Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-11-17
SEAL MEETING ENDED.
No Final ActiOn-Canada Suggests nm
International Commission.

WASHINGTON. November 1.-THE
Bering Sea meeting, in which represen-
tatives of Great Britain, Canada. and
the United States have participated.
came to close tonight, the seal ex-
perts making q unanimous report con-
cerning the condition OF the seal herds,
and the diplomatic representatives OF
the respective governments having
reached an understanding by which they
hope at an early day 70 reach an ad-
justment of the question.
To-day, however, no final action was
taken as to the suspension of pelagic
sealing. The Canadian Government sug-
gested an international commission to
accomplish this end. This proposition
was fully discussed, and an agreement
reached that the Canadian officials
should put their views in writing after
returning to Ottawa, and submit them
to the authorities here. All parties con-
cerned say that the outlook is favorable
to satisfactory adjustment.
The unanimous agreement of the ex-
perts brings the governments together
for the first time on all the facts re-
lating to the seals. This agreement was
reached after painstaking comparison
of notes.
Following the agreement Of the ex-
perts. the diplomatic officials assembled
at ex-Secretary Fosters house to dis
cuss the larger question of putting an
end to pelagic sealing. and of settling
other border controversies. Owing TO
the continued Illness of Sir Julian
Pauncefote, the British Government was
represented by the first secretary Of the
British embassy. Mr.. Adam. Sir Will
frid Laurier and Sir Louis Davies were
present, in behalf OF Canada. General
Fosters powers had been materially en-
larged since the coming Of the Canadian
officials, for, as a result Of long and
friendly talk vetween Sir Wilfrid and
Secretary Sherman, the latter had writ
ten to the Canadian Premier, stating
that the President had empowered Gene
raj Foster to treat on the various bor-
der questions which Sir Wilfrid had
called to the attention of Mr.. Sherman,
and, with the cooperation Of the British
Government, to conclude treaties cover
ing these subjects.
This gave the meeting a broad signifi-
cance. 1t began at o'clock and lasted
until o'clock. During these three hours
the entire range of border affairs was dis
cussed. Primarily the purpose OF the
meeting was to secure an agreement on
the Bering Sea matter. The Canadians
made IL clear, however, tndl bhSy Ni'HNN
any plan of settlement to take broader
scope than the one subject Of Berlng Sea.
and embrace the many sources of fric-
ton along the border. In this connection
the plan of an international commission
afforded the best means of reconciling all
differences and of opening the way 10
reciprocity.
The discussion was Of the most friend
ly nature throughout. and no sharp diff
ferences were allowed to crop out. ii was
felt however, that the plan of commits
sion was too large question for lmme-
date determination. A final understand
ing was reached. therefore, that the
Canadian proposition should be reduced
to writing as basis for further negotia-
tions. This closed the conference, and the
officials said their farewells, expressive
OF the cordial feelings that had charac-
terzed the meetings Of the last ten days.
Sir Wilfrid and Sir Louis leave at 10
o'clock Tomorrow for Ottawa.