The Meeker herald., 1896-12-19
AGREETO ARBITRATE
NO WAR FOR ENGLAND AND
AMERICA.
The Arbitration Treaty Aboua
submission to the Senate-A frtanpl
of the AdministFAtion.

tons between the United States and
Great Britain for treaty OF general
arbitration, covering all subjects Of
differences between the two English
speaking nations present and prospect
i've, has advanced to a stage Of COM
pleteness far beyond what the public
has had reason to believe. The pur-
pose of Secretary Olney and Sir Julian
Pauncefote Is to conclude the neSotia-
tons within the next three weeks.
All of the substantial features Of the
treaty have been agreed upon. From
the present status Of the negotiations
It is believed the following will Be the
important terms of this treaty.
First-A term of FIVE years frons sthe
date of the exchange and ratification
within which the treaty shall be oper-
ative.
Second-A court Of arbitration d six
members, three to be drawn fromtha
| Judiciary OF the United States and
three from the Judiciary of Great Brit
ain.
nal OF all differences between the two
nations. now pending or to arise with
In the period of five years, this not to
include the Bering sea question or the
Venezuela question now before indie
pendent commissions but to include
the question of the boundary between
Alaska and British North America
The completion OF this treaty will
mark an important epoch in the rela-
tions between the two English speak
ing nations. and in the Judgment of
those who have been most identified
with its cOnsummation, 1t will be the
most important document Of a pence
ful character in the history Of their
mutual dealings. The president made
passing allusion to the 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 ac-
complished this, the larger question of
arbitratlng all differences would re-
quire considerable time for its com
plete development. But the negotia-
tions have proceeded with surprising
unnnlmity. so that those engaged in
the work confidently believe 1t 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
the 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 eyerr REASON
to anticipate that the treaty may he
made effective before the close of the
present administration. At least this
is the confident hope and expectation
of those most concerned in the nego-
tiations.
The main purpose Of the treaty.
however, is to guard against future
differences threatening a rupture, and
in this the negotiators believe the
terms of the instrument will be such
as to avoid all possibility of iaterna-
tional conflict in the future This is re-
garded as the main achievement. 1t
Is one said to be peculiarly advantag-
eous to the commercial interests of
both countries, assuring them against
rumors of war or the serious prospect
| of war.
AS one OF those concerned In the ne
gotiations sums up the result: When
n serious difference arises between
the two countries, instead Of a public
feeling that may result and conse-
quent unsettling Of commercial Inter.
ests as occurred during the Venezuelan
crisis. the public will know beyond all
possibility that the difference is one
that will be settled by arbitration in
stead of n possible 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, II the results are as good
as anticipated. the treaty can be re-
newed or made permanent.
1t is felt the character of the men
on such court will remove 1t from
the usual divisions based purely upon
the nationality of the arbitrator and
moreover, majority vote of the ar.
bitrators will doubtless be required.
As yet 1t cannot be stated definitely
whether the treaty will cover difYer.
ences involving the national honor
and sovereignty. This was point of
disagreement early in the negotiations.
1t Is probable, however, 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 extra.
ordinary events as an insult to the
flag or any other national indienitv.
which are usually considered outside
the scope Of arbitrator.
All the negotiations have been car.