Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1899-05-28
alaska BOUNDARY ISSUE BLOCKED
NEGOTIATIONS.
DEMANDED PYRAMID HARB0R
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT FROM
HIGH OFFICIALS.
Issues between United States and
Great Britain Were in Fair
Way to Be Determined
When the Obstacle Was
Interposed.

WASHINGTON, May o7.-To clear up
| misunderstanding which appear to exist
in London and to some degree i'll this
country, as to the exact status of the ne
gotiations between the United States and
Great Britain respecting Canadan-Ameri-
can issues. the following statement of the
events that led up to the present condi-
tions was secured from the best of au-
thority.
When the commission adjourned some
months ago 1t was because it had reached
an apparently insurmountable obstacle in
the shape of the Alaskan boundary ques-
ton. After the adjournment the two gov
ernments took up this particular question
with a view to settling it, and thus re-
moving it from the path of the many other
important issues involved. There were nll-
merous delays owing to the need of chang
ing views between London, Washington
and Ottawa, and the authorities here be-
came convinced that an adjustment was
hopeless. But the feeling in London was
more hopeful, and when Sir Julian Paunce-
fote reached London on his way to The
Hague, he held conferences with Lord
Salisbury which resulted in a definite pro-
posal for settling the boundary issue and
removing it as an obstacle of the commits
sion. The main point of this proposal was
should pass on the boundary question 1t
was communicated to Ambassador Choate
and by him to the state department
When the plan was received the presi-
dent was absent at Hot Springs. Va. and it
was felt desirable to await his return be-
fore giving final answer. There was lit
tie or no doubt that the answer would have
been favorable. Just as the acceptance
was about to be given. the officials here
were surprised to have presented what they
regarded as an extraordinary condition,
which Canada imposed in connection with
the submission of the question of arbitra-
ton. This condition was that in any event
Canada should have Pyramid harbor and Il
strip of territory on the Lynn canal with
out reference TO the general conclusions
reached by the tribunal of arbitration. This
post and strip of territory on the coast
would have carried also the back country
leading to the interior.
This condition. coming after the arbitra-
ton plan had been formally proposed and
was about to be accepted caused not only
surprise but some indignation among the
officials here. After canvassing the situa-
ton. the view prevailed that Canada want
ed arbitration which would insure favor
able decision on her side. or else, IL the
decision was unfaVorable, would give her
rights in Pyramid harbor and on the Lynn
canal contrary to the general decision OF
the arbitration. 1t was decided not to ac-
cept this condition, and peremptory re-
fusal was given TO the proposition. Thus
the matter stands. There is every reason to
believe that there will be no yielding of the
officials here to Canada's condition. If it
is withdrawn the arbitration may yet be ar
ranged means of settling the bound
ary. The opinion in the highest quarters
seems to be positive that without some ad-
JuStment of the boundary matter the re-
sumption of the work of the Joint commits,
sion on the many other topics considered
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