Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1896-12-19
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 a treaty of general arbitration
covering all subjects of difference De-
tween the two English speaking nations,
present and prospective, has advanced
to stage of completeness far beyond
what the public has had reason to be-
lieVe. The purpose of Secretary Olney
and Sir JuIIan raunceIote is to conclude
the negotiations within the next three
the treaty have been agreed on. From the
present status Of the negotiations it 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.
An Important Epoch.
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-
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 70 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 its 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
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.
Will Settle VeXatiOus Questions.
Aside from the. previously referred to
points, it can be stated in a general way
+l,o In of n
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
some of them have threatened serious
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 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
ary will be the only pending controVer-
sv 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