Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 November 1897 — SEALING COMES FIRST. [ARTICLE]

SEALING COMES FIRST.

The International Conference Begin* in Washington. The experts representing the three governments, the United States, England and Canada, assembled at the State Department in Washington. There were present Messrs. Jordan, Thompson and McCoun. In addition Gen. Foster and Mr. Hamlin were in attendance for the United States and Sir Louis Davies for Canada. Sir Julian Pauncefote sent a note excusing himself from coming on account of illness. The meeting lasted for about an hour, and presumably the proceedings were mainly preliminary and designed to outline «a plan l of procedure. Mr. Hamlin was elected chairman. It was officially stated that the proceedings were in the sense that nothing could be given out for publication before the end of the deliberations. The treaty which was negotiated last week between the United States and Japan and Russia for the further protection of the seals was noy referred to in the first meeting, although its general provisions are known to the British delegates. The feature of the treaty is said to >be the short time it is to continue sh foroe, the limit being one year. President McKinley received Sir Wilfrid Laurier, premier of Canada, in the blue room at the White House. Secretaiy Sherman introduced Sir Wilfrid, who was accompanied by Sir Julian Pauncefote, British ambassador Sit Louis Davies and Prof. Thompson, the British seal'expert. The visit was entirely formal.

The Canadian premier received callers in very democratic fashion at hie apartments in the Shoreham, but to all he gave the reply that it would be manifestly pre. mature at this stage for him to discuss the outlook on the Bering sea question or any other subjects which concern the United States and Canada. lie and Sir Louis desired first to communicate with the seal experts of the United States and Great Britain before indicating any. course of action. He made it clear, also, that they would give their exclusive attention to this subject until some conclusion was reached, and that other questions, such as reciprocity, border immigration, etc., would not be referred to until the first purpose of the visit was a<> complished. It was stated that the official purpose of the visit was to consider the Bering sea matter, and that future circumstances would develop how far, other questions would be opened to consideration.