The record-union., 1897-11-12

CLOCK, With fulI representation OF the
British, Canadian and American Off
cials. For the first time the statistics
Of the catch of seals Of the present year
was available. These were complied by
the American officials, and they brought
out promptly two features regarded as
most important in supporting the Amer
lean contention, namely, that the catch
had fallen off about one-half during the
present season, showing conclusively
in the opinion of the American repre-
sentatives, that the seal herds were being
rapidly wiped out; and second, that the
catch Of seals from the American islands
in Behring Sea was about 10 to i as be-
tween the Canadian sealers under the
British flag and American sealers. The
same proportion was shown to exist
throughout the waters of the North Pa
cific.
In detail, the figures for this seasons
catch, now made available for the first
time, are as follows: Total catch of
seals in the North Pacific for the pres
ent season, 3S,700, against 10000 last
year. The total catch this year is di
vided as follows: Taken by British ves-
sells, 30,SO0; by American vessels, 100;
by japanese vessels, $500 The catch
in Behring Sea, which is the portion of
the North Pacific in which the United
State is interested, is 16.150 for the
present season, against %, 500 last sea-
son, reduction of about one-half. Of
the catch in Behring Sea, British YES
sells took 15,600 and American vessels
1850.
The figures make no distinction be-
tween British and Canadian vessels, as
practically all the sealing is done by Ca
madam vessels, which, however, are
nominally classed as British.
The falling off of about one-half in
the total catch, both in Behring Sea and
the North Pacifis. is said to be most sig
nificant under the circumstances. The
present season is better one, the ex-
perts say, for taking seals than last sea-
son. The same regulations apply this
season as last Under these circum-
stances, it is said that the conclusion to
be drawn from this years figures is that
the seal herd has been greatly reduced
by indiscriminate slaughter at the
alarming rate Of about one-half in the
last year.
SHERMAN AND LAURIER CONFER.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 11.-Secretary
Sherman and Sir Wilfred Laurier, Pre-
mier of Canada, this afternoon began
the first Of a formal series of confer
ences for the purpose of bringing about
an agreement by which as many as pos
sihle of the questions now causing fric-
ton between the United States and the
Dominion of Canada may be amicably
settled, by treaty or otherwise.
These conferences will be independent
of the Behring Sea seal fisheries confer
ence. which was the immediate ocac-
sion for the Canadian Premier's present
visit to Washington. Among the causes
of friction between the two countries is
the question of the rights of citizens of
either country to pursue business call
ings in the territory of the other, and
the tariff question.
The conference this afternoon was
brought about by a note which Secre-
taTy Sherman this morning sent to Sir
Wilfred Laurier, asking him If it would
be convenient to the latter to meet the
Secretary this afternoon. The Cana
dian Premier responded in the affirma-
tive. The conference accordingly began
at 1:30 p. m. in the State Department
Mr.. Sherman and Sir Wilfred were to-
gether for two hours. Tt can be stated
on authority that the discussion was
devoted to the consideration of many
important questions affecting the rela-
tionS between the United States and
Canada. In such a discussion, the Sec
retary of State and Canadian Premier
found themselves in much accord.
Mr.. Sherman has long favored the
most cordial relations between the
United States and Canada, having been,
while in the Senate. atuhor of several
resolutions in that direction. Sir Will
fred has been the conspicuous exponent
Of the same view in Canada. II was
realized on both sides. however. that the
discussion now opened was not one
which could bring immediate results, as
many of the border controversies are
OF long standing, and many practical
difficulties were in the way of settle
ment. The purpose, however, was to APP
proach the general subject in spirit of
friendliness. and allow this to develop
ways and means for dealing with the
numerous questions relating to both
countries. namely. border immigration,
reciprocity. fisheries rights, the railway
bonding privilege, etc.
In view of cable reports from Lon
don, stating that Mr.. Chamberlain, Sec
retary of State for the Colonies in the
Salisbury Cabinet, had expressed to
Lord Aberdeen, Governor-General OF
Canada, strong disapproval of any move
by Sir Wilfred Laurier looking to plac-
ing the United States on the same basis
as Great Britain in tariff affairs, the
matter was called to the attention Of the
Canadian officials. In response, an au
thoritative statement was made that no
such disapproval had been expressed by
the imperial authorities. and that Lord
Aberdeen had received no notification
from Mr.. Chamberlain or other author
ity. as his lordship was with members
of the Laurier party up to the time they
left ottawa, and no mention was made
OF any such disapprobation from i'm
perial quarters.
THE TREATY JUST SIGNED.
CHICAGO, Nov. ia special to the
journal from Washington says:
4 most significant incident in connec-
ton with the beginning of negotiations
with the Canadian Premier, Wilfred
Iaurier. and the British ambassador,
Sir Julian Pauncefote, is a report that
the sealing treaty which our State De-
partment has just negotiated with Jap
an and Russia is conditioned on ratih-