Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-12-14

The negotiations between the United
States and Great Britain for a treaty of
general arbitration, covering all subjects
of difference between the two English
speaking nations present and prospective
has advanced to a stage Of completeness
far beyond what the public has 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 negotiations, it 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
which the treaty shall be operative.
Second "A court of arbitration Of six
members. three to he 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 nations,
now pending or to arise within the period
of five years. this not to include the BerinS
Sea question or the Venezuelan question,
now before independent commissions. but
to include the question Of the boundary
between Alaska and British North Ameri-
ca.
The completion Of this treaty will mark
AN IMPORTANT EPOCH
in the relations between the two English
speaking nations, and in the judgment OF
those who have been most identified in
its consummation it will be the most i'm
portaut document of a peaceful character
In the history of their mutual dealings
The President made passing allusion TO
the subject i'm his recent message. 1t has
been understood. however. that the main
purpose of Mr.. Omey was to reach an
agreement as TO Venezuela. and that hav-
ing accomplished this, the larger question
of arbitrating all differences would require
considerable time for its complete develop
mcnt. But the negotiations have proceed
ed with
SURPRISING UNANIMITY
so that those engaged in the work conf
IDENTIFY believe that it VIII be fully agreed
upon and the signatures of the contract
ing parties placed 10 the documents with
in three weeks. This will give fully two
months for the consideration and ratif-
cation 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 an
ticipate that the treaty may be made et-
fective before the close of the present ad-
ministration At least. this is the conti-
dent hope and expectation OF those most
concerned in the negotiations.
Aside from the previously referred TO
points. 1t 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
threatened serious consequences. But
those familiar with the exact terms of the
negotiations say that not one of these
causes of frictions will remain. Some of
them are withdraw from the operation Of
the treaty from the fact that other meth
ods Of settlement have already been agreed
upon. This is the case with the Venezue-
Ian question, which, by the recent agree
mont pertaining 70 that subject alone, IS
committed to special court Of arhitra-
ton. The Bering Sea claims are now be
fore 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 considering them all, it is said by
those familiar with them that the Alaskan
boundary will be the only pending contro-
versy likely to come within the scope Of
THE NEW TREATY.
e
is to guard against future differences
threatening a rapture, and in this the
neeotiators believe that the terms Of this
instrument will be such as to avoid all
possibility of international conflict for the
future
This is regarded as the main achieve
ment II is said to be peculiarly ad-
vantareous to the commercial interests OF
both countries. assuring them against ru-
mors Of war or the serious prospect of
war AS one Of those concerned 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 unset
tling of commercial interests. as occurred
during the Venezuelan crisis. the public
will know beyond all possibility Of rumor
or rcport that the difference is one which
will be
SETTLED BY ARBITRATION
instead OF q possible resort to arms This
public sentiment against alarm is felt to
be no less beneficial as one of the fea-
lures assured by the treaty, than the plan
Of arbitration itself.
The reasons for limiting the treaty TO
five years are doubtless TO place measure
Of this extent Of fair trial after which. OF
the results are as good as anticipated,
the treaty can be renewed or be made per-
marent.
II is felt that the character OF the men
on such q court Will remove it from the
usual divisions based purely upon the ma
tionalitv of the arbitrator. and moreover
majority vote of the arbiuatOrs Will
doubtless be acquired.
As vet It cannot be stated definitely
whether the treaty
WILL COVER DIFFERENCES
involving national honor and sovereignty.
This was a point Of disagreement early II
1e negotiations. 1t is probable. however.
that an exception viii occur IN this re-
erec+ as the treaty IS meant 20 cover the
usual and ordinary differences which arise
l,,.tvreeu nations. rather than such extra
ordinary event as an insult TO the iiag or
any other national indignity. which are
usually considered outside the scope Of
arbitration.
All the negotiations have been carried
m In Washington and the signing Of the
instrument will occur here.
Mr.. Olney and Sir Julian Pauncefote
have borne the brunt Of the work, the lat
ter executing the views Of Lord Salisbury
IN sych a way as to expedite the final ar
rangement. Mr.. Bayard has not taken