The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-10-25
A NEW PLAN PROPOSED.
For the Settlement Of the Alaskan
Dispute.
A SEAPORT FOR CANADA
Arbitration Under Certain Conditions.
Washington Non-Committal.
Will Surrender No
Territory.

London, Oct. 24.-The associated press
is enabled to give authoritatively Cana
da's final proposition for the permanent
settlement of the Alaskan dispute. 1t
is very different from her former de-
mands and was delivered to Ambassa-
dor Choate by the Canadian minister of
war, marine and fisheries, Sir Louis
Henry Davis, late the night before the
latter sailed and dispatched to-day to
Washington by officials of the United
States embassy. 1t is as follows:
That the boundary line be arbitrated
upon terms similar to those imposed by
the United States and Great Britain
over Venezuela, particularly those pro-
visions making 80 years occupancy or
by conclusion OF evidence Of title to oc-
cupancy of less than that period to be
taken as equity allows under interna-
tional law. That as a condition prece-
dent absolutely preliminary to arbi-
tration Skaguay and Dyea would be
conceded to the United States without
further claims if Canada received Pyra-
mid harbor.
In other words, Canada gives up much
Of the disputed gold country in return
must get the latter before she agrees
to arbitrate the boundary line.
The propositions of Sir Louis Henry
Davies were made privately ana were
apparently the result of an unexpected
communication from his government,
for Sir Louis, the day previous, eN-
pressed no mixing that he was empow-
cred to make such sweeping proposals.
The Canadian statesman heretofore has
insistently denied the United States
contention that Dyea and Skasuay
must first be ceded to the United States
before further treating on the subject
His sudden change of front and the con-
cession of two such important points
are apparently intended as a coup, ana
Mr. Choate was, to a certain extent, un-
prepared.
The Associated Press is reliably in
formed that Canadas new position was
greatly Influenced by imperial pres
sure, and it can be stated definitely
that Mr.. Chamberlain advised conces-
sion as much as possible in order TO
gain a port of entry free from United
St.ltes control with the professed reason
that commercial advantages would ac-
crue therefrom. But it is said the I'LL
terror move is to increase British ma
val strength by making Pyramid Har-
Dor strong naval station.
Regarding the probable action of the
United States in these altered condi-
tons the British official opinion is that
the United States having been granted
Dyea and Skaguay. cannot refuse to
accept the identical form of arbitra-
ton they compelled England to take.
This course Is contingent upon the
United States deciding that the old
Bering country is more valuable than
Pyramid Harbor.
Congressman James HI. Lewis, who
conferred with Messrs. Davis and
Choate regarding the claims of the
American miners involved in the dis
puted territory, opposed giving up
Pyramid Harbor. He pointed out to
Mr. Choate that Canada would have an
important depot for storehouses where
she could undersell the United States
and insure her trade in the Orient and
also that Great Britain would secure
invaluable strategical advantages. Mr..
Lewis said to representative of the
Associated Press:
II am satisfied with the success of
miners will now get Justice"
Mr.. Lewis has been seriously i'll, but
recovered sufficiently to attend the
conference before Minister Davis de-
parts. He has been honored by the
British officials, receiving courtesies in
the house of commons from the speak
err, and attended the opening of The
law courts in company with Former
President Benjamin Harrison and Mr..
Choate, sailing with Mr.. Harrison for
home on the American line steamer st.
Paul next Saturday.