The fur seal conference has been in session in Washington for nearly two weeks.
England's representative, of course, was not present. You will remember that after several refusals and acceptances she finally decided to meet the United States in a conference to be held separately from the one which is now taking place.
Russia and Japan are well represented in this conference. Out of compliment to Mr. Foster, of the United States, who travelled to England, Russia, and Japan to obtain the consent of these various countries to the meeting, the attending delegates made him chairman of the conference.
The result of the discussions so far has been most gratifying to this country.
The Russian and Japanese commissioners are as fully convinced that the seal herd is decreasing as the Americans are, and all three countries have come to an agreement on the matter.
It has been decided to draw up a treaty between the three countries mentioned, whereby each agrees to prevent her own hunters and those of other nations from indulging in deep-sea sealing.
As soon as this document is fully prepared the conference will adjourn.
The result of the forthcoming British conference is awaited with considerable interest.
It is openly stated that there would be no trouble at all with England if it were not for the interference of Canada and the determination of the mother country to bow to the wishes of her colony.