Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-05-28
THE DEMAND
OF CANADA
New Developments in The Boundary
Question.
STATEMENT OF EVENTS
Sir Julian Pauuceroie Submits I,Inn
of Settlement of Americans Cann-
dian boundary Issues- Canada De-
mands Pyramid Hnrbor ana l.nnd
Oh Lynn Canai-A perrmpiory
urc of Negotiations causes Joy.
Especial to Virglnian- Pilot.)

Washington, d. c.. May 27.-To clear
up misunderstanding which appear to
exist both in London and to some de-
status of the negotiations between the
United States and Great Britain, re-
spectng Canadian American issues, the
following statement of the events that
led up 10 the present conditions was Sc
cured from the best authority. When
the commission adjourned some
months ago, it was because il had
reached an apparently insurmountable
obstacle in the shape of the Alaskan
boundary question. After the adjourn
ment the two governments took up this
particular question with view to set
Ting it, and thus removing it from the
path of the many other important is
sues involved. There were numerous
delays owing to the need of exchange
views between London, Washington
and Ottawa, and the authorities here
became convinced that an adjustment
WAS homeless.
PAUNCEFOTE'S PLAN.
But the feeling in London was more
hopeful, and when Sir Julian Paunce-
<ote reached London on his way to
The Hague. he held conferences with
Lord Salisbury, which resulted in de-
finite proposal for settling the boun-
dairy issue, and removing it as an
obstacle to the work of the commission.
The main point of this proposal was
that a separate tribunal of arbitration
should pass on the boundary question
1t was communicated to Ambassador
Choate and by him to the State Depart
ment.
CANADAS DEMAND.
When the plan was received the
IOt.na 1nt,t oh 10
Va, and 1t wos felt desirable to await
his return before giving IL final answer.
There was little or no doubt that the
answer would have been favorable
Just as the acceptance was about to be
given, the officials hero were surprised
to have presented what they regarded
as an extraordinary condition which
Canada imposed in connection with the
submission of the question to arbitra-
ton. This condition was that in any
event Canada should have Pyramid
harbor and a strip of territory on the
Lynn canal, without reference TO the
general conclusions reached by the tri-
bunal of arbitration. This port and the
strip OF territory on the coast would
have carried also the back country
leading to the interior.
PEREMPTORY REFUSAL,
This condition, coming after the arbi-
tration plans had been formally pro-
f'p'tu anu WAS tOOui 10 ne accepted,
caused not only surprise, but some de-
gree of Indignation among the officials
here. After canvaSslng the situation the
view prevailed that Canada wanted ar
bitration which would insure IL favora-
BILE decision on her rights in Pyramid
Harbor and on the Lynn canal contra
ry TO the general decision OF the arbi-
tration. IT was decided not to accept
this condition, and n pereinDtory re-
fusal was given TO the proposition. Thus
son to believe that there will be no
yielding of the officials here to Canada's
condition. If it is withdrawn the arbi-
tratiOn may yet be arranged as 81
means of settling the boundaries The
opinion in the highest quarters seems
to be positive that without some such
adjustment of the boundary matter the
resumption of the work of the Joint
Commission on the many other topIcs
considered is highly improbable
PLEASED WITH FAILURE.
st. Johns. N. F.. May 27.-The an
nouncement of the failure of the Joint
High Commission negotiations gives
general satisfaction here because it
will enable the colony to resume indie
pendent negotiations with the United
States for reciprocity in fishery pro-
ducts, which the Americans are desir-
GUS to concede i'll return for unhamper-
ed admission to the bait supply in New
Foundland waters. 1t is believed here
that. in view of Canada's failure. the
British government will not object to
New Foundland making q separate ar
rangement.