The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1897-12-30
WANTS RECIPROCITY
Progress of the Negotiation With
the British Government.
IN DOUBT AS TO CANADA
Probable that England Would Like
All Her Colonies Included in the
BeneRts, but the Seal Matter Conn
pIicHtcs the situation.

Washington, Dec. 3O.-Sir Julian
Pauncefote, the British Ambassador,
has just recovered from a long and
painful attack of rheumatism which
has kept him in bed for a good part of
the last three months. The fact that
he was able to call at the State De-
partment Tuesday led to reports that
coincdent with Lord Salisbury's declln-
alton Of the proposition to stop pelagic
sealing Sir Julian had renewed recip-
rpcity negotiations. His call however,
had no significance, as Sir Julian did
not know Of Lord Salisbury's answer
AT the time he visited the department.
AS to the reciprocity negotiations,
they have progressed steadily through
Mr. Adam, First Secretary of the En-
bassy, and Sir Julian will now be able
TO give the mater personal attention.
The main desire Of the British West
India Colonies is to secure the 20 per
cent. reciprocity reduction on sugar.
What will be offered in exchange has
not yet been determined.
May Include Canada.
At the outset the negotiations were
confined to the British West Indies,
but the present indications are that eff
forts will be made to include Canada
among the colonies receiving the ad-
vantages OF reciprocity. How far this
can be done in view of the failure OF
the Behring Sea negotiations Is not
clear, but it Is probable that the Brit
fsh Government will prefer to have
the negotiations embrace all the colo
nies, including Canada, instead OF re-
peating the course when the last recip-
rocity treaties were framed of contln-
ing them to the West Indian posses
sions.
In this connectionlit may be stated
that Mr.. Kasson, ttf special commits
sioner of the Unite1 States, charged
with the conduct of the negotia ton OF
reciprocity arrangements and treaties
under the tariff act, has not under.
taken to consider the subject Of re-
ciprocity with Canada This Is due tC
the fact that the subject of reciprocity
pure and simple, as described in the
tariff act, has become so involved witt
the seal question and other issues as
to become practically inseparable from
them, and 80 the entire subject ol
Canadian relations appears to remain
In the control Of ex-Secretary Foster
As to Arbitration.
1t has been expected that the recov,
cry of Sir Julian would permit active
steps on the British-American treat!
of arbitration. There Is no present
prospect, however, that anything will
be done on that subject.
Up to this time no negotiations have
been opened hetween the Ambassado
and the State Department. Both gov
ernments have signified a favorable at
titude towards reopening negotiations
but the British Government will tax
no steps whatever until assurance is a
hand that a treaty will be ratified b.
the Senate.
1t is said that the answer of Lor,
Salisbury on the Behrlng Sea question
which has been briefly reported by ca
Bile. adds no new phase to the case, q
this decllnation was foreshadowed b,
the answer of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, tn
Canadian Premier, declining to sto
pelagic sealing