Waterbury Democrat

SHEAMAN'S ANSWER.

REPLIES TO LORD SALISBURY ON BERING SEA CONFERENCE.

It Had Been Confidently Expected Along That Great Britain Would Participate With the Representatives of Russia and Japan.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13.—Secretary Sherman has written a reply to the note of Lord Salisbury expressing Great Britain's declination to take part in a Bering sea conference in which Russia and Japan are to participate. The essential features of Mr. Sherman's reply have been sent by cable to the British government and the reply in full is now on its way to the British authorities. Lord Salisbury's note of declination, it can now be stated, bore date of Oct. 6, last Wednesday, so that the response is made with promptness.

The answer states that the United States government views with astonishment the determination of Great Britain not to participate in a conference including Russia and Japan, and the statement is made that up to the 23d of last month the United States authorities had fully expected that the conference would proceed with Russia and Japan as well as Great Britain represented.

It is pointed out that aside from the written correspondence, to which Lord Salisbury had called attention, there were verbal negotiations between Ambassador Hay and his lordship, in which specific reference was made to the participation of Russia and Japan. At one of these verbal exchanges, it is stated, Lord Salisbury said he would advise with the officials of the foreign office concerning the subjects discussed, which included the participation of Russia and Japan. Subsequently, on July 29, Ambassador Hay wrote to Lord Salisbury, saying the president hoped to have Russia and Japan participate in the conference. In view of these circumstances, the United States had confidently expected that Great Britain would take part in the conference, and that Russia and Japan would be represented, with the approval of Great Britain.

Besides the foregoing reply and in view of the differences which have arisen the state department suggests a conference in accordance with the terms of Lord Salisbury's agreement, as he construes it—namely, between experts of Great Britain, the United States and Canada. This last feature is now under consideration by the British government, its substance having been transmitted by cable, but it is not expected that an answer will be made until Mr. Sherman's answer in detail reaches London. In the meantime preparations for the conference between the United States, Russia and Japan are proceeding. The Japanese delegates, who are now en route from San Francisco, have decided to stop over for two days at Chicago and will not reach Washington until next Sunday night. Two of the Russian delegates, Mr. Botkine and Mr. Routkowsky, are here, and the remaining delegate, Mr. Grebnitzky, is expected soon. While no exact date has been fixed for the conference, the expectation is that all the delegates will be here in time to bring them together on Wednesday, Oct. 20.

SECRETARY SHERMAN.