Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-10
PROTEST TO CANADA
Assistant Secretary Meiklejohn Writes to
Minister Sifton.
Military Escort to the SupplIcs-Thc
Dominion Objects to Sol
diers Entering.

In view OF the apparent disposition of the
Canadian authorities to prevent the United
states troops from accompanying the relief
expedition into the gold country, a brief
review of the correspondence that has so
far taken place between the two govern
ments may be in order
The negotiations proper started December
30 last between Acting Secretary Meikle-
john of the War Department and Mr. Sif-
ton, minister of the interior for Canada
then IN " ashipgton. 1t was reported that
a complete agreement, it was understood
at the time, had been reached as to the
course to be followed by the expedition and
its escort. Soon after MIR. Sifton's return
to Ottawa question arose as to the free
admission of supplies to be taken In by the
government expedition in case they Were TO
be sold at cost, which was disposed of by
a prompt telegram from Mr.. Sifton in an
swer TO Mr.. Meiklejohn. saying that it was
intended to charge no duty upon provisions
to be sent in. MIR. Sifton also reminded MIR
MeikleJohn of the stipulation betw cen them
that no unofficial unauthorized persons
should accompany the expedition. To facif-
itate free entry, he asked for a certified
list of the persons and an inventory of the
outfit of the expedition. In confirmation OF
this came a note from Sir Julian Paunce-
iote the British ambassador. confirming the
statement as to free entry of goods and
having this important paragraph as bearing
on the present controversy:
ALSO that conveys may be accompanied
by such reasonable escort as the United
States government may desire to provide
for them, and each convoy shall be like
wise accompanied by a Canadian officer,
the expense of such Canadian officer being
borne by the dominion government"
Supl,osing that this understanding was
perfect. it came a surprise to the War
Department when Mr.. Sifton, on January
p. wrote that he took it for granted that
the fifty-five enlisted men who were TO ac-
company the expedition were not intend ed
to go beyond the boundary line, which, he
says lis Professionally at the summit of
the mountains about the middle of the
pass"
Mr.. Sifton added that the arrangement
into which he had entered WAS that he
should furnish escort for the American
expedition. and he had accordingly sent
forward the men for that purpose.
In reply, under date of January 81, Mr..
Meiklejohn said that his understanding
was that the entire escort designated by
cur government should accompany the ex-
petition to its destination as necessary TO
render assistance in overcoming anticipated
difficulties. subject to Canadian law. and
to be acc ompanied by a Canadian officer.
Enlisted men instead of civilians were
selected as more available, more amenable
TO discipline and costing less. 1t Is pro-
posed to withdraw them after getting the
supplies through. The escort is not re-
Canadian soil its service will he of civil
allure. Mr.. Meiklejohn thereupcn remind
Cd Mr.. Sifton of the agreement with Sir
Julian to the reasonable escort to he
permitted. He points to the condition
that would confront the expedition if it
arrives upon the Canadian border with
supplies and had 20 go beyond to meet
hungry and desperate people without
single arm for the protection of the ex-
petition. its supplies or equipments.
SO far further communication has
been had with the Canadian government
on this subject. The route to oa followed
10y the expedition is therefore uncertain.
Adjutant General Breck has been inform
I'd by telegraph from General Merriam at
Vancouver that he is carrying out the
departments orders for the dispatch of
troops to Dyea and Skagway. Two COM
panies of the 14th Infantry will leave Ia
coma by the steamer of the 10th instant,
and the two remaining companies of the
same regiment will sail from the same port
on the oath instant.
Recalled to the Ship.
Captain Leutze, commanding the United
States steamer Alert, at San Jose, Mica
ra;sua, has cabled the Navy Department
hat he has recalled to the ship the force
of marines and sailors which was landed
TWO days ago at that place to protect the
American consulate during the conflict be-
tween the government forces and the in
SurgentS. Matters are reported to be still