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Page 1
The Prime Minister kept this note unanswered until September, and then
said he could not possibly take part in any discussion to which Japan
and Russia were also to be admitted.
Every one wondered what this refusal could mean, and it caused a very
bad impression, as it came right after the publication by the Foreign
Office of a book in which the letters and despatches which had passed
between the two countries in the seal dispute had been printed.
This book contained some very unfriendly remarks about the United
States. Among other things it was said that we ought not to be making
such a fuss about the kind of sealing that is now being carried on,
because in 1832 we practised the same methods ourselves in the South
Atlantic Ocean.
This accusation is absolutely true, but Mr. Chamberlain, in his book,
did not add that bitter experience in the south had taught us our
lesson, and that it is because of the destruction we had worked to the
southern herd that we are so anxious to take better care of the
northern.
So important does the protection of the seals seem to our Government,
that when the news came that England might not join in the conference if
Japan and Russia were represented there, it was decided to hold the
meeting, whether Great Britain joined or not. But, being anxious to keep
on the best of terms with our English cousins, the Government sent a
most pressing invitation to England, begging her to attend the
conference, and hear what the scientists had to say about the seal herd,
even if she would not take any part in the discussion.
In view of this, England has consented to attend the meetings, but will
not say whether she will take any part in the proceedings.
The English papers say they cannot see what interest the Russians and
Japanese have in the Bering Sea dispute. The United States is, however,
extremely anxious that these two countries should be at the meeting to
give their opinion about the proper manner and season in which to hunt
seals.
It is intended that several scientists who have studied the habits of
the seals shall appear before the members of the conference, and give
their views about the condition of the herd. Professor D'Arcy Thompson
for England, and Professor David Starr Jordan for America, will be among
the number.
Russian and Japanese experts are also to make statements on the subject;
but a report from Canada says that the Canadian representative intends
to ask that these gentlemen shall not be allowed to speak, as she does
not think they are sufficiently well acquainted with the life and habits
of the seals to be able to offer an expert opinion.
Up to the moment of receiving Great Britain's refusal to treat with us,
every one supposed that it was only necessary to explain to England the
damage that was being done to the herd, for her to join us in making
arrangements to protect them.
Now every one is feeling uncertain what the result of the conference
will be.
We told you the cause of this difference of opinion between the two
countries was the careless and wasteful way in which the hunters have
killed the seals.
Instead of waiting till the animals have reached their feeding-grounds,
they have killed many in the open sea; this is called pelagic sealing,
and is against the law. In addition to this they have killed them in an
unlawful way at their feeding-grounds. Instead of separating and killing
the young bachelor seals, who are tiresome fellows, and hang round the
colonies annoying and fighting the father seals who are trying to bring
up their families, the sealers have entered the colonies or rookeries
themselves, and slaughtered the mothers, leaving hundreds and thousands
of motherless puppies behind to die for want of proper care (see p.
736).
Because of this the seal herd has been decreasing so rapidly that fear
has arisen that it will disappear if the seals are not properly cared
for.
The object of the conference is to decide whether the seal herd is
really decreasing, and if so, to make strict laws to protect the mother
seals and their poor helpless little puppies.
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