The record-union., 1897-11-11
SIR WILFRED LAURiER.
CANADA'S PREMIER RECEIVES
MANY CALLERS.
But Declines to Discuss the Out.
look in Regard to the Behring
Seal Question.

WASHINGTON, Nov 10.-Sir Will
| fred I-aurier, Sir Louis Davies and the
other prominent Canadian officials who
are here to confer with the Government
authorities, were busy to-day arrang-
ing for the Behring Sea meeting, which,
it was settled, should open at the State
Department at = o'clock p. m. to-day.
! The Canadian Premier received call
ers in democratic fashion at his apart
ments at the Shoreham, but to all he
| gave the reply that it would be mani
! festly premature at this stage for him
/ to discuss the outlook on the Behring
/ Sea question or any other sub
| jects which concern the United States
and Canada. He and Sir Louis desired
/ first to communicate with the seal ex-
perts 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 pur-
pose of the visit was to consider the
Behring Sea matter and that future
circumstances would develop how far
! other questions would be opened to
consideration. When the subjects of
reciprocity and border immigration
We're suggested to Sir Wilfred, he diplo-
matically stated that for the present
the Rehring Sea matter was the only
one to which he and his associates were
giving their attention
F! In accordance with the arrangement
made this morning, the experts repre-
senting the three Governments, the
! United States, Canada and England as
sernbled at the State Department at
p. m. They were Messrs Jordan,
Thompson and Macoun. In addition,
General Foster and Mr.. Hamlin were
in attendance for the United States
and Sir Louis Davies for Canada. Sir
Julian Pauncefote sent a note excusing
himself from coming, on account of ILL
ness.
The meeting lasted for about an hour,
| and the proceedings We're mainly pre-
liminary and designed to outline plan
of procedure. Mr. Hamlin was elect
ed chairman.
1t was officially stated that the pro-
ot-othSS WERE secret, III lfie SENSE t0dI
nothing could be given out for publca-
ton before the end of the deliberations.
Another meeting will be held at II
O'Clock tomorrow.
The treaty which was negotiated last
week between the United States and
Japan and Russia for the further pro-
| lection of the seals was not referred to
in today's meeting, although its gem
eral provisions were made known to
the British delegates. The feature of
the treaty is said to be the short time
it is to continue in force, the limit be-
ing one year.
LAURIER At THE WHITE HOUSE.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10-President
Mckinley to-day received Sir Wilfred
Laurier, Premier of Canada in the
blue room at the White House. Secre-
tary Sherman introduced Sir Wilfred
who was accompanied by Sir Julian
Pauncefote. British ambassador: Sir
Louis Davies and Professor Thompson,
the British seal expert. The visit was
entirely formal