Mr. Sherman to Sir Julian Pauncefote.
Washington, November 4, 1897.
My Dear Sir Julian: On the 10th of last month Mr. Hay was instructed by cable to represent to the foreign office that, in view of the pressing engagements of Dr. Jordan and other of our experts who reside on the Pacific coast, it was greatly to be desired that the contemplated meeting of experts on the conditions of the Pribilof herd of seals should be held as speedily as possible. In response to his representations Mr. Hay was informed that Professor Thompson would leave immediately for Washington and that the Canadian expert would join him there without delay.
Professor Thompson arrived on the 23d ultimo, and the experts nominated by our Government signified to him their desire to enter upon their work at once, but up to the present the meeting has been delayed on account of the continued absence of Mr. Macoun, the Canadian expert. In view of the past representations on the subject I need hardly say to you that this delay has been a source of disappointment to the President. While I am without any official information upon the subject, it is announced from Ottawa in the public press that Mr. Macoun is not to leave the Canadian capital till the 8th instant. If such is the case, I feel called upon to express my regret, especially in view of the fact that, under the limitations placed by Lord Salisbury upon the meeting agreed upon between the two Governments, it is to be composed exclusively of the experts named, and under the same limitations should naturally precede any conference of a diplomatic or political character, which latter is much desired and will be welcomed by my Government.
I am, etc.,