The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1896-07-23

.rFUsED TO STEP INTO LORD
sALIsBURY,s SNARE.
Venezuela Was to De Left out, and
other Propositions Were Al
together UntcnabIe.

ments of the United States and Great
Britain respecting the establishment OF a
general system for the settlement Of any
disputes which might arise between the
countries, and also for the settlement by
arbitration of the disputes over the Ven
ezuelan boundary, has been made public
In the shape OF even dozen letters
which have been exchanged between Sec
rotary Olney, Lord Salisbury Sir Julian
Pauncefote and Ambassador Bayard
The correspondence is of great interest
In marking a sensible advance toward the
adoption between the two English-speak-
ing nations of the principle of arbitration
as the means Of settling disputes be-
tween themselves, but the persons who
have looked forward with hope and ex-
pectation to the speedy conclusion OF
treaties embodying the arbitration prin-
cple for the settlement of either or both
OF the great open Issues between the two
nations, are doomed to disappointment,
for at the date of exchange of the last
note, one from Secretary Olney to the
British ambassador here, dated within a
month past points of a most vital ma
ture In the case, not only of the Venezue-
Ian question specifically, but of the gem
eral arbitration proposition as well are
under discussion without much expecta-
ton of an early adjustment
The notable features of the correspond
ence are the fact that, whereas, Mr. Bay
ard, by instruction OF Secretary Olney,
proposed negotiations at Washington re-
speeding the Venezuela boundary dispute,
Lord Salisbury broadened 1t into a gem
eral arbitration scheme, following lead
set by the late Secretary Gresham IN the
spring of 1896; that Secretary Olney later
insisted upon disassociating the two sub
Jects, evidently fearing an entanglng al
nance otherwise; that as to general arbl-
tration, the Issues which still prevent
an agreement are the ndlsposition of the
British government to include territorial
disputes save with the addition of provl-
sions that, In the estimation of Secretary
Oiney, VIII render the attempt at arbitra-
ton nugatory. because there are no
means OF making the findings of the arbl-
traitors binding upon the parties or of
removing them from the possibility of in
mite appeals. AS to the Venezuelan mat
ter, specifically, tho difficulty that can
not be overcome is the refusal of the
British to subject themselves to the ac-
On OF arbitration In the territory upon
which British subjects have actually set
led Imitation arbitration is what Sec
rotary Olney deslgnates Lord Salsbury's
project, while the British premier criti-
cises Secretary Olney's plan as calculated
to result in evils worse than war In the
institution of fnnumerable suits to recover
claimed territory
BRyard to Salisbury.
Inc correspondence proper begins with
note dated February q last from Mr..
Bayard to the marquis of Salisbury. in
which he says: THAT In order to reach a
well defined agreement for the arbitration
or the boundary dispute between British
Guiana and Venezuela, which seems TO
pc Almost unanimously desired in both
the United States and Great Britain" his
instructions continue to indicate desire
ffrt.
practicable from the sphere of political
controversy. Therefore, he proposed to
enter upon negotiations at Washington to
erect this purpose. He also asked for a
clear definition of the settlements by in
cividuals In the territory in dispute which
Great britain desires should be excluded
from arbitration.
Within four days OF the receipt of this
note Lord Salisbury made reply, concur
ring In the suggestion to begin negotia-
uons' and noting the desire OF the British
government to bring the difference be-
tween themselves and Cuba to an equit-
able settlement
Salisbury to Pauncefote.
The day following this note, March
last, Lord Salisbury addressed a letter to
Sir Julian Pauncefote, in which he refers
TO the exchange of communications in the
preceding spring between the ambassa-
dor and the late Mr.. Gresham upon the
establishment of international arbitration
Tor the adjustment of disputes between
the two governments. n further consid-
GRAFTON of which at that time was pre-
vented by circumstances ito which Il is
unnecessary to refer"
Lord Salisbury added that 1t had again
been brought into prominence by the CON
troversy which had arisen upon the Ven
ezuelan boundary.
On General Arbitration.
rms diverted the discussion to the gen
eral arbitration proposition. and upon the
latter Lord Salisbury proceeded to dis
course as follows: 1.-THE obstacle which
separated them 0he two governments)
has been the difficulty of deciding how
far the undertaking to refer all matters
In dispute is to be carried. Neither gov
eminent is willing to accept arbitration
upon which the issue of national honor
or integrity is involved. But in the wide
region that lies within this boundary the
United States desire to go further than
Great Britain. For the view entertained
by her matesty's government there is con
sideration to plead that a system of arbi-
tratlon is an entirely novel ARRANGEMENT
and therefore the conditions under which
1t should be adopted are not likely to be
ascertained anteccdenty. The limits I'll
timately adopted must be determined by
experiment. In the interest of the idea
and OF the pacific results which are ex-
pected from it, 1t would be wise to com
TO hazard the success OF the principle by
adventuring II upon doubtful ground"
Lord salisbury argues that, while there
is no difficulty in finding impartial arbi-
traitors to adjust private disputes, or cases
involving claims for damages, the classes
of cases involving claims to territory or
sovereign rights stand on an entirely DIFF
ferent footing. and are calculated to in |
volve deeply the sympathies of men Oh |
one side or the other, and that this inter- |
feres most formldably with the selection |
of an impartial arbitrator.
Lord Salisbury says in conclusion: "rhe |
plan which Is suggested in the appended |
draft treaty would give a method of ap |
peals from the single voice of the foreign |
judge. Its operation in arresting a faulty |
or doubtful judgment would make Il pos |
sible to submit great issues to arbitration |
without the risk of a disastrous mlscar- |
riage of Justice
The draft treaty spoken of in the above |
Is composed of six articles. The first pro- |
vides for the appointment by the United |
States and Great Britain OF two or more |
permanent judicial officials, one of whom |
is to be designated by his own nation TO |
act as an arbitrator. to act with one |
named by the other side on the appear |
ance of any difference between the two |
powers which can not be settled by ne |
gotiations.
Lord Salisbury then quotes the draft |
IF the treaty at considerable length. Ar
icle four of the draft is as follows:
Any difference in respect to a question
II factor of international law involving
he territory, territorial rights, sover-
ignty or jurisdiction of either power. or
ny pecuniary claim or group of claims |
4 any kind, involving a sum larger than
ha ha fafa 10 o,.I.t I