The record-union., 1897-11-22

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21.-There is
good reason to believe that the British
Government viii view with favor the
formation of "A commission to clear up
VeXauous questions between the United
States and Canada. This attitude will
be important in the consummation of
the commission plan, for the best efforts
OF the United States and Canada to-
ward general settlement could come
10 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 Beh-
ring Sea meeting led to the belief that
Great Britain might stand in the way
OF commission which would discuss,
among other questions, such Imperial
subjects as the tariff
The British have been tenacious of
holding the advantages secured by Cam
ada's preferential British tariff. and it
was thought the Colonial Office at Lon
don would not view with favor any
movement by a commission which
would disturb this preferential tariff.
1t appears. however. that the British
authorities are sincerely anxious to close
up the various irritating questions
which have long existed between Can
ada and the United States through the
medium of commission or otherwise.
and that no idea is entertained that
when the commission dealt with the
imperial subject of the tariff. it would
involve any disturbances of the Brit
ish-Canadian 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 arrangement between the
United States and Canada. would have
no influence on British trade with Can
ada. The home Government is said to
be fully conscious of the advantages
which Canada may secure in the extern
sive American market lying alongside
her. apd there is understood to be every
desfreN.o aid Canada in the enjoyment
of reciprocal trade with this country.
Already the British ambassador has
been authorized from London to begin
negotiat tions for reciprocity treaties be-
tween the United States and the British
West Indian colonies. This is cited to
show the favor which the London au-
thorities exhibit toward securing the
best reciprocal advantages for British
colonies. 1t is said the same view
would prevail as to Canadian recproci-
ty. In any event, the work Of COM
mission would be preliminary only. and
it would remain for the British Govern
ment to give 1t effect by formal treaty.
The subjects other than the tariff
such as border immigration, fishing in
the Great Lakes. etc, are not of an
imperial character, and concern only
these, it is said, Great Britain has no
interest whatever, except to see them
settled on terms satisfactory to Cana
da. The lake fisheries have been a
prolific 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 bor-
dering on the lakes. The destruction OF
the fish is said to be analogous to the
destruction of the seals in the Behring
Sea, and one of the subjects which
Canada would urge before the commits
sion would be the protection of the
fisheries in the lakes.
Professor Darcy Thompson. the Brit
fish expert, having concluded his labors.
left to-day for Toronto, intending to
reach New York in time to take the Lu-
canfa for Liverpool later III the week.
Professor Thompson expresses himself
as well pleased with the recent meet
ing of experts. and with the results ar
rived at.
Since the expert agreement was
reached protocol has been signed by
Mr.. Hamlin, Chairman of the expert
meeting, and by the Secretaries. Mr..
yenning, on behalf of Canada, and Mr..
Clark on behalf of the United States.
This protocol sets forth the conditions
under which the meeting was held. with
the minutes of the proceedings. and to
some extent aids in the Interpretation
Of the agreement by showing all the
circumstances leading uD to it.
Sir Julian Pauncefote, the British EN-
bassador, has been confined TO his room
for the last two weeks. with a return
of his old attack of rheumatism. 1t pre-
vented his attendance at the Behring
Sea meetings. and in this and all other
affairs of the Embassy, Mr.. Adams,
First Secretary, has been in charge. Tr
the meantime such questions as reci-
procity with the British West Indies.
the general arbitration treaty etc.
have been in allegiance. but they are
likely to come up for discussion with
the authorities here as soon as Sir JUL
ian is fully recovered.