Our ambassador did not hear any such reply, and understood Lord Salisbury to consent.
In the mean while, the representatives of Russia and Japan have arrived in this country, and are waiting for the conference to begin.
The English papers express themselves as being very pleased that England has refused to be present at the meeting. They insist that we were setting a trap for England, and trying to get her to say or do something at the conference which would let us out of paying the $425,000 of the Paris award.
This is unkind of them, and not quite fair to us. By looking at page 926, you will see that it was agreed that about $425,000 should be paid to Canada as damages for keeping her out of the Bering Sea. This sum was to be paid subject to the approval of Congress.
When Congress came to look into the matter, it was found that Canada was not dealing quite fairly with us. A number of false claims were set up, and we were asked to pay for damage we had never done. A committee was appointed to look into the various claims, and is still at work on them. As soon as these matters are thoroughly sifted, the just claims will be paid.
It does not seem right to accuse us of trying to avoid paying our debts because we want the items of every bill we are asked to pay. Every business man throughout the country likes to know what he is paying for before he parts with his good money, and why should a nation be less careful than an individual?
Since the Greek Boulé accepted the terms of the treaty of peace, the business of settling these unfortunate affairs has been proceeding without any further hitch.
The new Prime Minister declared on his accepting office that his first act should be to secure the evacuation of Thessaly, that is, the removal of the Turkish troops.
He has set himself a task that would seem to be very difficult to perform, for it is reported that the Sultan has sent twenty thousand fresh troops into the territory within the last few days.