The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1901-11-05

CALL BUREAU. 1906 G STREET. N.
W, WASHINGTON, Nov. l-The official
negotiations Of the new Isthmian Canal
Convention were begun and concluded to-
day by Secretary Hay and Lord Paunce-
fote, the English ambassador, at q con-
ference which lasted twenty minutes.
Only the formal signature of the conven-
ton remains to make 1t a fait accompli.
At the same time this important dipio-
matte discussion was in progress, Rear
Admiral Walker, chairman of the 18TH
milan Canal Commission, called a meet
ing of the commission for November Il,
TO place the last touches upon its final re-
port. which will recommend the construc-
zion IF the Nicaragua canal.
= his has been the most important day
In the history OF the isthmian canal ques-
ton. Before ambassador Choate left Lon
don On a leave OF absence he advised Sec
rotary Hay that an agreement had been
reached on all the points Of difference
with the British Government respecting
the canal convention, and while LORD
Hauncefote Was thus anticipated his mes
cage TO the Secretary to-day was none the
less acceptable and important. The fact
tndt offlcidl negotiations were begun and
ended to-day only shows how carefully
and with what tact Secretary Hay and
the British Minister tor Foreign Affairs
concluded the preliminary negotiations.
Lord Paunccfote assured Hay that he is
I
that II will rot even be necessary to cable
to London tie text Of the treaty copy OF
the convention, which is now being pre-
/ pared by the State Department from the
| protocols hitherto agreed upon/ AS soon
as two copies are cngroSSed the signature
| Of the convention will occur. No date has
yet been fixed, nor IS there any disposition
| on the part Of the administration to un-
| duly hasten this event.
| Both Governments are agreed upon
| every detail and I'm fact every word of the
L nGNI nd a
have been exchanged are OF course not al
binding would be n formal treaty, but
| the authorities say they have so clearly
| Hsflncd the positions of the two Govern
| ments and established such an absolute
| agreement that there is no reason to ap.
| pfeherd That any new diplomatic obstacle
| will arise. The only question remaining e
| be determined is that OF the ratification
| and while the authorities are hopeful thai
| ite~ill be given. I'm view of the activity oi
the opposition there is naturally some un
| certainty. The administration official.
positively assert that there is no founda
ton for the reports from London that thu
| United States has given quid pro gu,
| for the consent OF Great Britain to In.
abrogation of the Clayton-Bulwer treaty
| There is nothing In the new conven
tion, said an official who is qualified e
| speak, which relates TO anything but tn,
canal The Clayton-Bulwer convention II
| abrogated. No reference is made TO thu
prohibition against the fertilization or DC
| cupation of Central America, as was pro
| vided by this convention"
| The officials are, OF course, unwilling z
| make public the exact language of tn,
provisions negotiated by the two Govern
mentg TO meet the Views of the Senate
but II is said that the upper house o.
| Congress has no reason to be dissatisfied
| with them. Besides the abrogat ton Of tn.
| Clayton-Bulwcr treaty. the neutrality o
the canal Is guaranteed by the United
States. although II is bound by the rule,
| governing the administration OF the Sue.
canal. and there is no reference in tn