The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-11-22
CONFERENCE WITH CANADA.
ENGLAND ANXIOUS FOR AN AGREE
MENT TO BE MADE.
Of Dispute Between the Two
Neighboring Countries Satisfac-
torily Settled by . Commission.

WASHINGTON. Nov. n.-There Is good
reason 70 believe that the British govern
meut win view with favor the formation
OF commission to clear up vexatious
questions between the United States and
Canada This attitude will be important
In the consummation OF the commission
plan, for the best efforts Of the United
tiemene could come to naught unless the
imperial government approved the efforts
ana stood ready to give them Official exc
eution IN the form of treaty.
AT nrst the sharp differences aroused by
the recent Boring sea meeting led TO the
belief that Great Britain might stand in
the way Of a commission which would dis
euss, among other questions, such imperial
subjects az the tariff. The British have
been tenaciously holding the advantages
secured by the Canadian preferential
British tariff. and It was thought the
colonial Office at London would not view
with favor any movement by a commits
sion which would disturb the preferential
tarin. II appears. however. that the Brit
ism authorities are sincerely anxious to
close up the various irritating questions
which have long existed between Canada
ana the United States. through the me-
dunn OF a commission or otherwise, and
that no idea is entertained that when the
commission dealt with the imperial sub
ject Of the tariff 1t would involve any dis
turbances Of the British-Canadian tariff
relations.
There are said to be many articles, such
as coal and fish, which are not exchanged
between Great Britain and Canada. On
such articles, therefore. any reciprocal ar
rangement between the United States and
Canada would have no influence on Brit
ish trade with Canada. The home gov
eminent is said to be fully conscious of
the advantages which Canada may Sc
cure in the extensive American market
lying alongside her. and there is under
stood to be every desire to aid Canada in
the enjoyment of reciprocal trade with
this country
Already the British ambassador has
been authorized from London to begin ne
gotiafions for reciprocity treaties between
the United States and the British West
Indian colonies. This is cited to show the
favor which the London authorities exhib-
1t toward securing the best reciprocal adj
vantages for British colonies. 1t is said
the same view would prevail as to Cana
dian reciprocity. In any event, the work
Of commission would be preliminary
only. and it would remain for the British
government to give it effect by formal
treaty.
The subjects other than the tariff. such
as border immigration, fishing In the great
lakes. etc.. are not of an imperial charac-
ter. and concern only the United States
and Canada. In these, 1t Is said, Great
britain has no interest whatever, except
TO see them settled on terms satisfactory
to Canada. The lake fisheries have been
prolific source of trouble. 1t is claimed
that the fish Of the lakes particularly
white fish, are being exterminated by the
lax laws of some OF the states bordering
on the lakes. The destruction of the fish
Is said to be analogous to the destruction
OK the seals In Boring sea, and one of the
subjects which Canada would urge be-
fore the commission would be the pro-
lection OF the fisheries in the lakes.
Prof. darcy Thompson. the British seal
expert. having concluded his labors, left
today for Toronto, intending to reach New
York in time to take the Lucania for Liv-
erpool later in the week. His trip to Cam
ada Is personal and has no connection with
penang Boring sea negotiations. Prof
Thompson expresses himself as we'll
pleased with the recent meeting Of ex-
perts. and with the results arrived at.
Since the expert agreement was reached.
a protocol has been signed by Mr.. Ham
lin, chairman of the expert meeting, and
the secretaries, Mr.. Venning, in behalf OF
Canada, and Mr.. Clark, in behalf of the
United States. This protocol sets forth
the circumstances under which the meet
ing was held, with the minutes OF the pro-
ceedings, and 10 some extent aids in the
Interpretation OF the agreement by show
Ing all the circumstances leading UP to IT,
Sir Julian Pauncefote, the British am
bassador, has been confined to his room
for the last two weeks with a return Of
his old attack OF rheumatism. 1t prevent
ed his attendance at the Boring sea meet
ings and In this and all other affairs Of
the embassy. Mr.. Adam, his secretary
has been in charge. In the meantime. such
questions as reciprocity with the British
West Indies. the general arbitration
treaty. etc, have been in allegiance, but
they are likely TO come up for discussion
with the authorities here as soon as Sir
Julian Is fully recovered