The Washington times., 1895-02-11
Grave Consequences Feared for
the United States.
NEGOTIATIONS FOR A TREATY
They Have Begun Between This Country and
Great Britain-Arbitration Would Destroy
Many Important Powers and Privileges OF
America Difficulties That May Upset ths
EemorIalists' Plans for Concord.

Tie recent visit to Washington Of Mr.
Cremer. the British member Of Parliament
who was charged with the presentation to our
government OF q memorial signed by about
$50 OF his colleagues in Parliament urging
the negotiation Of an arbitration treaty with
Great Britain, has resulted in stimulating in
terest in that project which had rather Jagged
since tue Introduction of the Allison resoIu-
ton some years ago.
In Congress the proposition has taken
tangible shape in a radical joint resolution
submitted by Senator sherman and referred
to the COMMITTEES on Foreign Relations. fully
authorizing the President to move in the
matter. While this resolution has not been
entirely acceptable to the advocates Of the
scheme, 1t has served its purpose OF forming
the basis Of consideration by the committee
But meanwhile negotiations have been
opened. as yet olly preliminary in nature
between our own government and the British
ambas- -adoF, that WILL it is said if they re-
suit in the eOnsummation OF a treaty, be
fraught with the gravest consequences so far
as the United States is concerned.
GREAT GENERAL TREATY
In'its present shape the proposition is ex-
tremely broad, though it may be narrowed
as the negotiations progress, for it eontem-
plates nothing less than great general
treaty to which the United States and all Of
the great European powers shall be parties,
by the terms of which any matter in dispute
bet 8een anY OF the signatOry powers which
cannot be adjusted by the ordinary methods
of diplomacy, shall be submitted to an aroi-
tratio1-
There is nothing substantially new in this
proposition which has been discussed for
many years in various shapes: but the fact
that negotiations have actually begun and
are at least really within the reach OF posi-
biiity has had the effect to draw the attention
of certain Senators VINO must pass upon any
such treaty 10 the grave consequences that
might be expected to follow its ratification
For instance. it has been urged that the
Monroe doctrine. upon which our pr domi-
nance in this hemisphere depends. would be
speedily dismissed as o. no force in an arbitra-
/ iiOn. Each Of the signatOry powers would be
7 represented upon the arbitration commission.
/ and as the European powers would be largely
/ in the majority, there could be but one result
should any question be submitted involving
the application of tins doctrine, to which they
7 have never subscribed and have tolerated only
/ because of the ability Of the United States to
maintain il against any single power.
RIGHT OF REVOLUTION
Another objection that has been advanced
Is that the arbitration treaty would absolutely
deny the right OF revolution, and this might
be very serious matter to the United States.
In the event that Canada should east OF al
I lesiaRce to Great Britain IL wO1ld be impos-
siole for this country TO recognize her ilde-
4 pendence, much less annex the Dominion
even upon the unanimous application OF its
I people.
In late years the major part OF our negotia-
tons with European powers has been made
up of the settlement of difficulties growing
out o. our insistence upon the recognition Of
TIE citizenship OF naturalizet Americans.
On this issue the United States Is at vari-
aDce with almost all OF the European eoUn-
tres, which have found it essential to the
maintenance OF their great systems OF en-
forced military service 10 deny the right of
expatriatioC 10 their subjects. and IL such a
question were Submitted to arbitration the
United States would be certainly deseated in
i its contention and there woaid be no safety
for our na:uralized citizens anywhere outside
of the United States.
These are few of the difficulties that az
present Oeset the pathway OF negotiations
leading 10 general arbitration treaty and il
/ is doubtful if they can be ever overcome.