The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1896-12-19
ARE FOR ARBITRATION
UNITED STATES AND GREAT BRIT
AIN APPROACH AGREEMENT.
Terms Include n Court of Six Mem
bers, Three From judiciary
of Both Nations.

Washington, Dec. 13.-Negotiations be- |
tween the United States and Great Brit |
ain for treaty of general arbitration |
covering all subjects OF difference D.
tween the two English speaking nations,
present and prospective. has advanced
to a stage OF completeness far beyond
what the pubic has had reason to be-
lieve. The purpose of Secretary Olney
and Sir JuIian rauncerote is to conclude
the negotiations within the next three
weeks. All of the substantial features of
the treaty have been agreed on. From the
present status of the negotiations 1t is be-
leved the following will be the important
terms of the treaty:
First-A term of five years from the
date of exchange of ratification within
which the treaty shall be operative.
Second-A court of arbitration of six
members, three to be drawn from the ju-
dietary of the United States and three
from 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 Ber-
ing sea question or the Venezuelan ques-
ton now before Independent commissions,
but to include the question of the bound
airy between Alaska and British North
America.
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 its consumma-
ton, it will be the most important docu-
ment of peaceful character in the his
tory of their mutual dealings. The presi-
dent made passing allusion 10 this subject
in his recent message. 1t has been under
stood, however, the main purpose of Mr..
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 it's development.
But the negotiations have proceeded
with surprising unanimity, so that those
engaged in the work confidently believe
it will be fully agreed upon and the sig
natures of the contracting parties placed
to the documents within three weeks.
This will give fully two months for the
consideration and ratification of the trea-
| ty at the present session of the United
| States senate, and unless some unexpect-
ed obstacle should arise IN that quarter
there is every reason to anticipate that
the treaty may be made effective before
the close of the present administration.
Aside from the previously referred to
points, 1t can be stated in a general way
that the terms of the treaty are such as
to clear the board of all the vexed
questions which have arisen between the
United States and Great Britain. These
have been numerous in recent years and
| af
consequences. But those familiar with
the negotiations say not one of the
causes of friction will remain. Some of
them are withdrawn from the operation
of the treaty from the fact that other
methods of settlement already have been
agreed upon. This is the case with the
Venezuelan question, which by the recent
agreement, pertaining to that subject
alone, is committed to a special court Of
| arbitration.
| The Boring sea claims are now before a
| commission created by a special treaty,
| so that this, too will not fall within the
scope of the new treaty. Other questions
| have been similarly disposed OF, and con-
| sidering them all, it is said by those IA
miliar with them that the Alaskan bound
airy will be the only pending controver-
| sy likely to come within the scope of the
new treaty.
The main purpose of the treaty, how
ever, is to guard against future differ
ences threatening a rupture, and in this
the negotiators believe the terms of the
instrument will be such as to avoid all
possibility of international conflict for the
future. This is regarded as the main
achievement. 1t is one said to be par
| ticularly advantageous to the commercial
interests of both countries, assuring them
against rumors of war, or the serious
| prospect OF war. AS one of those con-
cerned in the negotiations sums up the
result: When a serious difference arises
between the two countries. instead of a
public feeling that war may result and a
consequent unsettling of commercial in
terests, as occurred in the Venezuelan
crisis, the public will know beyond al
possibility of rumors or reports that the
difference is one which will be settled by
arbitration instead of a possible resort t
arms.
This public sentiment against alarm 1:
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 L
five years are doubtless to place a meas
ure of this extent on fair trial aftel
which, If the results are as good as an
ticipated, the treaty can be renewed Of
be made permanent.
SCIENTIST ISAAC BLOWN TO ATOMS