Evening journal., 1897-11-12
LAURIER KEPT BUSY
Has a Conference on Interna-
tional Matters.
He IS DINED BY PRESIDENT M'KlNLEY
Statement Made That No Word Has Come
From Lord Salisbury Disapproving
the Canadian Premier's visit
TO Washington.


WASHINGTON. Nov. 12.-seeretary
Sherman and Sir Wilfrid Laurier the
premier of Canada. yesterday began
the first Of a formal series Of confer
ences for the purpose of bringing about
an agreement by which as many as
possible OF the questions now causing
friction between the United states and
the Dominion of Canada may be ami
cably adjusted
These conferences will be independ-
ent Of the Bering sea seal fisheries con-
ference, which was the immediate oc-
casion for the Canadian premier's visit
10 Washington.
Among the causes Of friction between
the two countries is the question Of the
rights Of citizens Of either to pursue
business callings in the territory Of the
other and the tariff question.
Mr.. Sherman and Sir Wilfrid were
together for two hours. In the discus
sion the secretary of state and the
Canadian premier found themselves in
much accord. Mr.. Sherman has long
favored the most cordial relations be-
tween the United States and Canada,
having been while in the senate au-
thor of several resolutions in that di-
rection. Sir Wilfrid has been the con-
spicuous exponent Of the same view in
Canada.
1t was realized on both hands. low
ever, that the discussion now opened
was not one that could bring immediate
results, as many Of the border con-
troversies are Of long standing, and
many practical difficulties were in the
way of settlement. The purpose. how
ever. was to approach the general sub
ject in a spirit of friendliness and al
low this to develope ways and means for
dealing with the numerous questions
relating to both countries-namely bor-
der immigration. reciprocity, fishery
rights, the railway bonding privilege,
etc.
In view of cable reports from London
stating that Mr.. Chamberlain, secretary
of state for the colonies in the Sails
bury cabinet, had expressed to Lord
Aberdeen, governor general Of Cana
da. strong disapproval Of any move by
Sir Wilfrid Laurier looking to placing
the United States on the same basis as
Great Britain in tariff affairs. the mat
ter was called to the attention Of the
Canadian officials.
In response, an authoritative state
al had been expressed by the imperial
authorities and that Lord Aberdeen had
received no such notification from Mr.
Chamberlain or any other source. as his
lordship was with the members Of the
I.aurier party up to the time they lefi
ottawa. and no mention was made OF
any such disapprobation from imperia
quarters.
The sealing conference was resumed
yesterday. when for the first time th'
statistics of the catch of seals for th'
present year was available.
These were compiled by the American
officials and brought out PROMINENT,
two features which were regarded al
most important in supporting the Amer
lean contention-namely.t that the catcl
had fallen off about one-half during thi
present season, showing conclusively, il
the opinion Of the American expert, tina
the seal herd was being rapidly wipe'
out, and also that the catch Of seal
from the American islands in Berni
sea was about Is to 1 as between tn
Canadian sealers under the British hai
and American sealers.
The same proportion was shown Z
exist throughout the waters of the nOrtl
Pacific.
In the evening Sir Wilfrid Laurier
the Canadian premier; Sir Louis Da
vies, the minister of marine Of Canada
and the other officials who are takini
part in the Bering sea negotiation
were entertained at dinner by Presi
dent Mckinley at the executive man
sion. The list Of guests was confine'
to gentlemen. The guests ASSEMBLIES
I'm the blue parlor shortly before
o'clock, where President Mckinley me
them. Escorting Premier Laurier tn
president led the way to the privat
dining room. where the table. simpl,
adorned with white chrysanthemums
was set
The Marine band was present an
played throughout the dinner. Tn
guests were: His exceIlency Sir viii
frid Laurier. Sir Louis Davies. the sec
retary OF state, the secretary of tn
treasury. the secretary Of war, the at
torney general. the postmaster genera
the secretary Of the navy. the secretar
OF the interior, the secretary of agri
culture. the secretary to the presiden
Hon. John w. Foster, Hon. Charles
Hamlin, DR.. David S. Jordan. Hor
william r. Day, assistant secretary q
state: Hon. Alvey A. Adee. second as
sistant secretary of state; Hon. John 4
Kasson, Professor darcy Wentwort
Thompson, Mr.. James Macoun.