The Forrest City times., 1897-10-08
The SEAL QUESTION.
England's Final Decision on the
Conference Matter. !.
wlLLING TO CONFER WITH UNCLE SAM.
She Does Not, However, Think that
Russia and Japan Are Interested to
Degree Emitting Them to
Representation.
Engiand's Final Decision.

LONDON. Oct. THE officials of the
British foreign Office have commune
Gated TO the United States ambassador,
Col John Hay. the final decision of
that government, that Great Britain
must refuse to take part IN any sealing
conference with representatives OF
Russia and japan. The British gov
eminent, however, asserts its willing
ness to confer with the United States
alone, but it insists that Russia
and Japan are not interested in
the Behring sea seals to a degree en-.
titling them TO representation at the
conference. The British government
does not suggest any date for confer
ence with the United States, and it is
thought probable in London that Great
Britain's withdrawal will result in two
meetings, one between the United
States, Russia and Japan, and the other
between the United States, Great Brit
ain and Canada.
1t can not be too strongly reiterated
that the withdrawal of Great Britain
from the Washington conference is due
to Canada's insistence, and that until
the Canadian officials inform the for
eign Office here of Canadas objections
to meeting Russia and japan, out of
fear of being outvoted, Great Britain
fully intended to enter the conference.
Great Britain fully intended to enter
the conference with the three other
governments. But for Col. Hays rep
reservations, the first announcement
of Great Britain's unwlllingness
to take part in the confer
ence would have been final,
but the United States ambassador
so plainly pointed out the usual char
acter of Great Britain's change of mind
also late day that some of the for
eign officials decided to reopen the
question, and have been endeavoring,
but unsuccessfully, to secure Canada's
acquiescence.
Sir Julian Pauncefote, the British
ambassador to the United States. also
used his influence in a spirit of friendli-
ness to the United States in efforts to
secure the adherence of Great Britain
to the original programme.
The diplomats here consider that
Great Britain's course was not courteous
to Russia and japan.
Experts who have been investigat-
ing sales of seal skins in London in
order to obtain evidence for the use of
the United States, at the conference,
have proof that eight per cent. of the
skins sold by the Canadian companies
are those of female seals. and that
most of the animals were shot.
''Sparring for Wind"
CHICAGO, Oct. IA special to the
Tribune from Washington, ID. c., says:
1.-THE sudden reluctance of the Brit
ish government to carry into effect the
virtual promise of Lord Salisbury to
enter into tho seal fisheries confer
ence, it is said by officials who are
familiar with the situation, followed
swift upon the return to Canada Of the
experts, Messrs. Darcy Thomson and
McRuen, from their investigation of
the condition and prospects of the seal
herd. 1t is said the indisputable facts
which confronted them on the
seal islands were so overwhelmingly
contradictory OF their theories and as
sertions regarding the herd that it be-
came necessary. in the language of
contests, for another class to 'sspar for
wind" hence the latest developments.
Notwithstanding. the officials here
believe that the conference will be held,
beginning in the latter part of the
present month, and that Great Britain
will be represented, as she has agreed
TO be.