The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-12-06

to the pending negotiations with Great
Britain in respect to the Dominion of
Canada. By means of an executive
agreement a joint high commission had
been created for the purpose of adj
justing all unsettled questions between
the United States and Canada, en-
bracing IL subjects, among which were
the questions Of the fur seals. the fish
cries of the coast and contiguous in
land waters, the Alaskan boundary, the
transit of merchandise in bond the
alien labor laws, mining rights, reci-
procity in trade, revision of the agree
ment respecting naval vessels in the
Great Lakes a more complete marking
of parts of the boundary, provision for
the conveyance of criminals and for
wrecking and salvage.
Much progress had been made by the
commission towards the adjustment of
many of these questions when it be-
came apparent that an irreconcilable
difference of views was entertained re-
specting the ILLUMINATION of the Alas
kan boundary. In the failure Of an
agreement to the meaning of articles
and Of the treaty Of 1926 between Rus
STA and Great Britain which defined the
boundary between Alaska and Canada,
the American commissioners proposed
that the subject of the boundary be laid
aside and that the remaining questions
of difference be proceeded with, some OF
which were so far advanced as to as
sure the probability of a settlement
This being declined by the British COM
missioners, an adjournment was taken
until the boundary should be adjusted
by the two governments. 0mm
The subject received the careful at
tention which its Importance demands,
With the result that a modus vivendi
for provisional demarkations in the re-
gion about the head of Lynn canal has
been agreed upon and 1t is hoped that
the negotiations now in progress be-
tween the two governments Will end
in an agreement for the establishment
and ILLUMINATION of a permanent boun-
Diary.
apart from these questions growing
out of our relationship with our north
ern neighbors the most friendly dispo-
siton and ready agreement have
marked the discussion of the numerous
matters arising in the vast and init
mate intercourse of the United States
with Great Britain.
The Boer War.
This government has maintained an
attitude of neutrality in the unfortun-
ate contest between Great Britain and
the Boer states of Africa. We have re-
manned faithful to the precept of avoid
ing entangling alliances as to affairs
not of our own direct concern. Had
circumstances SuSBeSlSt tiidl lie PAL
ties to the quarrel would have wei
coined any kind expression of the hope
of the American people that the war
might be avoided our good offices would
have been gladly rendered. The United
States representative at Pretoria was
early instructed to see that all neutral
American interests be respected by the
conlbatants. This has been an easy
, task in view of the positive declarations
of both British and Boer authorities
that the personal and property rights
of our citizens should be observed.
Upon the withdrawal of the British
agent from Pretoria the United States
consul was authorized, upon the request
of the British government and with the
assent of the South African and Orange
Free State governments. to exercise the
customary good offices of neutral for
the care of British interests. In the
| discharge of this function, | am happy
to say that abundant opportunity has
been afforded to show the impartiality
of this government to both the COM
batantS.