The San Francisco call., 1897-11-06
Premier Laurier and Minister
Davis Willing to Treat
in Person.
SHOW THEIR FRIENDSHIP
FOR UNCLE SAM.
Northern Neighbors Anxious to Se-
cure Better Reciprocity Arrange-
ments With This Country.
Special Dispatch to THE CALL.
CALL OFFICE, RIGGs HOUSE,

GALL OFFICE, RIGGS HOUSE,
WASHINGTON, D. g., Nov. 3.
new phase of the Bering Sea negotia-
tions developed to-day when the State
Department was advised that Sir Wilfrid
Laurier Premier OF Canada, and Sir Louis
Davis, Minister of Marine and Fisheries
in the Laurier Cabinet, would come here
early next week to take part in the nego
tiations. The British Embassy was not
advised, however, and 1t was unserstood
that the British Foreign Office was equally
unaware of the fact that the chief officials
of Canada would come 10 Washington to
treat in person on the subject. Up to this
time the British authorities had strenu-
ously insisted that the Bering Sea meet
ing was to be confined strictly to an ex-
change of technical informa ton between
"experts."
Lord Salisbury's letter to Secretary
Sherman carefully limited the meeting to
one of experts and in execution OF this
Professor Thompson was named as the
British expert and Profe ssor Macoun as
the expert of Canada. Notwithstanding
this strict limitation adopted at London
the two chief officials of Canada will come
to Washington prepared TO discuss the
subject from a much broader standpoint
than any thus far conceded In London.
How far they will be able TO treat concern
ing Bering Sea- reciprocity or other sub
iects is a question of interesting conjec-
ture The State department is much
gratifed at their coming, as it is felt to
offer the first prospect OF considering the
sealing question on broader lines than
heretofore.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier is regarded as the
head OF that element in Canada favorable
to the most cordial relations with the
United States. The Liberal party, of
which he is the leader, came into power
Oil the issue of closer commercial rela-
tions with the United States.
Heretofore Sir WiIfrid's efforts and
| those of his party associates toward secur-
ing a reciprocity treaty with the United
States have been unavaillng, but within
| the last few days the State Department
has intlmated that 1t would view With
| favor negotiations Tor reciprocity between
| Canada and the United States.
| The Russo Japanese eriCan treaty
| on the Bering Sea fisheries question was
not signed to-day, the statement being
made by officials that the formalities were
| not vet compile ted. When the conference
adjourned last Monday it was with the
| understanding that all preliminaries
would be arranged to-day and the treaty
| signed. But the issuance of powers to
| envoys is taking more time than was an
| ticipated and the signing has peen de.
| ferred, it being stated that it will occur in
few days.
OTTAWA, ONT, Nov. Sit is said at
| the Fisheries Department that the sealing
counsel, Professor Thorn pson, has been
asked from Ottawa why it is that be had
not come here, and his reply was that his
instructions from the home Government
were to proceed TO Washington. Great
fears are expressed in official circles that
Professor Thorn pson has fallen a victim
10 the wlles of politicians al Was hington.