The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-07-28

NEW YORK. July IA special to
the Herald from Ottawa, says:
The Canadian premier to-day gave to
the Herald an explanation Of the con-
tentlon Of Canada on the Alaskan boun-
dairy question.
As a member of the commission and
participant In the negotiations" he
said. II am not at liberty to give to the
public any more than have already
done, Information bearing on the diner
ence between US and the United States
think I can say this much in explana-
ton. however: practically the whole
dispute now IL circumSeribed to the
question Of the establishment Of the
boundary line in the region Of the Lynn
canal. The public is aware that the
Canadian contention is that the line
crosses the Lynn canal near its en-
trance, whereas the American conten-
ton is that the line goes around the
Lynn canal. leaving the entire canal In
American territory.
eat one time we thought We could
have made the compromise and ar
ranged that boundary by conventional
agreement and mutual concessions. l
am betraying no secret when ! say the
commission could not agree on such
compromise.
therefore as we cannot agree among
ourselves we must ask the assistance
Of friendly arbitrator. The points to
be SUBMITTED to the srbitrators might
be the following:
'First, which is the right interpreta-
tion OF the treaty in regard to the loca-
ton OF the boundary line on the Lynn
canal? Is 1t the Canadian or the Amer
lean contention7
Second, In the event Of the arhitra-
tors declaring that the Canadian con-
tentIon is the right one, then the subsi-
diary consideration would have to be
decided, what disposition shall be made
Of Dyea and sakguay. which are
American settlements?
I'VE think that the Venezuelan
treaty offers precedent for the solu-
tion Of that question. am aware that
the American authorities contend there
Is a difference between the Venezuelan
precedent and the case now to be dis
posed Of In this, that as they allege.
Canada never protested against the
American occupation Of skaguay and
Dyea-
ave do not admit this contention in
rolnt of fact. But even If It were
founded on fact the arbItrators would
have to consider what equities might
arise therefrom and decide according
ly. Though 1 have strong views on
this point myself for obvious reasons l
refrain from expressing them"
I'm case this matter cannot be sub
mitted to arbitration, Is Canada in
favor of settling It by war?" Sir Will
frid was asked.
Nobody wants war" he replied
quickly. 81 distinctly said. when call
ed attention to the fact that the nego-
tiations had failed and that the Ques-
ton could only be settled by nrbitra-
ton or war, that war was out of the
question and not to be thought of. I
win 20 further and say that war over
this or any other question would be
criminal.
1--WE ought to have the most cordial
intercourse and the closest commercial
relations with the United States. We
thing we do not always get them. We
think we do not always get commercial
Justice. Though a small nation we buy
more from you than you buy from US.
But some day we will turn the tables
on you and win get the best OF the bar
gain and that is oil the revenge We
want from you"