New-York tribune., 1886-07-21
CYFDJT WHERE 1T rs DUE.

Mr. Phelps deserves all tie compliments ne
will ,eceivc for negotiating the EXtraditlon
treaty. Tn entering upon Office in London he
found that the two GovernmentsI ha' been In
c,r,esnopdence for a decade respecting an ex-
tension of the list of crimes designated IN the
Treaty of 1912. His predecessors had been In
structed by three Administrations to make
strenuous efforts to secure complete revision
of the antquated convention. They had en-
deavored to negotiate treaty that would en-
brace every form of crime held to be extradlt-
able under conventions concluded with Euro
pcan Powers, and they had retired from Office
without eflecting their purpose. They had
made Robinson Crusoes mistake of planning
too la, ee boat and building it too far from the
waters edge. Mr.. Phelps prohhng by Their
eyperience was less ambitious in his design
and succeeded in launching hs boat. In
stead of resuming the interminable discussion
respecting the elaborate detail OF the Ideal TX
tradition treaty, he made fresh start, propos-
ing to abiidge the list of additional crimes, 10
avoid so far AS possible controversial matters
and to concede certain points on winch uhe
American Government had Eud undue stress.
He has carried the day by keeping steadily III
view the practical advantage 10 be gained ny
converting embezzlement into an extladlhiDie
crime All matters of barren controversy nave
been waived; the most 1agrant offences only nave
been dealt with and most useful conNehtioh
has been successfully negotiated.
Without desiring to dilute the praise when
should be genel ously accorded to Mr.. Phelps 1oi
his public service, we think 1t Oidy tilI That 'e
should divide the honOrs of this diplomatic
achievement with Lord RosebeIy. The BRITISH
Foreign Secretary was serving his first term III
tLat RESPONSIBLE office ana was anxious to pro-
duce a treaty that would be well received on
both sides of the Atlantic. Lord Rosebely has
maid several visits to this country and Is known
to be in sympathy with American Ideas ana Id
stitutions. Mr.. Phelps was fortunate III oeihs
able To conduct negotiations WIN Mihis'ei
who was at once 50 lavonbly disposed toward
the United States and also SO ambitious IN con-
ducting his own department.. The fact that
MIR. Gladstone was advocating the lilsh cause
rendered it delicate operation for LORD Rose
berry TO frame an Extraditon Convention that
would deal effectively with dynamite crime
without causing political irritation. But the
Foreign SecIetaly's embarrassment was pos
tive advantage 80 far rs the American Minister
WAS concerned, since the British Government
demands we've moderately stated and piac-
tcal solution of the dynamite problem was
easily ell flected. Mr.. Phelps and Lord Ro'eoery
have been well matched and singilally favored
;u their opportunities. They have negotiated
between them treaty which both countries
urgently needed, and have Brought to close
a long and tedious diplomatic controversy.
We have no desire to detract from the IN
oh Sflfa Ig
gains in these successful negotiations. As the
woik was done in London, it is perhaps only
lust to recognize the obligations under which
Mr.. Phelps has placed the Administration by
hl, brilliant diplomacy Still the State Depart
mcnt may Justly congratulate itself upon rem
dciing the country a great public service. IL
has been singularly unfortunate In the Fisheries
negotiations. but has done much to retrieve it'
past reverses by its unequivocal success In this
Extradition treaty.