New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-12
THE AGREEMENT.

NE SENA1E-OCTl-lNEs OF
THE AGREEMENT
fBr TELEGRAPH TO THE 1RrBuNEl
Washington, Jan. l1.-Presdent Cleveic. I
sent to the Senate late this afternoon the treaty
OF general arbitration between the United States
and Great Britain signed to-day at the State
Department by Secretary Olney and Sir Julian
Pauncefote. Accompanying the treaty was the
following explanatory message:
To thv Senate
tranNnit herewith a treaty for the arbtra-
ton Of AL matters In difference between the
United States and Great Britain.
The provisions OF the treaty are the result OF
long and patient elaboration, and represent con-
cessOns made by each party for the sake OF
agreement upon the general scheme. Though
the result reached may not meet the Views of
the advocates OF the immediate, unlimited and
irrevocable arbitration OF all international con-
troversies. it is. nevertheless. confidently be-
lieved that the treaty cannot fail 70 be every
where recognized as making a long step in the
right direction. and as embodying practical
working plan by which disputes between the
two countries will reach a peaceful adjustment
as matter of course and in ordinary routine
In the initiation Of such an important move
ment II must be expected that some Of its feat
ureS VIII assume tentative character looking
TO a further advance; and yet 1T Is apparent that
the treaty which has been formulated not only
makes between the parties To il a remote
possibility, but precludes those fears and rumors
Of war which Of themselves too often assume
the proportions of national disaster
the attempt To accomplish results so beneficial
should be initiated by kindred peoples speaking
the same tongue and Joined together by all the
ties Of common traditions, common institutions
and common aspirations. The experiment Of
substituting civilized methods for brute force as
the means Of settling International questions II
right will thus be tried under the happest au-
spices us success ought not To be doubtful. and
the fact that its ultimate ensuing benefits are
not likely TO be limited to the two countries i'm
mediately concerned should cause II 10 he pro-
H..
and the lesson furnished by the successful opera
tion or TINS treaty are sure to he felt and taken
to heart sooner or later by other nations and
civilization ~
Profoundly impressed am therefore. hy
the promise OF transcendent good which this
treaty affords. do not hesitate to accompany n.
transmission with expression of nv earnest
nope that II may commend itself to the favora-
Die consideration Of the Senate
GROVER EVELAND
Executive Mansion. Jan. II. 1897
CHIEF PROVISIONS OF THE TREATY
Although the text of the treaty is still an IN.
cial secret. enough has been divulged from time
to time about It's main provisions 10 mako ~.
conditions Of the compact practically public
property. IL may be said that the treaty las
down these general terms OF arbitration:
rlrst-A limit Of five years from the date ~
the exchange Of notifications within which the
treaty shall be operative
Second-A Court Of Arbitration Of six mem-
bers. three to be drawn from the Judiciary ~
Great Britain
Third-The submission to this Tribunal ~ all
differences between the two nations now pend
ing or to arise within the period Of five years
thls not 10 include the Behrng Sea question or
the Venezuelan question now before inde-
pendent commissions. but to include the aues-
ton Of the boundary between Alaska and British
North America
King Oscar Of Sweden has been selected and
will be named In the general arbitration treaty
as the final arbiter in case OF a tie vote by the
Arbitration Tribunal on any matter He either
Will SIT and hear the matter II dispute himself or
will name deputy who will act as the inai
arbiter Thus for five years the Swedish King
will be the final umpire Of all disputes between
the two great English speaking nations. He will
act also in the Venezuelan dispute. and in this
dual capacity will come prominently before the
world as he foremost representative OF the set
Element Of international disputes by peace In
stead Of by force of arms.
The treaty has been largely the work Of
Mr.. Clney and Sir Julian Pauncefote although
the latter at ALI times in close communica-
ton with the British Foreign Office Sir Julian
aided in the contamination in way which would
have been impossible If he had not felt deep
personal interest in the successful conclusion
Of the negotiations. When they halted for a
time and seemed in danger OF failure through
misunderstanding on some details the Ambas-
sador went to London. where extended confer
were held with Lord Salisbury. the result
being that Sir Julian returned and continued the
negotiations 10 the successful end now secured.
THE VENEZUELAN SETTLEMENT
1t also follows that the last step aside from
90 ,ha
Venezuela. necessary to give effect TO the Venez-
uelan arbitration agreement between the United
States and Great Britain has been completed by
the formal assent of King Oscar OF Sweden Z,
the clause Of the arbitration convention which
makes him the final arbter in case the other
members Of the Tribunal are unable to agree.
The Congress OF Venezuela meets In February.
and while there have been some objections
raised in Venezuela to the arrangement for
a settlement OF the long-standing boundary
dispute. it is understood that these objec-
tons not potent enough To prevent ratl-
hcation OF the agreement in the face OF
its strong Endorsement by President Crespo and
the members OF his Cabinet. The principal ef-
forts of Sir Julian Pauncefote and Senior
Andrade are now being directed toward the
completion OF the treaty in season To admit OF
its being laid before the Venezuelan Congress as
This date would he February 20. but 1t is as good
settled that President crespo. taking advan-
tage OF the law which permits the legal sixty
days session TO be extended twenty days. will
advance the date OF meeting by that number OF
days. and the Congress will assemble on Feb
riary |. In this case. II the treaty Is to he SUBJ
mtted at he opening OF the session. IL must
be dispatched from Washington not much later
than January 20 so that only nine days are avail
able 10 close up the negotiations.
Just what points remain 70 be adjusted cam
not be learned at present. but II is known that
they do touch questions Of vital principle and
relate rather to details important. but not likely
to give rise to serou- controversy Ii can be SAID