The Ottawa correspondent of the Times, in a letter in
Monday's issue, gives an account of the recent seizure of three British sealing-vessels by Russian cruisers in the North Pacific, which, unless exaggerated, shows that a very great breach of international law has taken place. The ships did not enter Behring Sea, but fished for seals only in the North Pacific, and always many miles from the Russian shore. Notwithstanding this, they were seized at different times on the high seas by the Russian steamer Zabiaka,' prize crews were put on board, and the officers trans- ferred to the Russian ships. Ultimately, the ships and skins were confiscated, and the officers and crews were literally turned adrift upon the beach at the Port of Petropaulovsky, and told they must take care of them- selves. They were without money, and thus could not obtain food or lodging, and it was only after great difficulty that some got shelter in the indescribably filthy yard of the gaol, and others in a sort of ruined shed. One of these shelters was only 10 ft. by 18 ft., and the other 11 ft. by 11 ft., and yet in each of these places some twenty men had to herd. One of the crews had for their sole cooking utensil a "coal-oil can." Ultimately an arrangement was made under which the miserable men, who had suffered terribly from exposure, were sent to Puget Sound by an American schooner which happened to be in the port. Before, however, they were put on board, the officers and crew of one of the ships were stripped of all their 'valuables and personal belongings. The story, if accurate, reflects the greatest possible discredit on the Russian officials, and we can hardly doubt their conduct will be at once repu- diated, and proper compensation awarded to the injured men.
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