The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-10-17
UNCLE SAM WINS
Alaskan Boundary Commission
Announces a Decision.
FayOrs American Contention in
Almost Every Point.
PORTLAND CANAL ONLY
Of All Canada's Claims Is
Conceded to Her.
Leaves Dyea and Skaguay in
United States Territory.

London, Oct. 17.-The Alaskan boun-
Diary commission has verbally agreed 10
grant all the American contentious ex-
cept that for the Portland canal, which
goes to Canada. The formal agreement
is being drawn up and will be rendered
on Monday.
The successful termination of the Alas
kan boundary arbitration this afternoon
came as complete surprise to all inter-
ested IN the case, except perhaps the
commissioners themselves. When the
tribunal adjourned at $3.50 p M, it was
thought no decision had been reached.
Indeed SO general was the impression
that no decision would be reached till
next week that several of counsel and
others employed in the case, left Lon
don soon after the adjournment. How
ever, the Associated Press learned that
vote had been taken and that the de-
eision to grant all the American con-
tentions except that for the Portland
canal which goes to Canada had been
arrived at. But, as cabled yesterday
while the Americans throughout have
been very confident, not vote had
previously been taken and no one could
before this afternoon say that the Uni
ted States had won her case.
Press bulletin from London announcing
the decision of the Alaskan boundary
commission was the first iatirnation re-
ceived by the state department that the
commission had reached an agreement.
Although the bulletin from London is
exceedingly brief, state department otf1-
cialS say that it shows a distinct VIC
tory for the United States. 1t is their
opinion that the effect of the decision
regarding the Portland canal merely
gives to Canada the possession of
Pearse island, a small island in the
Portland canal. but of no special i'm
portance. This detail of the contro-
versy is admitted by state department
officials open to argument on both
sides.
No hitch occurred during the entire
deliberations, and as these progressed
the confidence of the American commits
sioners that a decision substantially up
holding the American claims would be
given increased. but it was admitted
that it would be necessary to agree to a
compromise on the Portland canal. The
only disQuieting feature of the situation
of the Americans during the last few
days had been a vague idea that Chief
Justice Alverstone,. even if he concluded
to take the American view, might be
unwilling to go on record with a decis-
ion to that effect and that a disag gree
ment was likely.
Toronto Ont, Oct. 17.-Great disap-
proval of and disappointment is felt
here over the decision in the Alaskan
boundary case.
Il would not like to criticise Lord
A1verstone's decision until I have read
it's text, but the result is a very great
disappointment to me-
This was the view of Thomas Hodg-
ms, K. c., the master-in- ordinary, who
has made a special study of the boun-
dairy dispute, and it conveys the feeling
of Canadians generally.
Pearse island is at the mouth OF the
two canals by the island and Canada
formerly had undisputed use of the
eastern channel. Under the present de-
cision Canada will have the use of the
western channel