boat-loads of Yankee sailors came aboard and began making an examination of the "Black Diamond " hold. Captain Thomas demanded an explanation, when Lieutenant Tuttle informed him that his vessel was under seizure for the illegal catching of seals, and demanding the "Black Diamond's " papers. Captain Thomas indignantly repudiated the charge that he was acting illegally, and refused to give up his papers. Lieutenant Tuttle argued, demanded, and threatened, and finally, after three distinct, emphatic refusals on Captain Thomas' part, ordered his seamen to break open the cabin lockers and find what the Captain refused to give up. The papers were found, and Lieutenant Tuttle took possession of them, refusing to Captain Thomas' repeated demands to return them. An American sailor named John Hawkins was then left aboard by the Commander of the "Rush," who informed Captain Thomas that he and his mate were under arrest, that the schooner was to be taken to Sitka, that the crew were not to be detained; but that the vessel was to be delivered over to the United States' Collector of the Port of Sitka, who would take whatever further action should be thought necessary by the American authorities. Written instructions to this effect were given to Hawkins, and, after a thorough search of the schooner, Lieutenant Tuttle, with his officers and men, departed, and shortly afterward the "Rush" steamed off toward some other vessels in sight. Captain Thomas said nothing to Hawkins, but putting up the port helm headed toward the Alaskan shore. Four days later the "Rush" was passed by the "Black Diamond," but did not hail her; the schooner was headed in the proper direction, and there was no necessity for speaking to each other. But the next day the "Black Diamond" reached the harbour of Ounalaska, in the island of that name, forming one of the Fox Islands in the Aleutian group, and went inside in the hope of finding there an English man-of-war. The place was deserted however, except by natives, so Captain Thomas, without any ado, turned his vessel about, heading for the passage leading into the Pacific Ocean, and, reaching that, headed straight for Victoria, where he arrived as described

above. Captain Thomas said he wasn't going to let any one Yankee sailor take him captive into Sitka, and, as seaman Hawkins appears to have had very little to say about the matter after the "Rush" departed, the Canadian kept his determination.

There was no violence on the "Black Diamond." Hawkins, as soon as he saw that Captain Thomas didn't intend to sail the schooner into Sitka, seems to have made some sort of a protest, ineffectual, of course, and then settled down to a realization of the truth of saying that "there's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip." He was quite hopeful, when he came ashore to-day, that he wouldn't be swung from a yard arm for not obeying orders. In the face of his predicament he was in fact remarkably cheerful. He proceeded at once to the American Consulate, where, handing over his instructions to the United States' Consul, he made a statement of what happened, as he saw it, since the "Rush " parted with him. His history of the affair has been telegraphed to the authorities at Washington. The utmost satisfaction is felt here at the escape of the "Black Diamond," particularly among the sealers and the owners of sealing-vessels, and Captain Thomas is being made a lion of for his conduct in the matter.

Inclosure 6 in No. 211.

Extract from the "Ottawa Citizen" of August 6, 1889.

IS IT A BACKDOWN:

Washington, District of Columbia, 5th August.-[Special.]-In some quarters the running away of the "Black Diamond" is looked upon as nothing more or less than a surrender of the position taken by the United States on the Behring's Sea question. It was so stated this morning by an ex-official of the Government, and, upon my asking for his reason for such a view, he simply referred to the course pursued by the Treasury and State Departments in 1888 as a sufficient answer. According to his theory, the seizure of the "Black Diamond" was all for effect, and her arrival at a British port was nothing more nor less than what was expected. The Treasury people with whom I conversed on the subject scouted this position as most absurd. They state that Captain Shepard was carrying out his instructions, and would never have seized the "Black Diamond" unless he was convinced that the laws of this Government on the fur-seal matter had been openly and unquestionably violated. Full particulars by mail are to reach the Treasury Department not later than Wednesday next. Captain Shepard will explain the seizure of the "Black Diamond," and this, the Treasury people say, will fully explain his action on breaking open the cabin and taking possession of the ship's papers. The action of Captain Shepard has given rise to considerable comment in official circles. One of the gentlemen with whom I talked, and who is well informed, said the "Black Diamond" will be seized the first time she appears in American water for this same offence, but it will be a long time before the opportunity for such a seizure occurs, and there is no law by which the case can be reached otherwise. The vessel was seized and got away, and that is the whole story in a nut shell. The British Chargé d'Affaires has not received any information as yet regarding this new development in Behring's Sea.

Inclosure 7 in No. 211.

Extract from the "Toronto Globe" of August 1, 1889.

MORE DETAILS.

Victoria, British Columbia, 31st July.-Captain McLean, of the British sealer "Triumph," which has arrived here from Behring's Sea, is reticent about affairs in the north. It is stated by others on the vessel, however, that when the "Triumph" was sighted by the "Rush" there were thirty seals dead lying on the "Triumph's" deck. These are hurriedly skinned, and the pelts hidden among a large quantity of salt. This salt also formed a heavy coating to about 800 sealskins which lay in the bottom of the schooner. Lieutenant Tuttle made an examination, but seeing nothing but salt departed. The men on the "Triumph" say that Captain Dodd, of the " Mac," had said he would fire on any American officers attempting to board his vessel. Lieutenant Tuttle told Captain McLean he had seen five schooners entering Behring's Sea on the 4th July, viz., "Maggie Mac," "Triumph," "Mary Ellen," "Lillie L.," and "Black Diamond.” The

latter was captured, but the fate of the others is unknown. The "Corona" arrived to-day. Captain Carroll says when he left Juneau, Wednesday, the British men-of-war "Swiftsure," "Icarus," and " Amphion" were there; they left for Port Simpson on the following day. The "Corona" heard nothing of the seizures.

A number of prominent sealing men waited on the Captain of the British man-of-war Champion,' which sailed to-day for the north to join the fleet, and gave him full particulars in writing. He will convey them personally to Admiral Heneage. A deputation also waited on the Honourable John Robinson, Provincial Secretary; he has telegraphed to Ottawa demanding protection of the Imperial Government. Telegrams also have been sent by the most prominent public men of the province. The action of the Imperial Government is anxiously awaited.

No. 212.

Sir,

The Marquis of Salisbury to Mr. Edwardes.-(Substance telegraphed.)

Foreign Office, August 22, 1889. HER Majesty's Government are in receipt of repeated rumours that British vessels have been searched and even seized in Behring's Sea, outside the 3-mile distance. from any land.

No official confirmation of these rumours has yet reached Her Majesty's Government, but they appear to be authentic.

I have to instruct you to inquire of the United States' Government whether any similar information has reached them.

You will also request that stringent instructions may be issued as soon as practicable to the officials of the United States to prevent the possible recurrence of such incidents.

I am, &c.

Sir,

No. 213.

The Marquis of Salisbury to Mr. Edwardes.-(Substance telegraphed.)

Foreign Office, August 22, 1889. WHEN you make the communication to Mr. Blaine, as instructed in my previous despatch of this day's date, relative to the recent seizures of British vessels in Behring's Sea, I should wish you to remind him that clear though unofficial assurances were given last year by Mr. Bayard that, pending the general discussion of the questions at issue between Her Majesty's Government and that of the United States, no further interference should take place with British ships in Behring's Sea at a distance from the shore.

You will find the record of such an assurance conveyed to me through Mr. Phelps in my despatch to Sir L. West of the 3rd April, 1888, and Sir C. Tupper informs me that Mr. Bayard gave personally similar assurances to him and the other members of the Commission sent to Washington.

Sir J. Pauncefote will be prepared to discuss the whole question when he returns to Washington in the autumn; but you should point out that a settlement will only be hindered should the United States' authorities resort to measures of force against British ships beyond the 3-mile limit, against which Her Majesty's Government must necessarily protest as contrary to the principle of international law, which the United States have not only acknowledged, but have themselves firmly and publicly maintained.

No. 214.

I am, &c.

Mr. Edwardes to the Marquis of Salisbury.-(Received by telegraph, August 26.) My Lord,

Newport, August 26, 1889.

I HAD the honour to receive on the 23rd instant your Lordship's two telegrams of the 22nd ultimo, instructing me to inform the Secretary of State that repeated rumours had of iate reached Her Majesty's Government that United States' cruizers have stopped,

searched, and even seized British vessels in Behring's Sea outside the 3-mile limit from the nearest land: that although no official confirmation of these rumours had reached Her Majesty's Government, there did not appear to be any reason to doubt their authenticity.

Your Lordship desired me at the same time to inquire whether the United States' Government were in possession of similar information, and to ask that stringent instructions should be sent at the earliest moment, with the view to prevent the possibility of such occurrences taking place.

In speaking to Mr. Blaine on the above subject, your Lordship instructed me to remind him that Her Majesty's Government had received last year very clear assurances from Mr. Bayard, at that time Secretary of State, that, pending the discussion of the general questions at issue, no further interference should take place with British vessels in Behring's Sea, and, in conclusion, to state that Sir J. Fauncefote would be prepared, on his return to Washington in the autumn, to discuss the whole question, adding that Her Majesty's Government wished to point out that a settlement could not but be hindered by measures of force on the part of the United States.

I accordingly left at once for Bar Harbour (Maine), where Mr. Blaine has been passing the summer, and on the morning of the 24th instant I called on him, and made a communication to him in the above sense.

Mr. Blaine at once asked me to address to him a note containing the substance of your Lordship's instructions. He said that he was unable to give a reply until he had consulted with the President, but he promised that I should receive one to the note I was to address to him at a very early date.

All that he could say to me then was that similar rumours had reached the United States' Government, which were probably authentic, although no official confirmation had been given to them, and he could say to me, in further reply to my communication, that he was of opinion that there was little divergence in the views of the two Governments on the points at issue.

On the termination of my interview with Mr. Blaine, I dispatched to your Lordship a telegram informing you of what had taken place, and then, in accordance with Mr. Blaine's request, I addressed to him a note, a copy of which I have the honour to inclose.

In the afternoon of the same day I met Mr. Blaine, and he told me that he had addressed a letter to me containing the reply he had made to me earlier in the day. I had the honour to forward to your Lordship by telegraph the substance of this reply, a copy of which is herewith inclosed.

This reply, as your Lordship will see, commences by saying that rumours of the search and seizure of British vessels in Behring's Sea by United States' cruizers have reached the United States' Government, and that although no official confirmation of those rumours has been received by them, they appear to be based on truth.

Mr. Blaine then goes on to say that it has been and is the earnest desire of the President of the United States to have such an adjustment as shall remove all possible ground of misunderstanding with Her Majesty's Government concerning the existing troubles in the Behring's Sea, and that the President believes that the responsibility for delay in that adjustment cannot be properly charged to the Government of the United States, and he begs me to express to your Lordship the gratification with which the Government of the United States hears that Sir J. Pauncefote will be prepared on his return to Washington in the autumn to discuss the whole question.

Mr. Blaine concludes his letter by saying that he has pleasure in assuring me that the Government of the United States will endeavour to be prepared for the discussion, and that, in the opinion of the President, the points at issue between the two Governments are capable of prompt adjustment on a basis entirely honourable to both.

I acknowledged Mr. Blaine's letter in a note, a copy of which is herewith inclosed (Inclosure No. 3), informing him that I should lose no time in bringing his reply to the knowledge of Her Majesty's Government, who, while awaiting an answer to the other inquiries I had the honour to make to him, would, I felt confident, receive with much satisfaction the assurances which he had been good enough to offer to me.