The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-05-28
The Obstacle Which Blocked Negoe
ations of Commission.
HER EXTRAORDINARY CONDITION
Canada Would Agree to a Separate
Tribunal Only on the Understand
ing That She Should Have Con-
ccssions Outside OF Those
Named In the General
Arbitration.

WASHINGTON, May 27.-To clear up
MISUNDERSTANDING which appear TO exist
both in London and 70 some degree In this
country, as to exact status OF the nego-
tlations between United States and Great
Britain respecting Canadian-American
issues, the following statements OF the
events that led up 10 the present condi-
tions was secured from the best authority
When the commission adjourned some
months ago, It was thought 1t 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
tllng it and thus removing IL from the
path of many other important issues In
volved.
MANY DELAYS.
There were numerous delays owing TO
the need Of exchange Of Views between
Washington and Ottawa, and the autnori-
ties here became convinced that the
reaching OF A conclusion was hopeless.
But when SIR Julian Pauncefote reached
London on his way TO The Hague he held
conferences with Lord Salisbury which
resulted I'm "A definite proposal for set
Ting the boundary issue, and removing
TT as an ubrlttlr 10 AHt Nplh VI liV ''Hi-
mission. The main point OF this proposal
was that a separate tribunal OF arb!tra-
tion should pass on the boundary question.
II was communicated 10 Ambassador
Choate and by him to the State Depart
ment.
4 SURPRISE.
When the plan was received tho Pres
ldent was absent al Hot Springs. Va.
and It was felt desirable TO await his
return before giving a nnal answer. There
was little or no doubt that the answer
would have been favorable. Just as the
acceptance was about 10 be given. the
officials here were surprised To have pre-
sented what they regarded as IN ex-
traord.nary condition which Canada Inn
posed I'm connection with the submission
Of the question 10 arbitration. This
condition was that In any event canada
should have Pyramid tiahbor and
strip Of territory on the Lynn Canal
without reference TO the general conces-
slons reached by the tribunal OF arDi-
tratlOn. This port and the strip Of terri
tory on the coast would have carried
also the back country leading 10 the In
terror.
This condition coming after the arbi-
tration plans had been formally proposed
and were about 70 De accepted. caused not
only surprise but some degree OF indlg-
nation among the officials here After
canvasslng the situation, the view pre-
Vailed that Canada wanted arbitration
which would ensure a favorable decision
on her side, or else II the decision was
unfavorable. would give her rights In
Pyramid Harbor and on the Lynn Canal
contrary 10 the general decision OF the
arbitration.
CONDTTIONS REJECTED
II was decided not TO accept this con-
ditiOn and a peremptory refusal was
given 10 the proposition. Thus the mat
ter stands There IL every reason 10
believe that there will be no yielding OF
the officials here 10 Canada's condition.
n it, is withdrawn tho arbitration may
yet be arranged as a means OF settling the
boundaries The opinion In the highest
quarters seems 10 De positive that with
out some such adjustment OF the boun-
dairy matter the resumption OF tho work
of the Joint commission on the many
other topics considered is highly improb-
able.
FISHERMEN PLEASED.
ST JOHNS y T.. May N.-The an
nouncement Of the failure of the Joint
High Commission negotiations gives
general satisfaction here, because II will
enable the colony to resume Independent
negotiations with the United states for
reciprocity I'm fishery products. which the
Americans are desirOus 20 concede In re-
turn for unhampercd admission 10 the
bait supply I'm New England waters. IL IL
believed here that, IN view OF Canadas
failure, the British Government VIII not
object 10 New Foundand making sepa-
rate arrangement.