New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-08
ALASKAN BOUNDARY.

For several years past the rapid development
Of Alaska and the establishment of growing
American interests in regions heretofore
surveyed and imperfectly known brought into
prominence the urgent necessity of a practical
demarcation OF the boundaries between the ju-
risdictions of the United States and Great Brit
ain. Although the treaty Of 1925 between Great
Britain and Russia, the provisions of which were
copied in the treaty of 1861. whereby Russia con-
Veyed Alaska to the United States, was positive
TO the control, first by Russia and later by
the United States, of strip of territory along
the continental mainland from the western shore
of Portland Canal to Mount ST. Elias, following
and surrounding the indentations of the coast
and including the islands to the westward, its
description Of the landward margin of the strip
was indefinite, resting on the supposed existence
of a continuous ridge or range of mountains
the early naNlgatOrS. II haQ at no time Deen
possible for either party in interest to lay down.
under the authority of the treaty, a line so OBJ
viously exact according to its provisions as to
command the assent of the other For nearly
three-fOurths of century the absence of tanGi-
BILE local interests demanding the exercise of
positive Jurisdiction either side of the border
left the question dormant. In 1878 questions of
revenue administration on the Stikine River led
to the establishment of a provisional demarca-
ton crossing the channel between two high
peaks on either side about twenty-four miles
above the river mouth In 1899 similar ques-
tions growing out Of the extraordinary develop
ment of mining interests in the region about the
head of Lynn Canal brought about temporary
mOduS ViVendi, by which a convenient SeDara-
ton was made at the watershed divides of the
White and Chilfoot passes and TO the north of
Kukwan, the Kehini River. These partial
and tentative adjustments could not in the very
nature of things, be satisfactory or lasting A
permanent disposition OF the matter became i'm
pera tive.
After unavaing attempts TO reach an under
standing through joint high commission, fol-
lowed by prolonged negotiations, conducted in
an amicable spirit, convention between the
United States and Great Britain was signed
January u. 1903. providing for examination
Of the subject by a mixed tribunal of six mem
hers, three a side, with view to its final
disposition Qualifications were exchanged on
March last, whereupon the two governments
appointed their respective members. Those on
behalf Of the United States Elihu Root
Secretary of War; Henry Cabot Lodge, a SEN
atOr Of the United States, and George Turner
an7ex-Senator of the United States. while Great
Britain named the Right Hon. Lord Alverstone
Lord Chief Justice of England; Sir Louis Amabie
Jette X c. NJ. G., retired judge of the Supreme
Court Of Quebec and A. 3. Aylesworth, X c.,
of Toronto This tribunal met in London on
September J, under the presidency of Lord AL
Verstone. The proceedings were expeditions and
marked by friendly and conscientious spirit
The respective cases, counter cases and argu-
nents presented the issues clearly and fully
ON October 20 a majority of the tribunal reached
and signed an agreement all the questions
submitted by the terms of the convention. BY
this award the right of the United States TO the
control or continuous strip border of the
mainland shore. skirtfng all the tidewater in
lets and sinuosities of the coast. is confirmed