The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-12-14
Negotiations So Far Advanced They
May Be Concluded Within the
Next Three Weeks.
MAIN FEATURES AGREED ON
ALL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE
TWO ENGLISH-sPEAKING NATIONS
To Bs Referred to n Court Composed
of Three Members of the Judi
ciary of Each Country.

tions between the United States and Great
Britain for a treaty of general arbitration,
covering all subjects of difference between
the two English-speakng nations, present
and prospective, has advanced to a stage
of completeness far beyond what the pub
lie has had reason to believe. The purpose
of Secretary Olney and Sir Julian Paunce-
fote is to conclude the negotiations within
the next three weeks. All of the substan-
tial features of the treaty have been agreed
on. From the present status OF the nego-
tiations 1t is believed the following will be
the important terms of the treaty:
First-A term of five years from the date
of the exchange of ratification within winch
the treaty shall be operative.
Second-A court of arbitration of six
members. three TO be drawn from the judi
the Judiciary of Great Britain.
Third-The submission to this tribunal of
all differences between the two nations
now pending or to arise within the period
of five years. this not to include the Bering
sea question or the Venezuela question.
to include the question of the boundary
between Alaska and British North Amer
lea.
The completion of this treaty will mark
an important epoch in the relations be-
tween the two English-speaking nations.
and in the judgment of those who have
been most identified with it's consumma-
tion, it will be the most important docu-
ment of a peaceful character in the history
of their mutual dealings. The President
made passing allusion to the subject in his
recent message. 1t had been understood,
however, that the main purpose of MI
Olney was to reach an agreement as to
Venezuela, and that having accomplished
this, the larger question of arbitrating all
differences would require considerable time.
| for its complete development. But the ne
| gotiations have proceeded with surprising
unanimit-, that those engaged in the
| work confidently believe 1t will be fully
| agreed on and the signatures of the con-
| tracing parties placed to the documents
| within three weeks. This will give fully
| two months for consideration and ratifica-
| tion of the treaty at the present session of
| the United States Senate and unless some
| unexpected obstacle should arise in that
| quarter there is every reason to anticipate
| that the treaty may be made effective be-
| fore the close of the present administra-
| ton. At least this is the confident hope
and expectation of those most concerned in
| the negotiations.
Aside from the previously referred to
| points it can be stated in a general way
that the terms of the treaty are such as
| to clear the board of all the vexatious
] questions which have arisen between the
| United States and Great Britain. These
| have been numerous in recent years and
| some of them have threatened serious con-
| sequences. But those familiar with the
| exact terms of the negotiations say that
| not of these causes of friction will re-
| main. Some of them are withdrawn from
| the operation of the treaty from the fact
| that other methods of settlement already
| have been agreed on. This is true of the
Venezuelan case, which, by the recent
| agreement pertaining to that subject alone,
| is committed to special court of arbitra-
| tion The Bering claims now be-
| fore a commission created by special
| treaty, so that this, too will not fall with
| in the scope of the new treaty. Other
| questions have been similarly disposed Of
| and, considering them all, 1t is said by
those familiar with them that the Alaskan
| boundary will be the only controversy
| likely to come within the scope of the new
| treaty
| The main purpose of the treaty, however,
| is to guard against future differences
| threatening a rupture, and in this the ne
| gotators believe the terms of the instru-
| ment will be such to avoid all possi-
| bility of international conflict for the fu-
| ture. This is regarded as the main achieve
ment. 1t is one said to be peculiarly ad-
| vantageous to the commercial interests of
both countries, assuring them against ru-
| mors of war the serious prospect of war.
| AS one of those concerned in the negotia-
| tons sums up the result: When serious
| difference arises between the two countries,
| instead of a public feeling that war may
| result and consequent unsetting of COM
cia1 inf fllrin ha
Venezuelan crisis the public will know
beyond all possibility of rumor or report
| that the difference is which will be
settled by arbitration instead of a possi-
| BILE resort to arms. This public sentiment
against alarm is felt to be no less beneficial
| as one of the features assured by the
treaty than the plan of arbitration itself.
The reasons for limiting the treaty to
| five years are doubtless to place a measure
| of this extent on fair trial. after which,
| If the results are as good anticipated,
| the treaty can be renewed or be made per-
manent. 1t is felt that the character of
| the men on such a court will remove it
| from the usual divisions based purely upon
the nationality of the arbitrator. and more
| over a majority vote Of the arbitrators
| will doubtless be acquired.
| AS yet it cannot be stated definitely
| whether the treaty will cover differences
| involving national honor and sovereignty.
| This was a point of disagreement early in
the negotiations. 1t is probable, however,
that an exception will occur in this respect
| as the treaty is meant TO cover the usual
| and ordinary differences which arise be-
! tween nations, rather than such extraor-
| binary event as an insult to the flag or any
/ other national indignity, which are usually
considered outside the scope of arbtra-
| tion.
All the negotiations have been carried on
| in Washington and the signing of the in
strument will take place here. Mr.. Olney
| and Sir Julian Pauncefote have borne the
| brunt of the work. the latter executing
the views OF Lord Salisbury in such
| way as TO expedite the final arrangement.
| Mr.. Bayard has not taken part in the ne
gotiation, although indirectly he has con-
| trbuted to the result.
Shot by a Burglar.
MARSHALLTOWN, Ia, Dec. 13-An-
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