Description:

Benjamin Harrison
Washington, D.C., May 9, 1892
B. Harrison Establishes Precedent for Intl. Environmental Agreements in Dispute with Great Britain. A Fine Boldly Signed & Historic Doc!
Document
DS, Washington, D.C., dated May 9, 1892, authorizing the Secretary of State to affix the seal on President Harrison's proclamation regarding a dispute between the governments of Great Britain and the United States in regards to the Bering Sea. The proclamation also renews the existing "modus vivendi" (international agreement) between the two countries. The document is boldly signed by Benjamin Harrison as "Benj Harrison." The sight size of the letter is approximately 6.5" x 7.5" while the overall frame size is 20.25" x 14" x 1."

The Bering Sea dispute in the late 19th century was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain over control of the lucrative fur seal trade, raising issues of international jurisdiction and conservation. After acquiring Alaska in 1867, the U.S. claimed authority over seal populations in the Bering Sea, asserting the right to regulate hunting to protect these resources. However, British-backed Canadian vessels continued to hunt seals in international waters, challenging the U.S. claim. This led to escalating tensions and the temporary 1891 modus vivendi, which restricted hunting until a permanent solution could be found.

In 1892, the two nations agreed to resolve the dispute through arbitration, which took place in Paris the following year. The tribunal ruled largely in favor of Great Britain, affirming the Bering Sea as international waters and limiting U.S. authority. However, it also imposed seasonal hunting bans and regulated hunting methods to protect seal populations, marking an early instance of international wildlife conservation. This ruling highlighted the importance of diplomacy in managing shared natural resources and established a precedent for international environmental agreements.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: frame: 20.25" x 14" x 1"
  • Medium: Document

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