Our ambassador did not hear any such reply, and understood Lord
Salisbury to consent.

In the mean while, the representatives of Russia and Japan have arrived
in this country, and are waiting for the conference to begin.

The English papers express themselves as being very pleased that England
has refused to be present at the meeting. They insist that we were
setting a trap for England, and trying to get her to say or do something
at the conference which would let us out of paying the $425,000 of the
Paris award.

This is unkind of them, and not quite fair to us. By looking at page
926, you will see that it was agreed that about $425,000 should be paid
to Canada as damages for keeping her out of the Bering Sea. This sum was
to be paid subject to the approval of Congress.

When Congress came to look into the matter, it was found that Canada was
not dealing quite fairly with us. A number of false claims were set up,
and we were asked to pay for damage we had never done. A committee was
appointed to look into the various claims, and is still at work on them.
As soon as these matters are thoroughly sifted, the just claims will be
paid.

It does not seem right to accuse us of trying to avoid paying our debts
because we want the items of every bill we are asked to pay. Every
business man throughout the country likes to know what he is paying for
before he parts with his good money, and why should a nation be less
careful than an individual?