The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-10-08
HOW SHE BACKED OUT
Japan-Two Conferences May ne
Held, England Coming In Last-

WASHINGTON, Oct. s.-Ths state de-
psrtment has received fun information
as 10 the position OF the British govern
mens on the proposed Boring sea confer
ence. This proves 20 be much moro COM
plete than the brief cable reports from
London indicate, as the department has
been advised not only OF Great Britain's
intention not 10 enter the conference IN
less IL is limited 70 the experts OF the
United States, Great Britain and Canada,
but has also been informed quite fully
as 20 what led the marquis OF Salisbury
10 this conclusion
The British view as laid before the
state department, Is that at no stage Of
the proceedings had Great Britain agreed
10 conference except that between eX-
perts OF Great Britain, Canada and the
United States. II Is not questioned that
Secretary Sherman and Ambassador Hay
made suggestions that the conferences
should be between the powers interest
ed. and that some OF the notes from the
United States authorities expressed a de-
sire 10 have Russia and japan take part
N the conference. But IL is pointed out
that these suggestions came from the
United States, and, until accepted, viii
have no effect IN determining the nature
or the conference. So far as the suggss-
tons were accepted, the note Of Lord
Salisbury on July IS IS said 70 stand alone,
conference between experts of the
United States Great Britain and Canada.
The latest correspondence on the subject
leads TO considerable doubt as to who viii
participate in the coming meeting. II has
been understood that the differences would
be hridged over by holding two meetings.
IN one or which Russia and Japan would
participate without Great Britain. while
second meeting would be held between
the experts OF Great Britain and the
United States II is understood that AM
hassador Hay was directed 10 effect such
an arrangement in case Great Britain de-
clined TO enter the general conference.
NEW YORK, Oct IA dispatch to tha
Herald from Washington says: The adj
minlstra ton proposes TO make clear to
Great Britain the embarrassment she has
caused this government by her refusal TO
participate with Russia and Japan in the
proposed sealing conference. A note is now
IN course of preparation at tha state de-
partment which viii deprecate the with
drawal of the British government at such
a late hour and call attention 10 the fact
that the communication or May IL. whiea
Secretary Sherman addressed to Lord SAL
iSbury announced that Russia and Japan
would be invited TO taks part IN the CONFER
ence. The British government has no rea-
ssonsbls ground at this time for refusing to
participate when she had already accepted
an invitation 70 take part. knowing that
Japan and Russia WOUl1 20 4Sp4csehSeu
In the conference.
1t Is also understood that the administra-
ton will yield 10 the inevitable and ask
Great Britain to send representatives to
meet those of the United States There is
10 intention, however, TO abandon the pro-
posed conference with the representatives
OF Russia and Japan. These gentlemen
Will reach the United States in few days.
The latter conference will be held, II IS
thought, after representatives OF the Uni
ted States and Great Britain have had
meeting and reached a conclusion, and the
delegates Of Russia and Japan viii then
be asked TO ratify the action OF the Anglo
American conference. The determination
to send the note above referred to follow
ed the receipt Of an official announcement
from Ambassador Hay 10 the effect that
Great Britain had refused 20 take part in
the conference in view OF the representa-
ton therein Of Russia and Japan.