The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-24
ARBITRATORS ORGANIZE
JOINT HIGH COMMISSION HOLDS IT'S
FIRST MEETING.
Lord HerschelI to Be President-Sen-
atOr Fairbanks's Reply to the May
or of Quebec's Welcome.

QUEBEC, Aug. 23.-The ice is broken
the somewhat rigid British formalities of
preliminary organization are past; the COM
m1sSionerS have become acquainted, and the
body of international arbitrators are now
ready for the hard work before them. The
ceremonies Of organization took place in
the Parliament buildings to-day. and while
they were characterized by a considerable
degree of dignity, the utmost degree of
friendliness was manifest in every word and
movement and an anicable adjustment of
all questions is predicted by both the Amer
lean and British commissioners. At noon
the commissioners met in private session in
the Legislative Assembly, the upper house
of the Quebec Parliament all of the COM
missioners, except Congressman Dingley
and Sir James Winter, being present. After
the formal exchange Of credentials Sena-
tor Fairbanks, as chairman of the Ameri-
can delegation, named Lord Herschell, of
England. as permanent president of the
joint commission Three secretaries were
then chosen, Chandler p. Anderson, repre-
senting the Americans; W. c. Cartwright
for Great Britain, and Henry Hourassa,
M. p, representing the Canadians. A COM
mittee o. four commissioners was appointed
to formulate a plan of procedure and will
dl the H66l IueelillS, Oh TIE COHlIIlLS-
sioners, on Thursday, at II a. m.
After this work of organization was fin
ished the commissioners proceeded to the
legislative council chamber, where a pub
lie reception was rendered them by Mayor
S. n. Parent and the City Council of Que
bee. A small party of the best citizens OF
Quebec and a number OF American and Ca
madam ladies occupied the first row Of seat
in the gallery. Everything was done with
the greatest degree Of formal precision The
1icSO int 70 OH haT in d
vance of the visiting citizens and stood
about a long table during the addresses
Lord Herschell stood at the head of the
the table, and Senator Fairbanks at the
head of the American commissioners on the
west side When the commissioners had
taken their places Mayor Parent, standing
at the foot of the table, welcomed them
His words were delivered first in French
Senator Fairbanks replied as follows:
your worship. the American commission
ers in whose behalf have the honor to
speak, are deeply sensible to the high
tribute Of an address from the mayor of
the historic city of Quebec and we take
pleasure in expressing TO you our gratitude
therefore. This spot Is full of historic
memories. The soil has been enriched by
English, American and French blood; it has
been made glorious by the DEEDS or heroes,
deeds which are our common heritage. The
stories of Montcalm. Wolfe and Montgom-
will endure when this noble SHAFT ded-
icated in commemoration OF wore and
Montcalm has faded from memory. Let us
hope that this goodly city shall know no
future strife, save the wholesome ana en-
ervating contests which are the rich fruit
of peace.
lit is a cause of immeasurable gratlflca-
ton to us and to our countrymen that the
narrow traditional prejudices which so long
divided us have disappeared. Recent events
which sharply enlisted the attention or the
world, have served to emphasize our KIN
ship and to increase the bonds of affection
which should exist between the two Eng
disappearing nations. We indulge the
hope that the joint high commission which
YOU have honored with your cordial wei
come may by it's deliberations still further
which we desire should ever continue be-
tween the kingdom of Great Britain and
the Republic of the United States.
Lord Herschell followed senator FAR
hanks A. the close of his Lordship's adj
dress the commissioners left the building,
to meet again Thursday. Congressman
DingleY arrived this afternoon