New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-11-12
LAURlER MEETS SHERMAN.
CONFERENCES TO SETTLE DISPUTES
WITH CANADA BEGUN.
THE PREMIER AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE
APPROACH THE SUBJECT ~ THE MOST
FRIENDLY SPIRIT. But ACKNowI--
EDGE THAT THE PROBLEM
Is 4 DIrFICrLT ONE.

Is a DIFFICULT ONE.
Washington. Nov. 1l.-Secretary Sherman and
Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the Premier Of Canada, this
afternoon began the first a formal series OF
conferences for the purpose Of bringing about
! an agreement by which many possible OF
the questions now causing friction between the
United States and the Dominion Of Canada may
be amicaby adjusted. by treaty or otherwise
These conferences Will be Independent OF the
seal fisheries conference. which was the imme-
date occasion for the Canadian Prcmier's visit
to Washington. The conference was brought
about by a ..ote which Secretary Sherman sent
20 Sir Wilfrid this morning. asking him II L.
would be convenient to meet the Secretary this
afternoon. The Canadian T. emcr replied in the
affirmative, and the conference accordingly be-
gan at $50 o'clock at the State Department.
Mr. Sherman and Sir Wifrd were together
for two hours II can be said on authority that
the discussion was devoted TO considering the
many important questions affecting the rela-
tlons OF the United States and Canada. In this
discussion the Secretary of State and the Ca
madam Premier found themselves in accord.
Mr.. Sherman has long favored the most cordial
relations between the United States and Cam
ada. having while in the Senate been the author
Of several resolutions for that purpose. Sir Will
frid has been a conspicuous exponent or the
same policy in Canada. 1t was realized on both
sides, however. that the discussion now opened
was not one that could bring about immediate
results. as many Of the controversies are OF long
standing. and many practical difficulties were in
the way Of reaching "a settlement. the pur-
pose. however. to approach the subject IN
a spirit of friendness, and allow ways ana
means to develop for dealing with border i'm
way bonding privilege, etc.
In view Of reports from London that Joseph
Chamberlain, Secretary Of State for the ColOnles
in the Salisbury Cabinet. had expressed 10 Lord
Aberdeen, Governor General of Canada, strong
dsapproval of any move by Sir Wilfrid Laurler
looking TO placing the United states on the same
basis as Great Britain in tariff affairs. the mat
ter was called to the attention Of the Canadian
officials. In response authoritative statement
was made that no such disapproval had peen
expressed by the imperial authorities, and that
Lord Aberdeen had received no such notihcaton
from Mr.. Chamberlain or any other source. Tne
Governor General was with the members OF
Premier Lauriers party up TO the time they left
ottawa. and no mention was made or any such
dsapprobation from imperial quarters
The officials Of the Agricultural Department
somewhat concerned over the visit OF Pre-
mer Laurier. in view OF the concessions which
II is considered probable he will ask under the
reciprocity provision of the Tariff law. They are
apprehensive that the Premier VIII direct MS
attention particularly to securing reduction
OF the duties Canadian agricultural products
shipped TO this country. and are inclined TO an
ta2OniZe any concessions on these lines. II s
expected that a concession will I've asked espe-
clally on barley, but the Department officials
hold that this country IL capable Of producing
its own barley and believe that the farmers do
not want a reduced tariff on this article TO prac-
tically the only country whose competition gives
them any concern. The opinion expressed at the
Department is that II would be well for the
United States 70 confne its reciprocity relations
with Canada largely to fish and coal. on which
IL Is believed there might be a reduction with
out especial injury 10 American interests.