The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-05-28
EXACT STATUS OF
CANADIAN DISPUTE,
Canada's Demand fer Pyra-
mid Harbor
STOPPED NEGOTIATIONS.
SOME INDIGNATION AMONG
WASHINGTON OFFICIALS.
WORK Ct THE JOINT COMMISSION
On Other Matters is at an End Unless Canada
Agrees Internationally to Arbtrate the
Alaskan Boundary Difference.

Washington, May 2I.-To clear UP
misunderstanding which appear to ex-
ist both in London and to some degree
an this country, rs to the exact status
of the negotiations between the United
States and Great Britain respecting Ca
nadan-A issues the following
statement Of the events that led up to
the present conditions was secured from
the best authority. When the com
mission adjourned some months ago. it
Was because ii had reached an appar
emily insurmoumable obstacle in thc
abe shape Of the Alaskan boundary ques-
tion. After the adjournment The two
Governments took Cg, this particular
question with Il view to settling il, anu
thus removing il from the path of the
many other important ISSUES involved.
There were numerous delays owing 10
the need of exchange of views between
London, Washington and OTTAWA. aud
the authorities here became convinced
that an adjustment was hopeless.
But the feeling in London was more
hopeful, and when Sir Julian Pauncc-
fote reached London on his way to the
Hague he held conferences with Lord
Salisbury, which resulted III a definite
proposal for settling the boundary is
sue, and removing it as an obstacle to
the work of the commission. Ihe main
point of this proposal was that sepa-
rate tribunal of arbitration should pass
on the boundary question. 1t was COM
municated to Ambassador Choate, and
by him to the State Department.
When the plan was received, tae
President was absent at Hot Springs,
Va, and it was felt desirable to await
his return before giving final answer.
There was little or no doubt that rhe
answer would have been favorable.
just as the acceptance was about - be
given, the officials here were surprised
to have presented what they regarded
as an extraordinary condition which
Canada imposed i'll connection with the
submission of the question TO arbifra-
ton. This condition was that in any
event Canada should have Pyramid
hufbor and "A strip Of territory on the
Lynn Canal without reference - the
general conclusion reached by the tri-
bunal of arbitration. This port and the
strip of territory on the coast would
have carried ALSO the back country cad
ing to the interior.
This condition, coming after the arbi-
tration plan had been formally proposed
and was about to be accepted caused not
only surprise, but some degree Of indig-
nation among the officials here. After
canvassing the situation. the view pre-
vailed that Canada wanted arbitration
which would insure Il favorable decis-
ion on her side, or else, if 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 moi
to accept this condition, and peremp-
tory refusal was given to the PROPOSE
ton. 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 with
drawn the arbitration may yet be ar
ranged rs il means of settling the
boundaries The opinion in the highest
quarters seems to be positive that with
out some such adjustment If the bonn
dairy matter, the resumption of the
work of the joint commission on the
many other tories considered is highly
improbable.