The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-11-17

ing.
Washington, Nov. 16.-The Bering sea
meeting, in which representatives Ofl
Great Britain, Canada .and the United
States have participated came to n close
tonight, the seal experts making nj
unanimous report concerning the condi-l
ton of the seal herds, and the diplomatic
representatives of the respective govern
ments reaching an understanding BY
which they hope at later day to effect
final adjustment not only of the Bering
sea question, but of other pepding border
controversies. For the present, however,
no final action was taken as to the sus-
pension of pelagic sealing. The Cana
dams urged that the other questions
be embraced in any plan of settlement,
and suggested an international commits
sion to accomplish this end. This prop
osition was fully discussed and an agree
ment reached that the Canadian officials
would put their views in writing after
returning to Ottawa and submit them
to the authorities here. All parties con-
cerned say that the outlook is favorable
to a satisfactory adjustment
The unanimous agreement of the ex-
perts brings the governments together
for the E-st time on all the facts rel&t-
EHE IS JA1E BGdIs. i HIS dSTNGuItHL was
reached after painstaking comparison
of notes.
! Following the agreement of the ex-
perts, the diplomatic officials assembled
at ex-Secretary Fosters house to discuss
the larger question of putting an end to
pelagic sealing and of settling other bor-
der controversies. Owing to the con-
tinued illness of Sir Julian Pauncefote,
the British government was represented
by the first Secretary of the British en-
bassy, Mr.. Adam. Sir Wilfrid Laurier
and Sir Louis Davies We're present, In
behalf of Canada. General Fosters
powers had been materially enlarged
since the coming of the Canadian Off
cials, for as result of the long and
friendly talk between Sir Wilfrid and
Secretary Sherman, the latter had writ
ten to the Canadian Premier stating that
the President had empowered General
Foster to treat ON the various border
question which Sir Wilfrid had called
to the attention of Mr. Sherman and,
! with the cooperation of the British
government, to conclude treaties cover
ing these subjects. This gave the meet
ing a broad significance 1t began at
four in the afternoon and lasted until Z.
During these three hours the entire range
of border affairs was discussed. Primari-
ly the purpose of the meeting was to
secure an agreement on Bering sea. The
Canadians made it clear, however, that
they wished any plan of settlement to
take a broader scope than the one sub
ject of Bering sea and embrace the
many sources of friction along the Dor
der. In this connection, the plan of al
international commission afforded the
best means OF recOnciling all differences
and of opening the way to reciprocity
; lie discussion was of the most friendly
nature throughout and no sharp differ
ences were allowed to crop out. 1t was
felt, however, that the plan of a com
mission was too large question for inn
mediate determination. A final under
standing was reached, therefore, that tht
, Canadian proposition should be reduced
to writing, as a basis for further neg0
tiations. This closed the conference anC
the officials said their farewells, express
!, ing satisfaction in the cordial feeling
| which had characterized the meetings o
the last ten days.
Sir Wilfrid and Sir Louis leave at tel
o'clock tomorrow morning for Ottawa