New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-11-26
INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION.

Peace on earth so long anxiously desired by
the good OF all nations, would at least be
brought nearer II the plans for international
arbitration which President Mckinley Is SAID
TO be considering with view TO their suDmls-
sion to the great Powers Of Europe can be put
into such form as to be at once acceptable ahd
practically workable. 1t Is not the less an eHort
\ worthy of the highest and most noble states
/manship because II Is hindered by the gravest
difficulties. To find plan which all the great
Powers would readily accept is not difficult
All would accept any plan which could by no
possibility limit their freedom Of action, nor re-
suit in any surrender Of advantages or claims,
but such plan would be empty and worthless
and practically unavoidable. On the other
hand, It is not difficult TO formulate workable
plan which might In practical operation be ex'
pected to result in equitable decision between
disputing Powers. and which would In erect
place all under measure Of compulsion TO
abide by the decisions reached. But to get any
such plan accepted is obviously not an easy
matter
Rulers Of great nations are simply unable to
act as freely as individuals might They are
compelled, even though WELDING the most des-
potic power to consider to some extent the feel
ings. interests, prejudices and passions of the
people over whom they rule The great nations
are composed Of units who have interests or the
largest Importance to them as individuals or as
a community, and in settlement OF many ques-
tions by international arbitration the sacrlnce
of interests on one side or both would be un-
avoidable. Such sacrifice, kindling the bitter
hostility Of many subjects to the ruling power
cannot be contemplated without hesitation by
any Government; and any form OF arbitration
which might result IN such sacrifice or else
in a costly conflict en- dsadvantageous terms
with other Powers, would be liable to expose
the Government to serious loss Of support IN q
time of emergency. Thus 1t Is less easy than
at first Il may seem for even the most auto
cratic Governments to bind themselves by any
form of settlement which might come to involve
practical interests Of the greatest importance TO
many of their subjects.
Nor is It an easy matter to contrive MODE
of selecting arbitrator which Will be at once
effective and at the same time such that other
Powers may be willing to take their chances
under II. fresh selection Of arbltrators for
each occasion would involve the virtual sub
mission Of the issue to the will Of any Power
chosen TO select which may have strong attach
Incpts or aptagonism to one Of the disputants
and in these days, when the ruling families are
connected by countless ties or separated by tho
strongest jealousies or ambitions, 1t would no
be easy TO find Power which others wOul(
unhesitatngy trust TO make such selection
The case Is not helped in the least but possibl.
rendered more difficult, II II is attempted TO ere
ate permanent body OF arbitrators constitut
ing an international court for the hearing Of al
disputes The nations which are in closes
alliance at this hour are aware that shiftn
of the Kaleidoscope Is always possible whic
will place them in the sharpest antagonism.
To undertake n task 40 cnvlroned by diff
cultles II there be fair prospect Of accomplish
ing even little progress In the right direction
Is worthy OF high honor. II Is not 10 be PR
sumed that the President has seriously conten
| plated such an effort without reason for BELLE
l ing that there IL some prospect OF n creditab
| result. The complete independence OF III
| country ~ respects all the controversies while
| most embarrass European Powers Is now an
| dhaa eysr been to itaadyaataRA Uhs crsatpRl