The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1896-12-14
The Plans For Arbitration
With Great Britain.
Covers All Our Differences For
Term of Five Years.
Negotiations Expected to Be Signed BY. the
Parties Within the Next Three Weeks.


arbitration covering all subjects of diff
ference between the two English-speak-
ing nations, present and prospective, has
advanced to a stage of completeness far
beyond what the public has had reason
to believe. The purpose of Secretary
Olney and Sir Julian Pauncefote 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 ne
gotiations 1t Is believed that the follow
ing will be the important terms of treaty:
First-A term of 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
judiciary Of the United States and three
from the judiciary of Great Britain.
Third-The submission to this tribunal
OF all differences between the two ma
tions, now pending or to arise within
the period of five years. this not to in
clude the Behring sea question or the
Venezuela question. now before indepen-
dent commissions. but to include the
question of the boundary between Alas
ka 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 it's consumma-
ton, il will be the most important docu-
ment of a peaceful character in the his
tory of their mutual dealings. The pres
ident made passing allusion to the sub
ject in his recent message. 1t has been
understood, however, that the main pur-
pose of Mr.. Olney was to reach an agree
ment as to Venezuela, and that having
accomplished this. the larger question
of arbitrating all differences would fe-
quire considerable time for it's COM
plete development.
But the negotiations have proceeded
with surprising unanimity, so that those
engaged i'm the work confidently believe
that ii will be fully agreed upon and the
signatures Of the contracting parties
placed to the documents within three
weeks. This will give fully two months
for their consideration and ratification
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 before the close of thepresnt ad-
ministration. At least this is the con-
fident hope and expectation Of those
most concerned in the negotiations.
Aside from the previously referred to
points, it can be stated, in 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 threat
ened serious consequences. But those
familiar with the exact terms of the ne
gotiations say that not one of these
causes Of friction will remain.
Some of them are withdrawn from the
operation of the treaty from the fact
that other methods of settlement have
already been agreed upon. This is the
case with the Venezuelan question,
which, by the recent agreement pertain
ing. to that subject alone, is committed
to a special court of arbitration. The
Behring sea claims are now before
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, 1t is said by those
familiar with them that the Alaskan
boundary will be the only pending con-
troversy 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 that the terms of
the instrument will be such as to avoid
all possibility of international conflict
for the future
lie 10 roo dn1 fha mi hi
ment. 1t is one said to be peculiarly ad-
vantageous to the commercial interests
of both countries. assuring them against
rumors of war or the serious prospect of
war
AS one of those concerned i'm the nego-
tiatiOns 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 interests, as
occurred during the Venezuelan crisis,
the public will know beyond all possi-
blity OF rumor or report that the differ
ence is one which VIII be settled by ar
bitration, instead OF a possible resort tu
arms. This public sentiment against
alarm is felt to be no less beneficial. az
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 meas
ure of this extent OF fair trial, aftei
which, IL the results are as good as an
ticipated, the treaty can be renewed or
be made permanent
1t Is felt that the character OF the men
on such court will remove IL from the
usual divisions, based purely upon the
nationality Of the arbitrator. and. more
over, a majority vote OF the arbitrators
will doubtless be required.
As yet IL cannot be stated definitely
whether the treaty will cover differences
involving national honor and sovereign
ty. This was 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 between nations rather than
such an extraordinary event as an insult
to the flag or any other national indig-
nifty, which are usually considered out
side the scope Of arbItrations.
All the negotiations have been carried