The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-11-12

Laurfer Talks with Sherman.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 11.-Secretary Sher-
man and Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the premier
of Canada, this afternoon began the first
of formal series of conferences for the
purpose of bringing about an agreement by
which many as possible of the questions
now causing friction between the United
States and Dominion of Canada may be
amicably adjusted by treaty or otherwise.
These conferences will be independent OF
the Bering seal fisheries conference which
was the immediate occasion for the Cana
dian premier's present visit to Washington.
Mr. Sherman and 6 Wilfrid were together
for two hours. The secretary of state and
the Canadian premier found themselves in
much accord on the questions discussed.
Mr. Sherman has long favored the most
cordial relations between the United States
and Canada having been while In the Sem
ate author of several resolutions in that dis
rection. Sir Wilfrid has been the con-.
spieuous exponent of the same view in Cam
ada. 1t was realized on both hands how
ever, that the discussion now opened vas
not one which could bring immediate re-
suits, as many of the border controversies
are of long standing and many practical
difficulties were in the way of settlement.
The purpose, however, was to approach the
general subject in spirit of friendiness
ana allow this to develop ways and means
Tor dealing With the numerous questions
relating TO both countries, namely border
immigration, reciprocity, fishery rights, the
railway bonding privilege, etc.
In view of cable reports from London
Stating that Mr. Chamberlain secretary Of
state for the colonies IN the Salisbury Cab.
met, had expressed TO Lord Aberdeen, gov
ernor general of Canada, strong disapproval
OF any move by Sir Wilfrid Laurier look
ing to placing the nited States on the same
basis as Great Britain in tariff affairs the
matter was called to the attention Of the
Canadian officials. In response an arthori-|
tative statement was made that no such
diSapproval had been expressed by the inn
perial authorities, and that Lord Aberdeen
had received no such notification from Mr.
Chamberlain or other source, as his lord
ship was with members of the Laurier party
up to the time they left Ottawa and no
mention was made of any such disapproba-
ton from imperial quarters.
The officials of the Agricultural Depart
ment are somewhat concerned over the visit
of Premier Laurier in view of the conces-
SionS which it is considered probable ne will
ask under the reciprocity provision OF the
tariff law. They are apprehensive that the
premier will direct his attention partieu-|
larly TO securing reduction Of the tasfff
rates on Canada's agricultural producfa|
shipped to this country, and are inclined to-
antagOniZe any concessions on these lines.
II is expected that concession will bel
ment officials hold that this country isl
capable of producing its own barley, and
believe that the farmers do not want re-|
duced tariff on this article to practicallv|
the only country whose competition givea|
them any concern. The opinion expressed
at the department is that ii will be well f0ri
the United States to confine it's reciproc-|
ity relations with Canada largely to fish and|
coal, on which of the Canadian products ik|
is believed there might be a reduction with
out especial injury to American interests.