The record-union., 1897-09-26

Washington if Russia and Japan take
part in it. The officials of the British
Foreign Office decline to give the rea-
son for the change Of policy, but they
admit the Marquis of Salisbury has
notified the United States Embassador,
John Hay, of his decision in this mat
ter, though the Premier's decision is not
absolute.
The Marquis Of Salisburys action Is
all the more surprising, in view OF the
fact that he accepted for Great Britain
the invitation to take part in the con-
ference, with the full knowledge that
Russia and Japan were included in the
invitation. It is known that the Ca
madam Government requested the with
drawal Of Great Britain from the seal
ing conference, and the Government
unwillingly acceded to its request, IN
view Of its policy of cultivatlng the
friendship of the colonies, even at the
risk of offending the other Powers con-
cerned. 1t is thought in diplomatic
circles that Canada's action in the
premises was Influenced by the fear
that Great Britain would be out-voted
by the United States, Russia and ia
pan, whose views regarding the protec-
ton of seals coincide.
Great Britain has not notified Russia
or Japan of her intention not to take
part in the conference, and her notice
to the United States was sent too late
for the other Governments to change
their arrangements.
Inquiry made at the Russian embassy
| here shows that the officials were great
| " surprised at Great Britain's with
| drawal. and were disposed not to be-
| lieve the news when it was conveyed
| to them by a representative of the AS
| sociated Press. They said the British
| Foreign Office in the discussion OF
arrangements for the conference, had
never even intimated that dissatisfac-
! ton was experienced at Russia's partic-
! ipation in the congress. Apparently,
| the officials add, Great Britain realizes
the impossibility of Russia and Japan
withdrawing from the conference, and
leaving a clear field for Great Britain
and the United States.
| The departure of Sir Julian Paunce-
fote the British ambassador to the
! United States and Great Britain's rep
resentative to the sealing conference
has been postponed until October
26th, which would make him arrive in
the United States too late to take part
in the sealing deliberations.
Summing the matter up, it seems ev-
| ident that Great Britain has decided
to withdraw from further discussion OF
the sealing question. She has not re-
piled to Secretary Sherman's dispatch
on the subject, and it is not expected
that she will make an answer to it
The note of the Secretary of State fo1
the Colonies, Joseph Chamberlain
to the Marquis of Salisbury, giving the
! British contentious, has not been com
municated to the United States, as
it was merely a public document, In
tended to present the British arguments
to the public, without continuing the
debate with the United States
It was on Wednesday last that the
| Marquis of Salisbury notified the
Britain could not take part in the seal
ing conference if Russia and Japar
participated in it.
DISCUSSION WILL GO ON.
LONDON, Sept. 25.-An official a.
the British Foreign Office, in an inter
view this afternoon with a represent
ative of the Associated Press, upon the
sealing question, said:
Great Britain has not yet with
| drawn but the discussion of the situa
ton will go on with the United State!
ambassador here. The probable resul
] will be that Great Britain will ask tha