Daily new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1897-1906, 1897-11-02

WAsHINGToN, nov. Eft is expected
that a treaty or convention between the
United >tafas. Russia and Japan will
be formally signed and executed at the
state department. during the present
week, carrying out the proposition be-
fore the Berng sea conference for a
suspension of pelagic sealing. The
present understanding is that the sign
ing of this document will occur within
the Net few days. 1t will represent
the completed efforts of the conference,
and, with the signing concluded, the
conference will adjourn.
The terms of the treaty or conven-
ton will follow the lines of the propo
Eition considered by the conference and
referred with favorable recommends
ton to the authorities at St. Peters
burg and TOXIC. No doubt exists as to
the acceptance of the Russian authori-
ties and it can now be stated positively
that the japanese government had APP
proved the proposition and that the
Japanes Delegates are prepared to
place their signatures to the treaty.
This clears away all obstacles and little
remains to be done beyond the formah-
ties attending the signing of such an
instrument.
The essential feature of the treaty or
convention is for the suspension of
pelagic sealing for such a period as will
permit the seal herds to revive The
period of this suspension is not dis
closed. One report is tnat it will be
for one ye&r, subject to extension. An
other is that it will cover term of
years But the exact duration of the
suspension cannot be verified. All that
can be learned with definiteness is that
the tresSy is expected to be executed
during the present week.
The attitude which Great Britain
will assume toward the proposition, and
the treaty which is to take its place, is
awaited with much interest. Thus far
the British authorities have not been
informed as to what the conference
proposes doing. at the same time the
British expert, Prof. Darcy Thompson,
has had several long talks with Mr..
Foster and Mr.. Hamlin, and these have
been of such a satisfactory nature that
it was believed an amicable under
standing would be reached by all par
ties concerned IT Canada showed dis
position to assent to the agreement.
But Canada still stands in the way and
the continued absence of the Canadian
expert, Mr.. Macoun, is regarded III the
light of Il diplomatic discourtesy, not
only to the United States, but also to
the British government. The foreign
Office named him, with Prof. Thomp-
son, as an expert to come to Washing
ton. Prof Thompson came at once,
but Mr.. Macoun has remained away.
The Ottawa government has sent no
explanation OF this action and appar-
emily is obiyious to all inquiries. 1t is
thought the presence of Mr. Hamlin as
the American expert in the British
American meeting may be the cause of
Canada's inaction. Lord Salisbury
specifically stated in accepting the
proposition for meetingIifat it was to
be one between experts. To this end,
the British expert. Thompson, and the
Canadian expert. Macoun, were named,
it being expected that the United
States would name its expert, Prof.
Jordan. Mr. Hamlin was named, how
ever, and it is understood that this is
viewed rather i'll the light of naming q
counselor or diplomat. as the United
States representative. rather than an
expert. While no Official objection has
been made to the appointment it Is be-
Heved to account i'll part for Canada's
delay in sending her expert to Wash
ington.
No mention is made in the conven-
ton of the killing of the seals III case
Great Britain and Canada do no co.
operate. 1t is pointed out that Russia
and Japan could not adopt retahatory
steps against Canada, as they have no
border in this with her ANY action
against Canada. therefore, must be
taken by the United States alone.