Mr. Herbert to Mr.
Foster.
British
Legation,
Newport, July 23,
1892.
Dear Mr. Foster: I very much regret the delay
in my reply as to the construction of the Canadian wrecking act, which I
send you to-day.
I trust, in view of the fact that no wrecks are probable in the canals
themselves, that Lord Stanley’s telegram, which is embodied in my note,
will be found satisfactory.
Yours, very truly,
Memorandum.
At an interview held at the Department of State on Monday, August 1,
the Secretary of State informed Mr. Herbert, chargé of the British
Legation, that, in view of the passage of the act of Congress
relating to the Canadian canal tolls, the President would regard it
as his duty to issue, without delay, a proclamation based upon that
act, imposing tolls upon products passing through the Sault Ste.
Marie Canal destined for Canadian ports, unless an assurance could
be received from the Canadian Government, within a few days, that
the discriminations now enforced in the Canadian canals against
American ports and lines of transportation would be promptly
discontinued.
Mr. Herbert answered that a few days’ delay would be necessary in
order to reassemble the Canadian Cabinet, the majority of whom are
now absent from the capital, and he inquired of the Secretary what
time would be considered reasonable for this purpose.
The Secretary replied that he thought the cabinet might be
conveniently called together and take action within a week or ten
days, and that nothing would be done by the President in the matter
within that time.
Mr. Herbert said he would communicate immediately with the
Governor-General of Canada, by telegraph, and urge prompt
action.
