Sir Julian Pauncefote to Mr. Blaine.

Dear Mr. Blaine: With reference to the proposal that a member of the Canadian government should come to Washington to discuss the question of the alleged discrimination against American citizens in the system of tolls levied in the Welland Canal, I beg to inform you that I received last night a telegram from Lord Stanley to the effect that the Hon. Mr. Bowell and the Hon. Mr. Foster, who visited Washington last February as delegates to the informal conference which we then held, will leave Ottawa to-morrow, the 2d instant, for Washington for the purpose above stated.

I should be much obliged if you would be good enough to make an appointment to receive them on the following day, Friday, June 3.

Lord Stanley adds in his telegram that it is very difficult for ministers to be absent from Ottawa during the session, and that the Canadian government only sends them now earnestly endeavoring to adjust canal difficulties.

I remain yours, etc.,

Julian Pauncefote.