Omaha daily bee., 1897-11-16
SEAL EXPERTSGET TOGETHER
Diplomats May Have a More Difficult Task
in Agreeing.
NEGOTIATIONS REACH A FINAL STAGE
Reports of the Experts Will BE
Taken Up Today by the
Diplomats for Con-
alteration.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15.-The British
Canadian and American delegates to the
Bering sea meeting had confidently expected
to bring their lavors to a close today, but
after two arduous sessions lasting until $50
this evening the experts had not been able
to reconcile all their differences. 1t was
determined, therefore. to continue the meet
ing tomorrow.
Up to the close today the experts had made
good progress. reaching an agreement on all
bu. three or four reserved propositions.
These. it is expected. can be agreed upon
during the morning session tomorrow so that
tho expert report can be signed and the
meeting concluded so far as the experts
are concerned. This will make available all
the data necessary for considering the vital
diplomatic question Of stopping pelagc seal
ing
The intention is that General Foster, Sir
Wilfrid Laurier and Sir Louis Davis will
meet tomorrow afternoon to go over the
results reported by the experts and If pcs
sible agree upon basis of settlement. The
outcome of this diplomatic meeting continues
to be much in doubt.
From reliable quarters it was learned that
the diplomatic contention had already taken
definite shape. 1t is understood that the
proposition Of the American Representatives
involves two features. First, that Canada
through the imperial authorities, shall con-
sent to the stoppage of pelagic sealing for
one year: and, second, that negotiations
shall be opened for a suspension Of seal
ing beyond this term of one year. 1t is
understood that the Canadian officials do not
regard this proposition with favor. They
have taken the ground it is said, that they
would be glad to reach any basis of settle
ment by compromise or fair concession, but
view this proposition as one for absolute sur
render on their part From their standpoint
an agreement to stop sealing far one year
and then 10 negotiate for stopping it for
longer period would not involve any give-and
take concessions, as they would be called
on to give without any definite prospect of
receiving benefit for benefit. Whether this
will develop critical issue when the diplo-
mats get together cannot be told.
Each side naturally is very insistent in its
respective contentious as the final stage ap-
proaches, but this is in part attributed to dip
lomatic maneuvering for position Both
sides are earnestly hopeful OF a solution.
From the American standpoint the failure of
Lne negotiations would auect not only Ile|
sealing question between Great Britain,
Canada and the United States, but would
also complicate the recent treaty between
Russia, Japan and the United States, the en-
tire theory of that treaty being that Great
Britain and Canada would cooperate in Sc
curing limited amount of pelagic sealing.
From the Canadian standpoint there is equal
anxiety to avoid failure OF the negotiations,
as that would affect not only their Bering
sea interests, but also reciprocity, border i'm
migration and the many subjects on which
they hope to secure an adjustment. While
this general sentiment prevails one of the
officials participating in the meeting regret
fully expressed the fear that the negotiations
would fail, adding howver, that he hoped his
fears would not be realized by the final issues
of the meeting.
It was intimated tonight that the Cana
dians might make a counter proposition, not
going as far as the Americans desire in the
way of limiting pelagic sealing. but yet
Offering a possible ground for amicable ad-
justment.
Equally reliable sources stated that if the
issue assumed the form of pelagic sealing
or no pelagic sealing, as now seemed likely.
It would be extremely difficult to reconcile
the differences.
In view of the continuance Of the meet
| ing Sir WiIfrid and Sir Louis will not
lava until rnmorrnW nipht or Wednesday,