The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-08-20

\ ain not SdnBullc 10 lay this
fiattering JUNCTION To my soul. Tn.
bridled ambition-thirst for wide do
rhinion-pride OF power still holds sway,
although believe with lessened force,
and In some sort under the restraint OF
the healthier opinion OF the world.
The analogy between arbitration as
TO matters In difference between indi
viduals, and TO matters In difference
between nation, carries us but a short
way. But there are differences TO which,
even as between individuals, arbitration
IS applicable-subJects which find
their counterpart I'm the affairs OF ma
tions. Men do not arbitrate where char
scter Is at stake, nor will any sef-re-
specting nation readily arbitrate on
questions touching its national inde-
pendence, or affecting its honor Again,
nation may agree to arbitrate, and then
rcpudiate It's agreement. Who is TO
coerce II? or, having gone TO arbitra-
ton, and been worsted, IL may decline to
be bound by the award. Who is to COM
pei IL.
These considerations seem TO me to
Justify two conclusions: The first is
that arbitration Will not cover the whole
field OF international controversy, and
the second that unless and until the
great powers of the world, I'm league,
bind themselves to coerce recalcitrant
member OF the family of nations---we
have still to face the more than possible
disregard by powerful states OF the OBJ
legations OF good faith and OF justice.
The scheme of such a combination has
been advocated, but the signs of its ac-
complishment are absent. We have. as
yet, no league of nations OF the Am
phictyonic type.
Are we then TO conclude that force Is
still the only power that rules the
world? Must we then say that the
sphere OF arbitration Is q narrow and
sanctions which restrain the wrongdoer
1.-The breaker of public faith-the dis
turber of the peace OF the world, are not
weak. and, year by year. they wax
stronger. They are the dread OF war
and the reprobation OF mankind. Pub
lie opinion is a force which makes itself
felt in every corner and Granny Of the
world, and is most powerful in the COM
munities most civilized. Again trade
and travel are great pacifcators. The
more nations know OF one another, the
more trade relations are established be-
tween them, the more good will and mu-
tual interest grow up and, these are
powerful agents working for peace.
The question arises, what ought to be
the constitution OF the tribunal OF ar
bitration? Is 1t TO be a tribunal ad hoe,
or is Ii 10 be a permanent international
tribunal? 1t may be enough TO say. that
ut this stage, the question of the con-
tuition of a permanent tribunal is not
ripe for practical discussion, nor will il
b. until the majority OF the great pow
ers have given in their adhesion to the
principle. The interests involved are
commonly so enormous, and the forces
of national sympathy, pride and preju-
dice are so searching, so great and so
subtle, that / doubt whether tribunal,
the membership Of which had a charac-
ter of permanence. even If solely COM
posed of men accustomed to exercise the
judicial faculty, would long retain gen.
eral confidence, and, l fear, IL might
gradually assume intolerable preten-
sions.
There is one influence which by the
law of nations may be legitimately ex-
ercised by the powers in the interests
OF peace-I mean mediation. In the
final act OF the American conference at
Berlin the following proviso (article I'D
appears:
"In case Of a serious disagreement
arising between the signatory powers
on any subjects within the limits of the
territory mentioned In article i and
placed under the regime OF commercial
freedom. the powers mutually agree, be-
fore appealing TO arms, to have recourse
to the mediation of one or more OF the
neutral powers"
IL is To be noted that this provision
contemplates not arbitration, but media
ton, which is a different thing. The
mediator is not, at least in the first in
stance, invested, and does not seek to be
invested, with authority TO adjudicate
upon the matter in difference. He is the
friend Of both parties. He seeks to bring
them together. He avoids tone of die
tation TO either. He is careful to avoid,
as to each of them, anything which may
wound their political dignity or their
susceptibilitles If he cannot compose
the quarrel, he may at least narrow its
area and probably reduce II to more
limited dimensions, the result of mutual
concessions; and, having narrowed the
issues, he may pave the way for final
settlement by a reference to arbitration
or by some other method. This Is u
power often used, perhaps not so often
as IL ought TO he-and with good results.
There Is, perhaps. no class of question
I'm which meditation may not, time and
occasion being wisely chosen, be usefully
employed, even in delicate questions
affecting national honor and sentiment.
we boast OF our advance, ana often
look back with plying contempt on the
ways and manners of generations gone
by. Are we ourselves without reproach?
Has our civilization borne the true
marks? Must il not be said. as has been
said of religion ITSELF that countless
crimes have been committed In its name
Probably 1t was inevitable that the
weaker nations should, in the end, sue
cun1b, bun have we always treated them
with consideration, and with justice?
Has not civilization been too often pre-
scented to them at the point Of the bayo-
net, and the Bible 10y the hand OF the
hlibuster? And apart from nations we
deem barbarous. is not the passion for
dominion, and wealth. and power, 'ac-
coUntable for the worst chapters of
cruelty and oppression written in the
worlds history? Few peoples-perhaps
nOne-are free from this reproach.
What indeed is true civilization? BY
its fruit you shall know IL. It's true
signs are thought for the poor and suf-
fering, Chlvalrous regard and respect for
woman, the frank recognition of human
brotherhood. irrespective of race or color
or nation or religion, the love of ordered
freedom, abhorrence OF what is mean
and cruel and vile. ceaseless devotion TO
the claims OF Justice. Civilization In
that its true, its highest sense. must
make for peace. The abiding sentiment
OF the masses is for peace-for peace to
live industrious lives and to be at rest
with all mankind.
Mr.. President. | began by speaking Of
tho two great diViSious-Ap1prfcan and