The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-09-20
We ANSWER CANADIAN CLAIMS
No BOUNDARY ARGUMENT THAT
HAS NOT BEEN MET.
struggle 80 Far Has Centred on Fixing
Southern Boundary. and the Line
Alleged BY Finlay Would secure TO
Canada Islands Of strategic Value.
Special cable Despa,ch 10 THE SUN.


Special Cable Despatch 10 THE SUN
LONDON, Sept. l9-fhe weeks proceed
ings before the Alaskan Arbitration Trbuna
developed the fact that the Canadians are
apparently devoting their utmost efforts
TO prove their conte ion as to the southern
boundary Of the disputed territory
Sir Robert Finiay, the Attorney sneral
occupied three out Of four days in pre-
senting arguments in support of the Cana
dian claim that the narrow, almost unnavi.
gable, Pearce Inlet referred to in Capt. Van
couver's narrative, alleged to have been
known 10 the negotiators Of the treaty OF
1925, ia ,he southern boundary, and not the
broad channel which Vancouver in his map
designated as Portland Channel
The importance OF this claim is manifest
for success on this point would secure to
Canada Pearce, Sitklan, Wales and Kannag-
hunut islands. which are Of great strategic
value a. commanding Port Simpson, which
will be the terminus of the new trans Cana
dian railroad, Canada has heretofore made
out a strong case on this point, and has
been supported by numerous maps.
The United States denies the contention
and rests for support on the map Of Van
couver, excluding his narrative, which.
1t is cont ended. was unknown to the nego-
tiators of the treaty
Sir Robert Finlay has heretofore devoted
little attention to the great question OF the
boundary Of the isisre He has discussed
at some length the definition Of coast, "
but has barely touched the general question.
The task Of handling this point has not
been made easier by Lord Averstone's
suggestion that the Attorney General
should not only demolish the contention OF
the United States, but should also indicate
how the boundary Of the territory should
be drawn.
Sir Robert Finlay has not as yet ad-
vanced any argument that has not been
foreshadowed and anticipated by the Ameri-
can counsel. He has sprung no surprises.
and for every argument he has adduced
the Americans feel that they have ade-
quate answers ready.
The Canadians display great energy in
securing publicity of the proceedings, hav-
ing comprehensive resumes of each day 8
argument prepared for the Canadian press
by Mr. Pope, one OF the assistant secretaries
OF the tribunal.
The Canadians do not seem oversan-
guine as to their prospects. One Of their
counsel when asked to-day for his views
in regard to what points the Canadians
might consider that they had made in the
argument so far said:
What the use2 1t would not affect the
opinion OF the United States a particle.
There they have their minds made up al
ready, and nothing can change them
The Canadian counsel show considerable
bitterness toward the American repre-
sentatives. They say:
"The British commissioners are jurists
Of high repute and impartial while the
American commissioner are politicians
and parties to the case
Next week will see the conclusion of Sir
Robert Finlays argument, and D. p.
Watson of the United States commission
will then present the American case. II in
expected that he will occupy about three
days and that the case will be finished on
nnf