Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-12-24
READY FOR ABRoG ALTON OF Clay
TON-BULwER TREATY.
FAv0Rs NICARAGUA CANAL
ANXIOUS ONLY FOR 4 GUARANTEE
OF ITS NEUTRALITY.
state Department VIII Probably Open
Negotiations with Great britain
in Regard to the Matter
Soon England May
Have Her Price.

LONDON Dec. 23.-There seems to he lit
tie doubt that Great Britain will agree to
abToeate the Clayton-Bulwer treaty Tho
temper of the cabinet and public opinion
which largely influences the governments
policy, point to such action, though no
definite understanding with the United
States has yet been reached
Great Britain desires that the NiCara-
guam canal be constructed. and is willing
that the United States should control it If
the United States guarantees its neutrality
and safeguards British interests.
The reports from Washington that the
British ambassador, Sir Julian Pauncefote.
has been instructed to negotiate the abro-
CATION of the treaty. are incorrect. though
it is likely he will soon receive instructions
to that effect. The impression here is that
the British foreign office and the United
States charge d'affaires Mr. Henry White.
incidental to his visits TO cabinet ministers.
will arrange the basis Of action. Mr.. White
spent part of the week with the Marquis of
Salisbury at Hatfield house and he went
l to-day with his family to spend Christmas
week with the Duke of Devonshire at
ChatswOrtil house Derbyshire the country
seat of the duke. who is lord president of
the council. There Mr.. White will meet
another influential minister. Lord George
Hamilton, the secretary of state for India.
Anglo-American questions naturally will
be discussed.
WASHINGTON. Dec. 23.-The state de-
rartment originally did not contemplate
formal opening OF negotiations to secure
the desired amendment OF the Clayton
Bulwer treaty until congress had made
some progress at least toward the enact
ment Of the Nicaragua canal bill. the de-
partment ishing not to he placed in ths
false position Of negotiating for an object
y,-l,r "a mic It lR
sion, deem undesirable. After the expert
enca had with the general arbitration
treaty there is particularly strong dis
, inclination to be again placed In this atti-
tuda However. now that the matter has
been brought into such prominence. the ne
rotiations may be opened at an earlier date
than was originally contemplated, though
Il may be taken for granted that their in
itation viii be an evidence of the prcsi-
dents conviction that congress viii pass
some acceptable canal bill before adjourn
ing.
Although the gain to English commerce
that may be fairly expected 10 result from
the construction Of the canal by the Amer
Jean government viii make the waterway
as important to Great Britain it is to
the United States. there IS sJiu evidence
going to show that the British government
may seIz" upon the opportunity to ask for
n quid pro quo. 1t is hard to perceive Just
IG# what shape this viii take. but it IS
suggested with considerable pIlusibilify
Jnat this may afford the key to the solu-
tioE OF the reciprocity problem. which has
50 greatly embarrassed the Canada Joint
high commission. In other words in CON
sileration of the reliuqushment OF her
r Ghts tn the NicaraEusu canal England
may ask for Canada a much more liberal
reciprocity treaty than could be arranged
under existing conditions.
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