Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-11-19
EXPECT RECIPROCITY
Canadian Officials Discuss Result of
Their Visit Here.
JOINT COMMISSION TO Be FORMED
Seal Question VIII Come Up With
Other Irritating" Matters.
CONFERENCE SATISFACTORY
CONFERENCE SATISFACTORY

turned from Washington. Within a couple
Of hours after their arrival a meeting Of
the cabinet was held, at which the premier
explained the recent negotiations with
President Mckinley and his ministers As
a result Of this meeting, it is stated that
the cabinet has decided to send a commits
sion to Washington composed of men
familiar with the various questions inyoly-
ed, to meet with similar body of men
appointed on behalf of the United States
with ex-Secretary Foster at its head, and
to endeavor to reach a settlement on all
boundary and other questions at present at
issue between the two countries.
Premier Laurfer's Views.
AT the conclusion of the cabinet meeting
Premier Laurier. in an interview. said:
1t is plain to us that the sealing ques-
tfon cannot be settled by itself. 1t can
only be considered in connection with irri-
tating and important questions. There is
no intention whatever os negotiating any
reciprocity treaty that would interfere with
or AFFECT Canada's existing British prefer
entail tariff
When asked as to the result of their visit
to the United States. Sir Louis Davies said:
Il have just been reading the press re-
ports sent out from Washington, and it
seems to represent our final conclusion
fairly well. The representatives of the
American and Canadian governments are
satisfied with the results of the conference
held, although, of course, none of the chief
matters in controversy could be brought to
final issue. statement of facts has
been mutually agreed upon, however, which
establishes a firm basis for future opera
tionS.
Differences Are Understood.
I'VE now know exactly where we stand
and will not hereafter be cropping in the
dark. Each party knows its true position.
After both representative parties confer
with their colleagues in their respective ad-
ministrationS, statements of the demands
regarding the proposed reciprocity trade re-
lations will be exchanged and replies SUBJ
mitted by each.
Il can add nothing new to what said
as to the American tariff pressing too
heavily upon US in respect to their duties
on our lumber, coal and fish exports. l
think that the United States authorities,
after they have maturely considered the
whole situation in regard to Canada, will
agree as to the correctness of our repre-
sentation.
Reciprocity Expected.
This may carry sufficient weight with
the joint commission, should one be agreed
to, to bring about such reciprocity arrange
ments as most desirable to both coun-
tries From what Gen. Foster has init
appointment of a joint commission are
good
What Was Proposed to Canada.
The dispatches from Ottawa announcing
that the Canadian cabinet has decided to
send commission to Washington to nego-
tiate with a similar commission to be ap-
pointed by the United States government
touching all the questions at issue between
the United States and Car ada has had the
important effect of drawing forth here, for
the first time, a statement of the exact
proposition that was laid before the Can
ad an ministers when they were in Wash
irgton few days ago. The proposal of
Mr.. Foster, representing the United States
government, which the Canadian delegates
took home with them to submit to their
council vas:
"First-That both nations agree at once
to suspension Of all killing of seals dur
Ing the next season in the Pacific ocean and
Bering sea, the modus to go into operation
on the first of next month.
Second-That representatives of the gov
erEments of the United States and Great
Britain, including Canada, be designated to
enter with as little delay as possible upon
the consideration Of all unsettled questions
between Canada and the United States,
with the view to a settlement by treaty
this to include the sealing question and any
other matters which either government
MAY choose to bring forward
An Early Answer Expected.
So far the State Department has not
been advised that the Canadian council
has acted upon the propositions, but an
early answer is expected, as is evidenced
by the fact that the date set for the be-
ginning of the modus stopping the killing
CT the seals is no later than the lst of
next month.
One important fact that is not clearly
disclosed in the Canadian dispatches is
that tie modus must be agreed upon posi-
lively before our government consents to
the commission. In other words there
must be no killing of seals while the COM
mission Is at work. The commission might
occupy long time in it's deliberations and
II pelagic sealing is to go on meanwhile,
1t is believed by our experts that there
Will De no seals left to serve as a basis
Tor negotiations The proposition of our
government having been so explicitly
stated it may be understood that the an
nouncement Of the purpose of the Cana
dams to appoint a commission implies
that they have decided to accept the prem
Use. namely, the agreement upon a modus
vivendi.
Details Not ARRANGED
Nothing has yet been done toward ar
ranging the details of the commissions
work, should one be agreed upon Prob
ably Messrs. Foster and Kasson, and pos-
sibly Mr.. Harnlin. will represent the United
States. Owing to the nature and complex
ity Of the questions that would come before
the commission, under the liberal permfs-
sive clause, other members might be re-
quired, in the nature of experts in par
ticular lines. such as the fisheries. reci-
procity, labor immigration questions min
ing and timber issue and such matters.
Negotiations Through Great Britain.
A definite feature of the proposed COM
mission is that Sir Julian Pauncefote. the
British ambassador, shall be at the head
of the British-Canadian commissioners. and
in all probability that Sir Wilfred Laurier
shall be associated with the ambassador
on the commission. This choice Of the
British ambassador is significant as show
ing the purpose of this government to f,,lIv
recognize the imperial character of the nc,
gotiations, and to conduct them onIv
through the authorized representatives. ~
the British government.
The dispatches from Ottawa fail To state
this fact, and to that extent are said fo ~
misleading. There can be no Canadfan
commission. and no body representing CAM
ada can conduct negotiations with the
United States government. This was ,uIIv
recognized during the recent meetings. ana
it took form in the propositions submitted
At least one or these PROPOSITIONS flfstfn c+T,,