Items of Interest October 3, 1903 Issue

Items of Interest

Sir Robert Finlay closed the argument for the Canadian case in the Alaskan Boundary question last week. Sir Robert said that Canada desired above all else access to the sea and control of the head of the Lynn Canal. He contended that the narrow channel of the Pearse Inlet should form the southern boundary, and that Wales, Pearse, and other small islands commanding Port Simpson should be given to Canada. The general trend of the coast should be taken as the boundary only when the mountains retreated inland beyond ten marine leagues. He quoted diplomatic reports to show that British acquiescence in American occupation had never been given, and asserted that without such acquiescence occupation was valueless. He was congratulated by Lord Alverstone, chairman of the commission, and by the American arbitrators. The case of the United States was then taken up by David T. Watson of Pittsburg.

The German third-class cruiser Gazelle, which has been visiting the Charlestown Navy Yard, has proceeded to Key West. This ends the visit of the first of that nation's warships which has been in Boston for many years, and the call has been a success in every way. The cruiser was sent here by the Kaiser in order to allow some of her officers an opportunity to look over the Charlestown Navy Yard's plant, and also as a show of international courtesy in return for some of the visits our ships have recently made to German ports. The Navy Yard officials have shown the visitors every honor, and the compliment has been most cordially returned by the foreigners. The Gazelle will visit several other of the navy yards and stations along the Atlantic coast before rejoining the squadron to which she attached.

Professor Jenks of Cornell University, who has been in Europe serving on the American Monetary Commission, has been appointed by President Roosevelt to go to China to further the work of that body there and consult with representatives of the Imperial Government for a new monetary system for the empire. At present great confusion prevails in China owing to the lack of a uniform system. He will also stop in the Philippines to assist the Administration in its currency problem. The results attained by the commission in Europe are considered very gratifying.

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