The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-28
STATUS OF The MATTER
OF Negotiations Between Canada and the
United States.
DOMINION WANTS ENTIRELY TOO MUCH
WA shington Government VIII Not
Consent to the Extraordinary De-
mand Which Has Bccn Made.

Washington, May 27.-To clear up mis-
understandings which appear to exist both
in London and TO some degree in this coun-
try as to the exact status of the negotla-
lions between the United States and Great
Britain respecting Canadian American is
sues, the following statement of the
events that led up to the present condi-
uon was secured from the best of au-
thority:
When the commission adjourned some
months ago 1t was because ii had reached
an apparently insurmounta5le obstacle in
the shape OF the Alaskan boundary ques-
lion. After the adjournment the two gov
ernments took up this question with a
view OF settling il ana thus removing it
from the path Of the may other import
ant issues involved. There were numerous
delays owing to the need of exchanging
views between London, Washington aud
Ottawa and the authorities here became
convinced that an adjustment was hope
less. But the feeling in London was more
hopeful, and when Sir Julian launcetote
reached London on his way to The Hague
he held conferences with Lord Salisbury,
which resulted in definite proposal FOR
settling the boundary issue ana removing
mission. The main point of this proposal
was that a separate tribunal of arbitra-
ton should pass on the boundary question.
1t was communicated to Ambassador
Choate and by him to the State Depart
ment
When the plan was received the presi-
dent was absent at Hot Springs. Va. and
it was felt desirable to await his return
before giving a anal answer There was
little or no doubt that the answer would
have been favorable. Just as the accept
ance was about to be given. :he officials
here were surprised to have presented
what they regarded as an extraordinary
condition which Canada imposed In con-
noction with the submission Of the ques-
ton 10 arbitration This question was that
in any event Canada should have Pyramid
harbor and a strip OF territory on the
T,nn canal, without reference to the gem
ersI conclusions reached by the tribunal
OF arbitration
The port aud strip of territory in-eoast
would have carried also the back country
i leading TO the interior. This condition.
coming after the arbitration plan had eeen
/ formally proposed and was about TO be ac-
/ eented caused not only surprise, but some
/ degree of indignation among the officials
here After canvassing the situation the
view prevailed that Canada wanted arbi-
tratlon which would insure favorable de-
eision on her side or else IL the decision
Vas npfavorable would give ner rights In
pyramid harbor and on the Lynn canal
c6ntrary to the general lewiston Of the
srbitration. II has been decided not "a
sccept this condition and peremptory re-
s,sai was given 70 the proposition. Thus
No matter stands. There is svery reason
- ,,eIieye that there will be no yielding Of
Nc ofaciaIs here to the Canadian PROPOSE
Ton n Il is Withdrawn arbitration may
VET he arranged as a means OF settling thu
o.,a,.ters seems 10 be positive that with
w, some adjustment OF the boundary
ma matter The resumption of the work Of thu
tasnt commission on the many other topiel
.osns.dered Ia entirely improbable.