The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-11-22
Given Out that the British Govern.
ment Views with Favor Pres
ent Negotiations.
SECRETARY ALGER'S REPORT
WAR DEPARTMENT ESTIMATE FOR
NEXT YEAR NEARLY DOUBLED.
Commercial Relations with France in
Tangle That Promises No
Speedy Settlement.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21.-There is good
reason to believe that the British govern
ment will view with favor the formation of
commission to clear UP vexatious ques-
tions between the United States and Can
ada. This attitude will be important in the
consummatiOn of the commission plan, for
the best efforts of the United States and
Canada toward a general settlement could
come to naught unless the imperial govern
ment approved the efforts and stood ready
to give them official execution in the form
of a treaty. At first the sharp differences
aroused by the recent Bering sea meeting
led to the belief that Great Britain might
stand in the way of a commission which
would discuss, among other questions, such
imperial subjects as the tariff. Tie Brit
ish have been tenacious of holding the ad
Vantages secured by Canada's preferential
British tariff and 1t was thought the colonial
office at London would not view with favor
any movement by commission which
would disturb this preferential tariff. 1t ap-
pears, however, that the British authorities
are sincerely anxious to clear up the va
rious irritating questions which have long
existed between Canada and the United
States through the medium of a commission
or otherwise, and that no idea is entertained
that when the commission dealt with the
imperial subject of the tariff, it would in
volve any disturbance of the British-Cana-
dian tariff relations. There are said to be
many articles, such as coal and fish, which
are not exchanged between Great Britain
and Canada On such articles, therefore,
any reciprocal arrangements between the
United States and Canada would have no
influence on British trade with Canada. The
home government is said to be fully con-
scious of the advantages which Canada
may secure in the extensive American mar
kets lying alongside her, and there is under
stood to be every desire to aid Canada in
the enjoyment of reciprocal trade with this
country
Already the British ambassador has been
authorized from London to begin negotia-
tions for reciprocity treaties between the
United States and British West Indian col
onies. This is cited to show the favor
which the London authorities exhibit to-
ward securing the best reciprocal advan-
tageS for British colonies 1t is said the
same view would prevail as to Canadian
reciprocity. In any event. the work of a
commission would be preliminary only, and
1t would remain for the British government
to give it effect by formal treaty.
The subjects other than tariff, such as
border immigration, fishing in the great
and concern only the United States and
Canada. In these, 1t is said, Great Britain
has no interest whatever, except to see
them settled on terms satisfactory to Can
ada. The lake fisheries have been a pro-
life source of trouble. 1t is claimed that
the fish of the lakes, particularly white
fish, are being eXterminated by the lax laws
of some of the States bordering on the
lakes. The destruction of the fish is said
to be analogous to the destruction of the
seals in Bering sea, and one of the subjects
which Canada would urge before the COM
mission would be the protection of the fish
cries of the lakes.
Prof. Darcy Thompson, the British seal
expert, having concluded his labors here
left to-day for Toronto intending to reach
New York in time to take the Lucania for
Liverpool later in the week. His trip to
Canada is personal, and has no connection
with pending Bering sea negotiations. Pro-
feSSor Thompson expresses himself as we'll
pleased with the recent meeting of experts
and with the results arrived at. Since the
expert agreement was reached q protocol
has been signed by Mr.. Hamlin, chairman
of the expert meeting, and by the secre-
and Mr.. Clark in behalf of the United
States. This protocol sets forth the cir
cumstances under which the meeting was
held, with the minutes of the proceedings
and to some extent aids in the interpreta-
tion of the agreement by showing all the
circumstances leading up to it,
Sir Julian Pauncefote, the British ambas-
sador has been confined to his room for
the last two weeks with a return of his old
ailment of rheumatism. 1t prevented his
in this and in all other affairs of the en-
bassy Mr.. Adam, first secretary, has been
In charge. In the meantime such questions
as reciprocity with the British West Indies,
the general arbitration treaty, etc., have
been in allegiance, but they are likely to
here as soon as Sir Julian is fully recov-
ered