Omaha daily bee., 1896-02-24
THE ARBrrRArroy MOVEMENT.


The movement in this country and
in England having for its object the
adoption by the two governments of a
permanent system Of judicial arbitra-
tion for thc adjustment of international
disputes gives promise OF practical re-
suits. II has enlisted the hearty sup.
port of some OF the most distinguished
and influential men in the two coun
tries. who arc manifCsting n zeal and
CalncStncSs In the cajisc that can hardly
fail to be productive of something
which will make FOR the maintenance
Of peace and the strengthening OF
friendly feeling between the two great
English speaking nations. The con
ference bcld in Philadelphia Saturday
was representative in its character and
messages approving its objects were
sent by men whose countcnancc of the
movement gives it u dignity and signi-
ficancc which will be recognized abroad
as well as ut home. II was resolved
by the conference chat the common
sense and Christian conscience of Amer
lea and England agree that the time has
arrived to abolish war between these
two nations. who are really one pco-
pie" and there can be no doubt that
this represents the nearly unanimous
sentiment of the people of both nations.
There has been no opposition mani
tested in England to the proposal of a
permanent system of arbitration and
while there are some. both there and
here who are not convinced of the prac-
ticability of establishing Il tribunal or
court for the settlement of cOntrover-
sizes, there Is no opposition to the prin-
ciple that Is worthy of consideration.
The most enlightened Judgment and
the best sentiment in both lands is in
favor of arbitration.
The threat of war between Great
Britain and the United States aroused
the people of the two countries to Il
serious contemplation of what such n
conflict would mean and but little con-
was necessary to produce the
general conviction that it would be
disastrous to both nations and Il dam
aging blow to civilization, in the ad-
of which the English speak
ing nations are ut the front. 1t was
seen that both countries would inevi
tably come out of n war greatly weak
ened and with an enormously increased
debt to burden posterity. The progress
Of both would be arrested, their COM
merce injured beyond computation,
while the sacrifice of human life would
be dcplOrable. 1t was realized that
only the very highest demands Of ma
tional honor and interest could justify |
\ war that would have such conse-
luences and there was no such stake in
The controversy out of which grew the |
langer of conflict The application of |
common sense, which Mr.. Gladstone |
,aid was all that was required, resulted |
n an overwhelming sentiment in favor |
If peaceful settlement of the issue,
md today this feeling is almost uni
yersally entertained in both countries
II there are still jingoes in either they
nave not the temerity to make them
,elves known.
The proposed permanent system of
judicial arbitration, while 1t might not
Dc available for the settlement of all
possible complications and contro-
Jersies, for there are conceivable con
litiOns that would render war impera-
i've, would be not only most potent
lgency in the promotion of peace and
rood will between Great Britain and
he United States, but would probably
AVE u more extended influence. 1t is
project whose motive is worthy of
he highest commendntiOn.