The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-11-18
THE BER|NG SEA MEETING.
EXPERTS HAVE ABOUT COM
PLETED, THEIR DISCUSSION OF
THE TECHNICAL FEATURES.
NOW FOR The DIPLOMATIC CONTEST
Proposition by the United States to
stop Pelngic Sealing Pending Ne
gotiati0ns Not FavOrnbIy Re
ceived-LikeIy to Fail.

Washington, Nov. 15.-The British
Canadian and American delegates to the
Boring sea meeting have been confident
ly expected to bring their labOrs to q
close today, but after two arduous SEES
sions, lasting until o'clock this even
ing, the experts had not been able to
reconcile all their differences. 1t was
determined therefore to continue the
meeting tomorrow.
up to the time of closing today the ex-
perts had made good progress, reaching
an agreement on all but three or four
reserved propositions. These, it is said,
can be agreed upon during the morning
session tomorrow, so the expert report
can be signed and the meeting concluded
as fur as the experts are concerned.
This will make available all the data
necessary for considering the vital dplo-
matte question of stopping pelagic seal
ing. The intention Is that Gen. Foster,
Sir Wilfred Laurier and Sir Louis Da-
yies will meet tomorrow afternoon to
20 over the results reported by the ex-
perts, and, If possible, ugree upon a
basis of settlement.
The outcome of this diplomatic meet
ing continues to be much in doubt. 1t
was intimated tonight that the Cana
dians might make II counter proposition,
not going as far as the American repre-
sentative desires in the way of limiting
pelagic sealing, but yet offering. a posi-
bic ground for amicable adjustment.
Equally reliable sources stated that If
the issue assumed the form of pelagic
sealing or no pelagic sealing. as now
seems likely, it Will be. extremely difficult
to reconcile the differences. To-.
When the meeting began at the stnte
department today the delegates stated
that there was every reason to DeiieVe
the final stage would be reached during
the day. The experts, after protracted
sessions, were ready to report on all
the technical features Of seal life, and
it was reliably stated that they had
reached Il common ground of understand
ing and would sign joint report. With
this in hand the diplomats planned to de-
vote the afternoon to considering the
larger phase of the question-that of
reaching n joint agreement with the
United States and Great Britain for the
cessation of pelagic sealing. This last
feature was felt to be the vital issue OF
the negotiations, on which hinged not
only settlement of the Boring sea
question, but also probably that of reci-
procity, border immigration, and all the
questions pending between the United
States and Canada.
From reliable quarters 1t was learned
that the diplomatic convention had al
ready taken definite shape. 1t is I'M
derstood that the proposition of the
American representatives involves two
features; first, that Canada, through
the imperial authorities, shall consent to
the stOppage of pelagic sealing for one
year; and second, that negotiations shall
be opened for suspension of sealing
beyond this term for one year. 1t Is
understood that the Canadian officials
ri 10 nil fu
They have taken the ground, it is said,
that they would be glad to reach any
basis of settlement, by compromise or
fair concession, but they view this prop
osition as one for absolute surrender on
their part. From their standpoint an
agreement to stop sealing for one year
and then to negotiate for stopping it for
Il longer period would not involve any
give and take" concessions, as they
would be called upon to give without
any definite prospect of receiving bene-
ut.
Whether this will develop a critical is
sue when the diplomats get together can
not be foretold. Each side naturally is
very insistent in its respective conten-
lions rs the final stage is approaching,
but this in part is attributed to dipl0-
matte maneuvering for position. Both
sides are earnestly hopeful of solution.
From the American standpoint the fail
IRE of the negotiations would affect not
only the sealing question between Great |
Britain, Canada and the United States, |
but would also complicate the recent |
agreement between Russia and Japan,
md the United States the entire the
Dry of that treaty being that Great |
Britain and Canada would cooperate |
n limit of pe!agic sealing. From the |
Canadian standpoint there is equally |
iesire to avoid further negotiations, as
hat would affect greatly not onlT the |
Boring sea interests, but also reciprocity, |
border immigration and the many sub
ects on which they hope to secure an
adjustment.
While this general sentiment prevails
me Of the officials participating in the |
meeting regretfully expressed the fear |
.oday that the negotiations would fail,
adding, however, that he sincerely hoped
lis fears would not be realized by the |
inal outcome of the meeting.