The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-03-21
THE BOUNDARY DISPUTE
The Presence of Troops Absolute
ly Necessary.
OUR RIGHTS ARE IGNORED
Canadian Greed Has Created an In
tensely Bitter Fseling-They Are
Continually Eucroaching on
American Land.

Washington, March 2o-The British
ambassador, Sir Julian Pauncefote,
conferred to-day with Secretary Hay in
reference, it is understood, to modus
vivendi to be observed along the Alas
ka boundary in order to obviate a clash
pending the final delimitation of the
border. The need of this has been en-
phaszed within the last few days by
reports of a battle between the Canad-
ian and the American prospectors on
the Porcupine river. These reports have
caused considerabl uneasiness in Off
cial circles in London and efforts have
been made to learn the facts. There
has been no official information, how
ever. either here or in London. Just
such clash has been expected and the
reports have served to direct the at
tention of officials to the need of eff
fecting a border arrangement The pre-
liminary move in this direction was
made as soon as the Anglo-American
commission adjourned without settling
the border question. Sir Julian thea
suggested that temporary arrange
ment be made. This would maintain
the status quo, each side making no
further advance pending a final agree
ment on the boundary. A temporary
line probably will be run by the two
governments. This would not affect
permanent interests, but would serve
as a legal barrier between the lawless
fortune-seekers in that locality The
plan is favorably received on both sides
and is likely to be carried into effect,
although no arrangement has been en-
tered into thus far
Some important statements con-
corning the Alaskan boundary line
situation are given in official
correspondence now on file in
the state and interior departments
which has never been made public. The
controversy between the miners on
either side of the line has within the
past week led to a conflict with casual
ties. Governor Brady of Alaska. as
long ago as the latter part of February.
called attention to the extremely
threatening condition of affairs On
February u Governor Brady, who WAS
here, had conference with both Sec
rotary Bliss, who was then just leaving
the cabinet, and Secretary Hay, IN
which he urged that the aggressive acts
of the Canadians should be promptly
met. He submitted a formal note of
warning of the pending trouble and the
possibility Of bloodshed. The note was
considered at the next cabinet meet
ing.
On February 90 the records show, the
governor submitted a formal commune
cation to the secretary of the interior,
in which he speaks of the bitter feeling
along the line that made the presence
of troops. in his opinion. Imperative,
and among other things, says:
The Canadians, from our way of
looking at matters have r0pctapt1y
shown spirit of aggressveness, so far
as the boundary line is concerned This
Is shown In three instances. There Is
point on the Stickeen river, which for
years has been regarded as upon the
boundary line. Thousands of miners
have passed up and down the river:
merchants have done immense business
and this was always recognized as the
boundary line An American citizen
is operating a quartz ledge six miles
below the recognized boundary, but the
Canadian officials have gone six milrs
below him, thus making a gap of 12
miles. They compelled him to pay du-
ties on supplies which he carries in to
operate his ledge. Last year in Febru-
airy an order went out to the customs
officials OF the mounted police to re-
move from the recognized stations on
the boundary lines to the summit of
the passes. Our people had no notifica-
ton of such intention, but they made
the move and some of our citizens were
at that time in favor of going up and
compelling them to move back by force,
but when I was sounded upon it, of
course, I peremptorialy forbade any
such act l took the trip to the sum
nit of Chilcoot pass and found the Brit
ish flag flying over there and the GUS
toms officials collecting duties from all
who had their goods piled up there
on the snow.
Il asked the officer in charge by
what authority he had moved from
the lake to the summit and he replied