New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-30
A PLEA FOR THE TREATY
ADDRESS OF THE NATIONAL ARBITRA-
TON COMMITTEE.
OBJECTIONS CONSIDERED AND DECLARED IN
ForNDED-PRoMPT RATIFICATION BY

OBJECTIONS CONSIDERED AND DECLARED IN
ForNDED-PRoMPT RATIFICATION BY
THE SENATE URGED.
Washington. Jan. 2s-The Permanent Committee
on Arbitration with Great Britain appointed by the
conference held in this city April - and q. 1886.
OF which William T.. Dodge is chairman and Fro
fessor John Il. Moore secretary. has made public a
statement concerning the treaty new pending in the
Senate. After reviewing the origin and provisions
OF the treaty. the statement continues:
The objections to the treaty which have come TO
the notice OF this committee have received careiui
and respectful consideration. We believe that they
are almost entirely owing 10 an imperfect study or
misapprehension OF Its provisions or OF their posi-
bic effect II seems TO be supposed that the treaty
questions policy. But by referring to the treaty
itself 1t will be found that the parties have agreed
to submit their differences to arbitration only IN
accordance with the provisions and subject to the
limitations Of this treaty. the questions wn,cn
may be submitted are all included under three
heads. viz: Pecuniary claims. territorial c'aims
and 'all other matters in difference, i'm respect 70
which either OF the high contracting parties sha.'
have rights against the other under treaty or other
wise" II is clear that no such agreement requires
the arbitration OF matters OF policy Inc Term I,
rights used in the treaty. can mean only
,esa, the MSTns o, ,e m escnd from m
operations all questions not suitable FOR Judicial
party 10 require Great Britain to arbitrate the
principle of the balance Of power IN Europe or the
United States the Monroe Doctrine. than 1t could
he held to oblige either party TO arbNrate It's
standard OF value or It's tariff policy
in certain contingencies by the King OF Sweden and
Norway has been criticised, but no more acceptable
the choice OF an umpire to lot. has been done
in some Of our treaties is open TO far eraver Oh
treaties Of arbitration 10 provide for the appoint
ment Of certain members OF the triSuna s oy
dispute. which was the subject of our last boundary
the decision OF the Emperor of Germany sole
arbitrator. But a more conclusive answer than an
appeal TO precedent is found In the fact that this
disputes involving principles of general Importance
q court Exclusively composed OF American and Brit
fish judges. and that such controversies cannot be
own representatives, concur IN thinking us in the
A Candid examination Of the treaty will show
that while fairly covering all subjects proper 20 be
10 cSa nd mas SO oe s 10 p
tect the just rights OF each country. For claims
soncailed umpire bu, ali graver disputes are 10 be
finally decided without the presence of an umpire
deed. both parties are satisfied with the decision
made By LESS %aSy ssS 5ha1 a
tiers before resort to hostile action of any de
be INVOKED Which mediation ii its Very nature viii
be only advisory, and will leave the two parties
rights Of sovereignty; and that therefore The APP
prehensons expressed by some that the treaty
In any acceptation OF the term. or OF any of our
legitimate rights Of sovereignty. are entirely
For the settlement of all disputes of greater i'm
pOrtance than pecUniary claims the treaty
simply furnishes the contra citing parties wellde
vised opportunities for judicial discussion OF the
points in controversy. to the end of facilitating
peaceable understanding. 1t will prevent the pre-
ciptae opening of hostili,ies under the spur OF
needless passion 1t will give sudden eXcitements
time cool and make way for calm reason. II
will discourage the advocacy of war for reasons
that stand the scrutiny of unimpa ssioned
and well-informed judp ment. While not rendering
war absolutely impossible 1t will make ii so i'm
proba BILE remote a contingency. that We shall
BE spared those wastefu distur Dances of the bust
ness of the country which are sometimes caused
by groundless rumors of impending conhct II
fail. therefore. 10 be strong safeguard OF
peace between the two great nations concerned
I'm IL. and-as the glorious example is likely 10 be
followed by other countries-a blessing TO man.
kind.
The initiation OF the movement for establishing
q permanent system of arbitration. Of which this
treaty between the United States and Great Brit
ain is the first fruit. forms one of the most honor
able pages in American history. The American
people will certainly not fail TO appreciate the glory
OF leadership i'm this great cause. which is the .
cause of advancing civilization.
For these reasons the committee. being convinced
after careful study that the treaty deserves all the
CONNIE ndations bestowed upon it by friends OF
peace and progress throughout the world. expresses
: he confident hope that the Senate of the United
States will give the treaty the sanction of its
approval