Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-29
IMPORTANT NEGOTIATIONS
Reciprocity With British Colonies and
Canada.
The British Ambassador Again Able
Lord Salisbury's Action.

Sir Julian Pauncefote, the British am
bassadOr. has about recovered from a long
and painful attack of rheumatism, which
has kept him in bed for good part of
the last three months. His ability to re-
stme calls at the State Department has
led to reports that these were co:ncideut
with Lord Salisbuy's declination Of the
proposition to stop pelagic sealing, and
were for the purpose of renewing reciproc-
ity negotiations. 1t is said, however, that
the recent calls have no significance of
this character, as Sir Julian did not know
of Lord Salisbury's decision at the time
he visited the State Department, the en-
bassy not having received word of the
answer up to the present time. As to the
reciprocity negotiations, they have pro-
crossed steadily through Mr.. Adam. first
secretary Of the emba :, and Sir Julian
will now be able to give me matter person
al attention.
Seeking Reciprocity.
The main desire of the British West In
tions on sugar, which constitutes their
chief product. The United States is the
main market for this sugar, and the col
onies are very DESTROYS of getting the 20
per cent reduction Of duty contemplated by
the Dingley law. What will be given in ex-
change has not yet been determined, as no
schedules have been prepared thus far.
At the outset the purpose of the negotia-
tions was confined to the British West In
dies, but the present indications are that
efforts will be made to include Canada
among the colonies receiving the advan-
tages Of reciprocity. How far this can be
done, in view of The failure of the Boring
sea negotiations, is not clear, but it is
probable that the British government will
prefer TO have the negotiations embrace all
the Notwithstanding Canada-instead Of
repeating the action when the last reci-
them to the West Indian possessions.
Relations With Canada.
In this connection it may be stated that
Mr.. Kasson, the special plenipotentiary
Commissioner of the United States, charged
with conduct of the negotiation of reci-
rrocity arrangements and treaties under
slider the subject of reciprocity with Cana
da. This abstention on the part of Mr..
kaSsOn is attributable to the fact that the
subject of reciprocity pure and simple, as
dc scribed in the tariff act, has become SO
involved with the seal question and other
issues as to become practically inseparabe
from them. and so the entire subject of
Canadian relations appears to remain in the
control of eX-Secretary Foster.
A New Arbitration Treaty.
1t had been expected that the recovery
of Sir Julian would permit active steps on
the British-American treaty of arbitration.
There is no present prospect. however, that
anything will be done on that subject, and
up 70 this time no negotiations have been
opened between the ambassador and the
State Department. Both governments have
signified d favorable attitude toward
opening negotiations, but the British gov
eminent will take no step whatever until
definite assurance is at hand that such
treaty as may be negotiated will become
effective by the ratification of the Senate.
1t is said that the answer Of Lord Sails
bury on the Be.ing sea question, whioh
has been briefly reported by cable adds
no new phase to the case, as this declna-
ton was foreshadowed with certainty by
the answer of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the
Canadian premier, declining to stop pelagic
sealing.
The action of Lord Salisbury merely adds
the imperial and official sanction to this
decltnation of the Canadian authorities.
Being official and final, the declina ton
arouses much comment in diplomatic cir
Giles as to its effect the Russo-Japan-
American treaty, made several weeks ago,
for the stoppage of pelagic sealing. 1t is
understood that at the instance of Japan
this treaty was conditioned on the con-
currenoe of Great Britain in similar
measure to stop pelagic sealing, in which
case the present declination of Great
Britain would apparently put an end to
the treaty. although no official announce
ment to this effect has been made