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Lot #66
President Benjamin Harrison Seeks to Halt Seal Slaughter in the Bering Sea

America and Great Britain reach a 'modus vivendi' regarding "the Fur Seal Fisheries in Behring Sea"

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Estimate: $800+
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Description

America and Great Britain reach a 'modus vivendi' regarding "the Fur Seal Fisheries in Behring Sea"

Partly-printed DS as president, signed “Benj. Harrison,” one page, 8 x 10, June 15, 1891. President Harrison directs the Secretary of State to “cause the Seal of the United States to be affixed to my proclamation in relation to the Fur Seal Fisheries in Behring Sea.” Signed neatly at the conclusion by Benjamin Harrison. In fine condition.

This document refers to Proclamation 306, entitled ‘Modus Vivendi Respecting the Fur-Seal Fisheries,’ which was ‘an agreement for a modus vivendi between the Government of the United States and the Government of Her Britannic Majesty in relation to the fur-seal fisheries in Bering Sea.’ The first and second articles read, in part: ‘Her Majesty's Government will prohibit until May next seal killing in that part of Bering Sea lying eastward of the line of demarcation described in article No. 1 of the treaty of 1867 between the United States and Russia, and will promptly use its best efforts to insure the observance of this prohibition by British subjects and vessels...The United States Government will prohibit seal killing for the same period in the same part of Bering Sea and on the shores and islands thereof the property of the United States.’

This above document succeeds an earlier related piece of legislation, ‘Proclamation 287, Prohibition of Hunting Fur-Bearing Animals in Alaska and Bering Sea,’ which was proclaimed on March 21, 1889, which reads, in part: ‘No person shall kill any otter, mink, marten, sable, or fur seal, or other fur-bearing animal within the limits of Alaska Territory or in the waters thereof; and every person guilty thereof shall for each offense be fined not less than $200 nor more than $1,000, or imprisoned not more than six months, or both; and all vessels, their tackle, apparel, furniture, and cargo, found engaged in violation of this section shall be forfeited.’

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
  • Dates: #687 - Ended February 14, 2024





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