The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1903-10-23
Alaskan Tribunal Sustains All Con-
tentions But One in Boun-
dairy Dispute.
EXCEPTION Is PORTLAND CANAL
WHICH GOES TO CANADA
Successful Termination of Case Sur.
prises All Interested in It-No Hitch
Mars DeliberatiOns-StateD Depart
ment OmciaIs Declare Decision q
Distinct Victory.

London, Oct. 19.-The Alaskan bound
airy commission Saturday reached an
agreement whereby all the American
contentious are sustained, with the ex-
ception of those in relation to the Port
land canal, which Canada wins. All that
now remains to be done is for the COM
missioners to affix their signatures to
the decision and complete the map which
will accompany it. On the map will be
marked the boundary line definitely fix
ing the division of American and Brit
ish territory, on such basis that no
American citizen will lose foot of land
he already believed he held, while the
United States will get all the waterways
to the rich Alaskan territory, with the
exception of the Portland canal, which
gives Canada the one outlet she so much
needed
The successful termination of the Alas
kan boundary arbitration Saturday aft
ernoon came as complete surprise to all
interested in the case except, perhaps,
the commissioners themselves. When
the tribunal adjourned at g.: 80 p. m. it
was understood that 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 London soon after the adjourn
ment. However, the press learned that
vote had been taken and that the de-
cision to grant all the American conten-
lions except that for the Portland canal,
which goes to Canada, had been arrived
at. But, as cabled Friday, while the
Americans throughout have been very
confident, no vote had previously been
taken and no one could before Saturday
afternoon say that the United States
had won her case.
No hitch occurred during the entire de-
alterations, and as these progressed the
confidence of the American commission
ers that a decision substantially uphold
ing the American claims would be given
increased, but it was admitted that it
would be necessary to agree to COM
promise on the Portland canal.
The only really disquieting feature of
the situation for 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
decision to that effect, and that a dis
agreement was likely.
A Distinct Victory.
Washington, Oct. 19.-The bulletin
from London announcing the decision
Nf ha
was the first intimation received by the
state department that the commission
had reached an agreement. Although
the bulletin from London is exceeding
ly brief state department officials say
that it shows distinct victory for the
United States. 1t is their opinion that the
effect of the decision regarding the Port
land canal merely gives to Canada the
possession of Pearse island, small is
land in the Portland canal, and of no
special Importance. This detail of the
controversy is admitted by state depart
ment officials to have been open to ar
gument on both sides.
Pearse island is at the mouth of the
canal. The latter is divided into two
canals by the island, and Canada former
ly had undisputed use of the eastern
channel. Under the present decision
Canada will have the use of the western
channel
disappointment I'm Canada.
Toronto, Ont, Oct. 19.-Great disap-
prevail of and disappointment is felt
here over the decision in the Alaska
boundary case.
81 would not like to criticise Lord Al
verstone's decision until have read the
text, but the result is very great dis
appointment to me-"
This was the view of Thomas Hodg-
ins, X. c., the master-in-ordinary, who
has made special study of the bound
airy dispute, and it conveys the feelings
of Canadians generally.