New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-23
SETTLING CANADIAN CONTROVERSIES.

SETTLING CANADIAN CONTROVERSIES.
Talk Of an omnibus treaty with Great Britain
in settlement Of all Canadian controversies is re-
newed. There was lot Of II, six months or
more ago. not over-optmistc in tone. 1t was
felt then that there were many disputes whch
ought TO be ended But both parties to them
were for reasons not necessary to recall, in
somewhat belligerent mood. Perhaps belliger-
ent is too strong word. At any rate, the deter
mination of each side TO insist upon all possible
advantages for itself seemed stronger than the
desire 10 achieve final settlement. Then the
Cuban Spanish question doomed up so large ana
dark as TO overshadow all others. and on this
side of the border at least the general puDlic
forgot that there were Canadian questions. Not.
however those who have the conduct or such
matters in charge. Amid all the storm ana
stress Of war with Spain the Government has
kept its Northern relations well in mind. ana TO-
day is apparently entering upon the straight,
clear pathway to an amcable and equitable adj
justment Of them all
This happy turn of affairs would probably
have been reached in time had there been no
war with Spain. 1t is not conceivable that two
great nations could permanently have remained
at variance over matters on which both right
and profit indicated they should be at one. But
No doubt the war has expedited the settlement.
Its rude shocks have demolished the artificial
and deceptive barriers the twin nations have
raised between themselves, leaving both re-
vealed In elemental qualities of brotherhood. 1t
is seen more clearly than ever, and perhaps
more clearly than it could ever otherwise have
been seen, that the Great Republic and the
Great Dominion are one in ruling race, in spirit
in ambition and In sef-interest, at least 10 an
extent that makes the points OF difference seem
petty and contemplate. 1t is seen-and this IS
the consideration Of supreme weiSht-that 1t Is
to each far more important to be on friendly
terms with the other than to gain some purely
individual advantage at the expense or such
friendship That clearing Of National vision.
and the results which bid fair to follow from it,
may be enough to repay us for all the woes OF
war.
The controversies between the two nations are
numerous. no doubt. and not unimportant IN
themselves There are the seals. and the fish
cries. and the boundary Of the Alaska pa nhan-
die and the alien labOreIs. and the mines. and
the railroads. Some of these involve questions
Of simple fact and right. Others are 10 be set
tied Oh the concessory ground of give and take.
OF all settlement is sure TO be of mutual adj
vantage TO both countries. partly because that
which is right Is always benefcent and partly
because when nations are so closely related and
associated the welfare OF each Is certain to be
reflected upon the other 1t will be in truth an
omnibus treaty that settles all these matters,
and 1t will require n vast deal Of negotiating to
conclude it. But it will assuredy be done. For
when two reasonable and sympathetic nations
are agreed in desiring such settlement there Is
nothing that can stand between them.