The record-union., 1897-11-16
.BEHRINC SEA
CONFERENCE.
Labors of the Delegates Not Yet
Brought to a Close.
The Experts Not Able to Reconcile All Of
Their Differences.
Reach an Agreement Upon All but
Three or Four Reserved Propo-
sitions, Which They Hope to
Amicably Settle During This
Mornings Session, SO the Re-
port Can be Signed and the
Conference Concluded.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15.-The Brit
ish, Canadian and American delegates
to the Behring Sea meeting had conf
IDENTIFY expected to bring their labors to
a close to-day but after two arduous
sessions, lasting until $50 o'clock this
evening, the experts had not been able
to reconcile all their differences. 1t was
determined, therefore, to continue the
meeting tomorrow.
Up to the time of closing to-day the
experts had reached an agreemnt on
all but three or four reserved proposi-
/ tions. These, it is expected, can be
agreed on during the morning session
tomorrow, so that the expert report
can be signed and the meeting con-
cluded, so far as the experts are con-
cerned. This will make available all
the iata necessary for considering the
vital diplomatic question of stopping
pelagic sealing.
The intention is that Mr. Foster Sir
Wilfred Laurier and Sir Louis Davies
will meet tomorrow afternoon, to go
over the results reached by the experts.
and if possible agree upon a basis of
settlement.
The outcome of this diplomatic meet
ing continues to be in much doubt 1t
was intimated tonight that the Ca
madam might make counter PROPOSE
ton, not going as far as the American
representatives desired in the way of
limiting pelagic sealing, but yet Of
ferng a possible ground for amicable
adjustment
Equally reliable sources state that if
the issue assumed the form of pelagic
sealing or no pelagic sealing as now
seemed likely, it would be extremely
difficult to reconcile the differences. In
view cf the continuance of the meet
| ing, Sir Wilfred and Sir Louis will not
leave until tomorrow night or Wed
nesday
When the meeting began at the State
Department to-day the delegates stated
that there was every reason to believe
the final stage would be reached dur
ing the day. The experts, after pre-
tracted sessions, were ready to report
on all the technical features Of seal life,
and it was reliably stated that they
had reached common ground, and
would sign joint report.
With this in hand, the diplomats
considering the larger phase of the
question, that Of reaching a joint agree
ment between the United States and
Great Britain for the cessation of oel-
agic sealing. This was felt to be the
vital issue of the negotiations, on which
hinged not only settlement of the
Behring Sea question, but also probably
that of reciprocity, border immigration
~
the United States and Canada.
From reliable quarters it was learned
that the diplomatic contention had al
ready taken definite shape. 1t is un-
derstood that the proposition of the
American representatives involves two
features, first. that Canada, through the
Imperial authorities, shall consent TO
the stoppage of pelagic sealing for one
year, and second, that negotiations shall
be opened for suspension of sealing
beyond this term of one year.
1t is understood that the Canadian
officials do not regard this proposition
with favor. They have taken the
ground, it is sad, that they would be
glad to reach any basis of settlement
by compromise or fair concession, but
they view the proposition as one for alb
solute surrender on their part From
their standpoint, an agreement to stop
sealing for one year and then to nego-
tiate for stopping it for longer period
would not involve any give and take
concessions, as they would be called
on to give without definite prospect Of
receiving benefit for benefit.
Whether this will develop a critical
issue when the diplomats get together
cannot be foretold. Each side natur-
ally is very insistent in its respective
contentious as the final stage is an
preaching, but this is in part attrib-
uted to diplomatic manoeuvering for
position. Both sides are earnestly
hopeful of a solution.
From the American standpoint the
failure of the negotiations would af-
feet not only the sealing question be-
tween Canada and the United States,
but would also complicate the treaty
between Russia, Japan and the United
States, the theory of that treaty being
that Great Britain and Canada would
cooperate in a limitation of pelasie
sealing. From the Canadian stand
point. there is equal anxiety to avoid a
failure Of the negotiations, as that
would affect not only their Behring Sea
interests, but also reciprocity, border
immigration and the many subjects en-
which they hope to secure an adjust
ment.
While this general sentiment prevails
one Of the officials participating in the
meeting regretfully expressed the fear
that the negotiations would fail. addins.
however, that he hoped his fears would
not be realized by the final issue OF the
rreating