Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-11-10
EXP ERTS IN SES SION
Another Trpartite Seal Conference
Meets.
at State Department.
Canadian Premier Received
by the President.


authorities were busy this morning arrang-
ing for the Bering sea conference, which
it was settled should open at the State
Department at 2 pm. today.
The Canadian premier received callers in
a democratic fashion at his apartments in
the Shoreham, but to all he gave the re-
ply that it would be manifestly premature
at this stage for him to discuss the out
look on the Bering sea question or any
other subjects which concern the United
States and Canada. He and Sir Louis de-
sired first to communicate with the seal
experts of the United States and Great
Britain before indicating any course of
action. He made it clear also that they
would give their exclusive attention to
this subject until some conclusion was
reached, and that other questions, such as
reciprocity, border immigration, etc, would
not be referred to until the first purpose
of the visit was accomplished.
1t was stated that the official purpose
of the visit was to consider the Bering
sea matter and that future circumstances
would develop how far other questions
would be opened to consideration.
When tie subjects of reciprocity and
border immigration were suggested to Sir
Wilfrid, he automatically stated that for
the present the Bering sea matter was
the only one to which he and his associates
were giving their attention.
Ex-Secretary Foster called on the premier
early in the day, and later Sir Wilfrid and
Sir Louis Davies called on the British am
bassador. Sir Julian Pauncefote, who
companied them in call on Secretary
Sherman. DR.. Jordan, the United States
seal expert, called on Prof. Thompson. the
British expert. and Prof. Macoun, the ex-
pert of Canada, and it was arranged to
have the meeting of experts at the State
Department at o'clocl- this afternoon, to
consider the seal question.
Conference of Experts.
An understanding was reached that the
experts should conduct the meeting but
that the distinguished gentlemen present
would be free to ask questions and ex-
change views Incidental to the exchange
of expert testimony. This gives the meet
ing the more important aspect of a con-
ference among diplomatic officials, although
nominally Lord SaIisburys original condi-
tion that it was to be only a meeting of
experts is being rigidly adhered to in all
the formalities of the gathering.
State Department officials as we'll as
those of Canada say that no definite line
Of settlement has yet presented itself and
that the character of the settlement will
depend upon the exchange of views be-
tween the experts Much doubt prevails
as to how far the treaty concluded Satur-
day between the United States, Russia and
Japan relative to the suspension of seal
ing will have bearing on the matter. Up
TO the time the meeting opened neither
the British nor the Canadians had been
officially advised of the existence of the
RLsso-Japanese treaty.
Sir Nilfrid Laurier and party arrived here
yesterday afternoon and took quarters at
the Shoreham. The members of the party
are: Sir Wilfrid and Lady Laurier, Sir
Louis and Lady Davies, Miss Ethel Davies
Prof. ]. NJ. Macoun, Mr. r. NJ Venning,
Mr.. r. Boudreau and MIR. E. B. Williams.
Received by the President.
President Mckinley today received Sir
Wilfrid Laurier in the blue room at the
White House. Secretary Sherman intro
duced Sir Wilfrid, who was accompanied
by Sir Julian Pauncefote. British ambassa-
dor; Sir Louis Davies and Prof. Thompson,
tie British seal expert. The visit was
entirely formal.
Opening the Conference.
The conference began at the State De-
partment at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon.
The meeting was held in the diplomatic
ante room, which a few days ago was the
scene of a similar gathering of represen-
tatives of Russia, Japan and the United
States.
A treaty for the suspension of pelagic
sealing was the result of the Russian
apanese-United States conference, and the
hope is expressed that similar action will
be taken by the conference which began its
sessions today.
1t was made clear at the State Depart
ment that today's meeting was" "a confer
ence of experts and that no other officials
wou-- take active part. The conferees are
the United States. Prof. Darcy Thompson
for England. and Prof. Macoun for Canada
Two delegates are allowed the United
States in order to offset the apparent ad-
h..
part of the delegates from England and
Canada.
Ali the delegates have spent many months
in Bering sea and vicinity investigating
seal life. and are thoroughly equipped for
the work in hand
The main purpose of their Investigations
was to determine the effect of pelagic seal
ing on the life of the herd. The Individual
of the experts will be considered at
the present conference, with a view to
reaching an agreement as to the best course
of action for the protection and preServa-
ton of the seal herds. In case the Amer
lean and foreign experts agree that pc
lagic sealing threatens the determination
of the seals, there is no doubt of salts
factory arrangement between Great Brit
ain and the United States on the sealing
question.
There is reason to believe, however, that
the English and Canadian experts do not
altogether agree with the American ex-
perts as to the disastrous effects of pelagic
sealing.
Todays session was devoted mainly to
organization and an agreement as to the
course Of procedure. Sir Julian Paunce-
fote the British ambassador; Sir Wilfred
Laurier, the Canadian premier; Sir Louis
Davies. the Canadian minister of marine
accompar led the English and Canadian ex-
perts to the conference. and were present
only as spectators, taking no part in
the proceedings. EX-Secretary Foster was
present in the same capacity on the part
of the United States.
SENATOR FORAKERS POSITION.
Kuows Nothing Personally About