The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-05-05

The Univsrssa Allisnes-Why Not
steam Lansss
The important international question of
ocean travel and steam lanes is suggested
by the Convention Of the Universal Alliance
now in session In Paris. This society
was formed in 1871, and its member
ship is composed of the most emil
nent persons of the different European
nationalities. The President is Comte de
Hondetot, and General Secretary Baron
Adheinar Won Linden. A special committee
was appointed at the first meeting of the
Alliance to collect data bearing upon the rules
of all nations in the conduct of war. 1t was not
only found that there is great disparity in
the rules at present existing relative to the
treatment Of prisoners of war, but that many
nations are governed by no fixed rules what
ever. This led to an invitation addressed to
the different governments of Europe to send
delegates to the Paris Congress, and number
of the Powers have responded to the invita-
ton of the society. Whether the society will
be able to exert salutary influence for
humanity and public utility may be judged
from the results of the Convention now in
session.
1t is to be hoped that the Alliance will meet
with the greatest success, and that it will
not stop until it considers the important
theme of steam navigation at sea. By
this means new and independent ele-
ment will be introduced into diplomacy
bc~o - - v:x;,,o
measures of the greatest public utility, both in
peace and war. The present action seems
based on the precedents existing IN the agree
ments in the Convention for Improving the
Condition of the Wounded of Armies in the
Field, signed at Geneva, August %, 1854, and
ratified at Berne by all the States of Europe,
and in the Convention for Interdicting the
Use of Explosive Bullets in War Time, signed
at ST. Petersburg, December II, 1868.
But the usefulness Of the society can
be extended almost indefinitely, and still keep
within the line Of great objects.
The discoveries of the last half century
have almost revolutionized society, and have
completely overturned all the methods of life
and locomotion. Steam has been applied to
travel, both by sea and land, but especially at
sea it needs o set Of rules which shall have all
the force of an international treaty and Of
International law. A new maritime code is
more imperatively demanded than new code
Of war. One of the first necessities of modern
times is system Of steam lanes on the ocean.
Such system, to be as useful as it may be
made, must be absolutely perfect. We do not
expect the Universal Alliance TO give us such
q system, but if it will include such subjects
in its Investigations and recommendations
and press the urgency Of such reforms upon
the governments Of Europe and America it
can do great deal Of good. The object now
under discussion at Paris is very worthy
and important one but a single object does
not fulfil the conditions of Universal Alliance.
Such society should be as broad as humanity
and as comprehensive as human needs. It
must be the handmaiden Of science and civil
lization, seeking to save life on sea and land,
and lettering the condition of mankind in
every part of the world by wiser systems of
life and action. The world scarcely under
stands the changes which science has wrought
and the new methods of political and social
economy it imposes, and it is to be hoped the
Congress ct Paris will give these objects new
and vital force in broadening the work Of the
Universal Alliance.