Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-02-12

The Canadian reciprocity agents now In
Washington in consultation with Secretary
Blaine and Gen. Foster appear to be very
much in earnest. They are losing no time
whatever and are pressing these preliminary
negotiations with vigor. They were at
the State Department again this morn
ing at IL o'clock with Sir Juliau
Pauncefote. and eagerly awaited the arrival of
Secretary Blaine, who entered the building n
quarter of an hour late. Though il was cabinet
day, the Secretary Immediately admitted the
four negotiators and began the third session OF
the series. Yesterdays meeting lasted nearly
two hours.
POLITICAL MOVE.
With all this activity on the part Of the
Canadians there are those in governmental cir
cles who do not hesitate to question their
sincerity. They assert that the whole effort Of
Canada to secure reciprocal relations with the
United States is but q political move 70
strengthen the hands of the govern
ment at Ottawa. which does not seem
to exist by a very large majority. There is un-
uouptedly, 1t Is alleged, a strong popular de-
mand In Canada for an oren market for the in
terchanGe of commodities and the free trade
tendencies of the home government il is
further thought, are urgently bent 20 secure
at least show of victory against the preya-
lent American system. However, this view
opinion that Canada is really asking for some
thing she really wants.
NO RECIPROCITY TREATY LIKELY.
On the other hand it is distinctly felt in the
inner circles of this government that she won't
get it Those best informed on the subject are
of the view that there is too little of advantage
for the United States in such an arrangement
as is proposed to agree to a reciprocity treaty
whereby the gain must necessarily be on Can
ada side and there would be given vastly in
creased opportunities for the fraudulent entry
Of British goods into the United States.
Yet 1t is not felt that the discussion OF the
question at length at this time is wholly use
less, 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, notably that over the
Bering sea.
DELAY IN THE BERING SEA CASE.
There is a strange contrast in tho British at
htude in these two cases. On the subject of
reciprocity the commissioners are all eager
ness and zeal, utilizing every moment offered
and pressing the question with what to some
appears useless force.
On the other hand the Bering sea discussion,
though in reality a matter demanding imme-
date settlement, Is allowed to drag along at
even less than the regulation rate of diplomacy
while the date for the sailing Of the Pacific
sealing fleet is approaching.
The contrast thus presented is being moral
lied upon in the departments as an object
lesson of England indifference to the American
view of the Bering sea case The natural course
oil diplomatic events will probably be so slow as
to require a renewal of the Objectionable and
cumbersome temporary measure for the protec-
tion of the seal, the modus yiveudi which HIS
prove;. to be very inadequate. The pres mt
agreement expires May and the sealing feet
now being fitted ou. will sail in another month.
A renewal OF the compac. must he arranged
and proclaimed before that event or the
troubles OF last season will be repeated.
THE TREATY on ITS WAY.
The treaty that is to form the basis for the
coming arbitation Of the question is now on its
way to London, and as soon il receives the
approval of Lord Salisbury it will probably be
sent to the Senate for ratification.
Pending this the joint commission on the
state of the industry will hold it's sessions. Yes
terday afternoon the commission met and after
a brief session adjourned until tomorrow at
o'clock.
The gossips are endeavoring to name the
arbitrators for the United States and many men
are being casually mentioned.
THE UNITED STATES ARBrrRAroRs.
1t was ascertained this morning that the ad-
ministration has really not determined upon
its representatives yet. 1t is understood, how
ever. that the two men who are to represent
the United States will not necessarily be ac-
quainted with the technical details of
the controversy, but that they will be men OF
Judicial experience, trained in the hearing Of
evidence and the solution Of legal problems.
1t is further ascertained that ex-Minster
Phelps. who WAS commissioner on the same SUBJ
ject in the last administration will not be one of
the arbitrators, he has been assigned a prac-
hcaiiy more important function the leading
counsel for the United States in the prepara-
tion of its case. He will have two or
three assistants in this difficult task.
Mr.. Phelps previous work on tire
American side of this question has received
the praise of all without regard to party, and
he is regarded as being thoroughly able to
handle the legal questions for this government
whatever may be the issues involved.