VIII. The port of Sitka, or Novo Archangelsk, shall be open to the Commerce and Vessels of British Subjects for the space of ten Years from the date of the exchange of the Ratifications of the present Convention. In the event of an extension of this term of ten years being granted to any other Power, the like extension shall be granted also to Great Britain. IX. The above mentioned liberty of Commerce shall not apply to the Trade in spirituous liquors, in fire-arms, or other arms, gunpowder or other warlike stores; the High Contracting Parties reciprocally engaging not to permit the above mentioned articles to be sold or delivered, in any manner whatever, to the Natives of the Country. X. Every British or Russian Vessel navigating the Pacific Ocean, which may be compelled by storms or by accident, to take shelter in the Ports of the respective parties, shall be at liberty to refit therein, to provide itself with all necessary stores, and to put to sea again, without paying any other than Port and Lighthouse dues, which shall be the same as those paid by National Vessels. In case, however, the Master of such Vessel should be under the necessity of disposing of a part of his merchandise in order to defray his expenses, he shall conform himself to the Regulations and Tariffs of the place where he may have landed. XI. In every case of complaint on account of an infraction of the articles of the present Convention, the Civil and Military Authorities of the High Contracting Parties, without previously acting or taking any forcible measure, shall make an exact and circumstantial Report of the matter to their respective Courts, who engage to settle the same in a friendly manner, and according to the principles of justice. XII. The present Convention shall be ratified, and the Ratifications shall be exchanged at London within the space of six weeks, or sooner if possible. In witness whereof the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed the same, and have affixed there to the Seal of their Arms. Done at St. Petersburgh, the Twenty eighth (Sixteenth) Day of February, in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Twentyfive. |