The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-13
IN WASHINGTON CITY.
Progress of the Reciprocity and
Bering Sea Negotiations.
BILLS TO SUPPRESS CIGARETTES
The House Passes the Military Acad-
envy Bill After Reducing Appro-
prfstion-Free Silver Bill.

WASHINGTON CRY, Feb. l2.-ispeeisi. 1.-THE
Canadian reciprocity agents now in Washington
City in consultation with Secretary Blaine and
General Foster appear to be very much in
earnest. They are losing no time whatever, and
arc pressing these preliminary negotiations with
vigor, yet with all this activity on the part oil
the Canadians there are those in gov
ernmentat circles who do not hesitate
to question their sincerity. They assert
that the whole effort OF Canada to secure recip-
rocal relations with the United States 10 but
political move to strengthen the hands OF the
government at Ottawa, which does not seem 10
exist by very large majority. However, this
view does not wholly prevail, and others are OF
the opinion that Canada 10 really asking Tor
something she really wants. On the other
hand, It is distinctly felt in the
inner circles OF this government that
she won't get IT, Those hest informed on the sub
ject are of the view that there Is too little of sd
vantage for the United states 10 such an ar
rangement as is proposed, to agree TO recip-
rocity treaty whereby the gain must necessarily
be on Canads's side. and there would be
given vastly increased opportunity for
the fraudulent entry Of British goods
Into the United States. Yet II is not
felt tina. the discussion OF the question at
length at this time is wholly useless, for, aside
from the advantage that may be gained in the
prestige OF having been willing to negotiate,
Secretary Blaine will have in his hands
weapon that can be used to good effect in other
controversies, probably that OF Bering sea-
There Is strange contrast in the British stti-
tude in these two cases On the subject OF re-
ciprocity the commissioners are all eagerness
and are utilizing every moment offered and
arc pressing the question with what to some ap-
pears useless force. On the other hand the
Boring sea discussion. though in reality
matter demanding Immediate settlement, is
allowed TO drag along at even less than
the regulation rate OF diplomacy, while the date
for the settling OF the Pacific sealing feet Ia
approaching The contrast thus presented is
being moraized upon In the departments az an
object lesson OF Engiand's recognition OF the
justice Of the American view of the Boring sea
case The natural course of diplomatic events
will probably be so slow as TO require renewal
Of the Objectionable and cumbersome temporary
measure for the protection OF the seal, the moius
vivendi. which has proven 20 be very inadequate
The present agreement expires May ] and the
sealing feet now being fitted out will sail in
another month. A renewal of the compact
must be arranged and proclaimed before that
event, or the trouble Of last season will be
repeated. The treaty that Is to form the basis
for the coming arbitration of the que ton Is
now on its way TO London, and as soon as ii
receives the approval Of Lord Salisbury it viii
probably be sent to the Senate for ratification.
Pending this the joint commission on the state
OF the industry will hold its session.