The herald., 1897-11-13
EXPERTS ON
SEAL LIFE
Likely to Reach a Common
Understanding
CANADIANS ASK CONCESSIONS
RELATING TO ATLANTIC COAST
FISHERIES
Definite Arrangements Made for TAX
ing Up the Reciprocity Matter
CANADIANS ASK CONCESSIONS
RELATING TO ATLANTIC COAST
FISHERIES
Definite Arrangements Made for TAX
ing Up the Reciprocity Matter
in Friendly Way
Associated Press Special Wire.

Associated Press Special Wire.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12-The third
session Of the experts on seal life was
held at the state department today, all
of the representatives of the United
States, Canada and Great Britain being
in attendance except Sir Wilfrid Laurier
who spent the morning in visiting the
Catholic university. Mr.. Adams, first
secretary Of the British embassy, took
his place as the diplomatic representa-
tive OF the Canadian government. The
effort is maintained to keep the proceed
ings strictly secret at this stage.
During today's conference a series Of
propositions was presented by the Amer
lean representatives, covering the num-
ber oand habits of the seals and extent
to which the seal herd had been reduced
during the five years in which the Paris
treaty had been in operation. In turn
the British Canadian representatives
presented counter propositions covering
their view Of the same subject The
propositions differed considerably, but
were not SO wide apart as to lead to the
belief that they could not be reconciled
1t is expected that when the session
is resumed tomorrow the experts will
be able to reach common understand
ing. The propositions do not embody
any diplomatic features, but are solely
scientific. as to the number, habits and
destruction Of the seals. After the ex-
perts have reconciled their propositions
the diplomats will begin to consider the
large subjects Of providing an adequate
remedy against seal destruction.
1t is stated upon good authority that
the Canadians will ask counter-con-
cession from this country in the way Of
a guarantee for the protection of the
northern fisheries in return for any al
teration of the sealing regulations to
which they may give their consent.
They take the position that the fish along
the Canadian and Newfoundland coasts
are as much the property Of Canada as
are the seals in the Pribyloff islands the
property of the United States, and con-
tend that they have as much right to
make demands for the protection of the
fish against American fishermen as we
have to ask the Canadians to agree to
further restrictions in the matter Of
killing the seals. Their specific COM
plant is that when Canadian laws
prohibit fishing except within certain
seasons the American laws do not i'm
pose corresponding restrictions, and
that while the taking of the fish can be
prohibited during the closed seasons
within their territory, it cannot. be con-
trolled outside of these boundaries
Many Of the fish which properly belong
within Canadian waters are thus picked
up out of season by American fishermen.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier will ask the United
States to agree to the protection Of these
fish during the breeding season as an
offset for any seal concession to which
Canada may consent.
RECIPROCITY
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12.-Definite ar
rangements have been made for taking
up the subject of reciprocity treaty
between the United States and Canada,
and to this end meetings have been fixed
between John w. Kasson, who is es-
pecially delegated by President McKin-
ley to conduct reciprocity negotiations.
and Sir Wilfrid Laurier. the Canadian
Premier, and Sir Louis Davies, Minister
of Marine. This Is the result Of the long
and friendly conference held yesterday
between Secretary Sherman and Sir
Wilfrid. The meeting will be held dur
ing the present visit Of the Canadian
officials, but no exact time for 1t has
yet been fixed.
The arrangement also contemplates
taking up the question of border immi-
grafton, lake fisheries and all other SUBJ
jects affecting the two countries. The
meeting with Mr.. Kasson, however, will
be confined to reciprocity, as he is dele
gated by the president to treat on that
subject alone.
1t is not expected that the reciprocity
treaty itself will be matured during the
present trip Of the Canadian officials,
the desire being to arrive at some COM
mon understanding and perfect details
later.
The dinner at the White House last
night assisted toward friendly settle
ment of pending questions. There were
no toasts and no speeches at the din
ner. but at the conclusion the Canadian
guests accompanied the president and
his cabinet advisers to the blue room,
where a wholly informal and personal
exchange of views occurred. They were
on the same friendly lines as those for
NAL conferences between the secretary
of state and Sir Wilfrid earliar in the
day, and the general sentiment prevail
ed that the present time was opportune
for more cordial intercourse between
this country and Canada. The an
nouncement Of the meetings with Mr..
Kasson followed.
In view Of these meetings 1t Is pointed
out that much misapprehension exists
as to the preferences which the Cana
dian tariff law gives to Great Britain
The law makes no mention OF Great
Gritain. IT has two schedules. maxi
mum and minimum.
At present Great Britain enjoys the
minimum rates, but the same are open
to AL other countries. the United States
included, and there Il nothing ia the
law which contemplaten sivine Great
Britain the exclusive benelits of these