AMERICAN.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1404, 26 January 1899, Page 32

AMERICAN.

Washington, January 17. *' Mr J. G. Schurman, President of the Cornell University, has been appointed President of the Commission; Professor Worcester has become a member.

Washington, January 18. The Senate has resumed the debate on the Nicaraguan Canal project. Colonel John Hay, Secretary of State, recommended the adoption of an amendment, with the view of the American Government undertaking the construction and ownership of the canal. He expressed his belief that the British rights under the Clayton - Bulwer Treaty would be waived if the United States agreed to admit British ships to the canal on equal terms with American.

London, January 18. Some months ago an International Commission was set up in the United States and Canada to consider the Behring Sea sealing question, reciprocal mining regulations, the Alaskan boundary, restrictive regulations for the preservation of the fisheries of the Great Lakes, the North Atlantic fishery ques- , tion, the boundary question, the Alien Labour Laws, and reciprocity of trade. A. Reuter’s despatch has now been > received which states that the members of the Commission, which has been sitting for some time, have now arrived at an understanding. A treaty is being drawn up, and it is expected to effect a complete settlement of all the questions Which have been a source of vexation. Washington, January 19. The Nicaragua Canal question is still being discussed by the United States Senate. ■* s A motion was made that in the arrangements for the construction of the canal it should be provided that in wartime the United States should have absolute control of the water-way. This, however, was rejected by a large majority. Washington, January 23. The work of constructing the Nicaragua Canal will occupy six years, and will cost 115,000,000 dollars, supplied by the Treasury. 5 All nations will pay the same canal tolls, and neutrality will be guaranteed. President McKinley has been requested to secure the abrogation of the ClaytonEulwer concession, and also authorised to acquire another route if Nicaragua declines to gfant suitable terms.