New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-11-04
AN INTERIM TIONAL CODE.

THE BRUSSELS CONGREsS-HIsTORICAL SKETCH OF
THE MOVEMENT.
To the Editor Of The Tribune.
SIR: few months ago the public was made
acquainted with the mission OF the Rev. }. b. Miles,
Secretary of the American Peace Society. to differ
ent countries in Europe, with the view Of enlsting
their most eminent pubcists and iurists in united
effort to elaborate international CODE TO be APP
piled by q High Court of Nations, for the ADJUST
ment of those difficulties between them which the
parties involved cannot settle by ordinary ne
ootiation. This mission was successful beyond all
anticipation The eminent men of England, France,
Germany, Italy and other countries, whom he.
visited received the proposition with great favor,
and promised their ala in carrying 1t ont to It's
practical result. 1t was intended to invite them to
meet in New-Ymk OF Boston; but it was found. on
consultation with them, that while they were Will
ing TO meet American juIists at any European capt.
tat, very few of them could make u voyage 10
America for the purpose. On the return of Mr..
Miles therefore il was resolved, at meeting at the
residence of SIR David Dudley Field. to hold the
proposed Congress Of Jnrists at Brussels and an'
invitation to that effect issued by the American
International Code Committee, OF which MI. tleid
is President and which numbers the most eminent
pnblicists in this country. About the LIST OF Au-
opst Mr.. Miles returned TO Europe with this
invitation.
on the 10th of October distinguished jurists from
nearly every country in Chrstendom held their irst
session in the grand old Hotel dc Vile of Brussels
which had been placed their disposal by the Bel
giau authorities with the utmost sympathy with
the great object of the Congress
Mr.. David Dudley Field chosen Honorary
President aud made an eloquent speech in French
At the opening Mr. Field and w. Beach Lawrence
will ably represent America in the deliberations of
the distinguished body, together with Mr.. Miles, the
indefatigable agent of the movement. Montague
Bernard Sir Travers Twiss, George W. Hastings,
President Of the Social ScienceL Congress, Henry
Richard, Nj. F., and other eminent men, represent
England Monune and Pierantoni of Italy. Don A.
Marcoartu of Spain, Messrs. Giraud, Frank. Calyo
Mass6. Cauchy and Passy of France, Prof Asser Of
Holland and equally eminent men of other European
countries will bring to the important work cru
dition and authority which must commend it to all
the governments Of the civilized world
The acting President OF the Congress Is the Hon.
Auguste Visschers, who was President of the first
Peace Congress ever held on the Continent, which
took place. at Brussels, In lSiS and at which the
elaboration of an International Code and the estaD
lishnent of q High Court of Nations advocated
IA the crownine measure for organizing peace" to
use Lamartine's phase. At all the subsequent
this measure was urged with an earnest faith in its
uracticabiity and success. From 1S4S to the present
what may be called installments of this measure
have been demanded or advocated by eminent men
of different countries In 1919 Richard Golden
Iropght before the House of Commons the PROPOSE
lion that most commended itself to his practical
mind stipulated arbitration. or treaties between
Governments in time of peace by which they should
bind themselves to refer to arbitration any questions
they could not settle b. ordinary negotiation. He
brought to bear on the proposition all the clear views
and strong convictions OF his master mind Ia ono
of his most telling speeches. l sat beside
Henry Richard in the Speakers gallery during the
debate little thinking that 20 years aftcrward he
would bring forward the same measure IN Parha-
ment and obtain majority in his favor at the first
vote The significance of this success has been APP
preciated in a marked manner in Europe and Ameri-.
ca For it proved how deeply the settlement Of in
ternational difficulties by arbitration had taken
hold of the mind of the English nation. England
had inst been cast and mulcted by arbitration at
Geneva and Berlin and other cases had gone against
her Yet in the freshness and soreness Of this expe-
riencs a majority Of the House Of Commons voted 20
resort TO the same mode OF settlement, and to induce
other nations to adopt il. The Geneva Tribunal
and this action of the British Parliament have
openedfhe way 10 this Congress of Jurlsts at Brus
sells and will prepare the civilized world TO receive
the code which they will elaborate. with faith IN its
wisdom and legal authority.
The consummation aimed at by this Brussels Con-
press should be of special interest 10 the American
mind for il proposes TO erect tribunal which shall
he TO the whole family Of Nations what our SUI
preme Court ~ to this great continental family of
States 10 put them all on the same footing before
bar OF Justice and equity, which no sword shall
ntimidate nor gold corrupt. For nearly fifty years
the friends of peace IN America, led by William
Ladd have labored 10 bring this measure before the
world. lts realization will be one of the grandest
trumphs OF American ideat and Institutions
.NfM. L.KiAlln. Conll. on. IL Igla. n ~