The times., 1898-08-30
PROPOSAL IS STARTLING
Views of Diplomats on the
Cars Dream of Peace.
JOHN SHERMAN'S WORDS
IL Is n Wise Proposition and He
Thinks There Is No Reason
Why international Controversies
Should Not he Settled without
Force of fArms-Interesting Points.

Force of fArms-Interesting Points.
Hon. John Sherman, formerly Secreta-
ry of State, with regard 10 the Cars
proposal for the general disarmament of
the worlds powers, said yesterday:
1T is a wise proposition. In all hu-
man probability England and Russia will
soon be at war unless some such inter
mediary is presented.
Il do not see why international contro-
versies should not be settled by peacea-
bIe means, just as such differences are
Settled by individuals
ITO induce Europe to disband her ar
mics. however, is very difficult under
taking. If it could be done war would
probably be prevented. though eigencies
might arise that would cause the nations
Interested to take up arms
''The proposal interests US only indi-
rectly, because We are so isolated. and
dominate this continent withou- any
show OF force.
There now seems no possibility that We
viii ever have war with our neighbors,
Canada, Great Britain). or Mexico. Can
ada offers no menace and the people Of
this country do not want the territory.
/ doubt if they would accept the Domin-
ion even if the offer of annexation were TO
be made TO US. Canada's population has
only doubled once in 100 years and ours
doubles every thirty or forty years.
I'VE had a war with Mexico and robbed
her of considerable territory but it is not
al all probable that we will have trouble
with that republic again.
- think the United States would be
very willing to enter into such congress
ss is proposed by the Car in the interest
of general peace"
Views of HOke Smith.
Hon. Ho1e Smith, Of Geong.a, Secre-
tary of the Interior in the last Cleveland
Cabinet, arrived here yesterday. Speak
ing of the proposition of the Gar Of Rus
ssa TO dlsarm all the great nations Of the
earth, Mr. Smith said:
at Is an admirable suggestion. The
proposition could undoubtedly be carried
out four OF five of the strongest ma
tions were TO unite. I should like TO see
the entire world put upon lasting peace
basis"
Words of N Diplomat
A diplomat attached TO the legation Of
one of the powers most deeply interested
in the proposition TO put an end to pro-
gressive development of the present arm
aments of the world talked freely about
Count Muravief's communication He
said:
LIT is q startling proposition and may
prove to be one of the great events of
history. We cannot question the sin
cerzty of the Gar. The time and manner
OF its making are significant of his ear
nest purpose, and although diplomats
generally viii, judge, be skeptical of its
fulflment, II must be remembered that
the Russians have proved themselves, es-
Peciany of late. a practical people. and
their present ruler not a weaver of idle
dreams. Neither is the proposition incon-
sistent with the past policy OF Nicholas
and his father.
The Possible Attainment
'Tn considering the probability of the
attainment of the purpose set forth in
Count Muravief's S note, it must be borne
in mind that the Car would hardly take
such a step without sounding at least
some OF the other powers beforehand. II
is confidently asserted that Germany was
approached. and it is fair to assume that
not only have the views of France and
Great Britain been ascertained, but that
some assurances of international support
have been received. In a matter OF such
gravity not even the Car could afford to
move alone
1T is, after all, a matter for Russia,
Germany and France to decide. The 9TH
ers would be only too glad of the per-
mission or the opportunity to reduce the
enormous expenditures which in some
cases are sucking the very life blood of
the nation.
EurOpe's Anaemic Nations
Everyone knows how anaemic Italy
and especially Spain have already be-
come, following the increases in taxation
and the transfer OF more and more men
from the producing to the consuming
class. Austria too, would give much to
be relieved from the burden that is
crushing her. Already bankrupt she is
faced by certain disruption of her empire
when the great Francis Joseph dies. and
is stiIl further weakened by the strain of
keeping the peace in Bosnia and Herze-
goyina. Japan's interests, too. are in
assured peace. The increases in arma-
ment which she has made since the war
with China have been purely defensive.
I'VE see from what is being said in the
English press where she considers that
her interests lie. There must, indeed be
Z special welcome and augury to her in
the making of such a proposition by Rus
sia at a time when the relations be-
tween the two are as strained as they
are now.
Czar Sees Way.
f'The obstacles to be overcome in bring
ing about a general disarmament are
great; to most, perhaps, they will appear
ansuperable Perhaps the greatest is that
which the London Standard points out,
the difficulty of finding a ratio for mill
tary and naval nations. Then, too. il
would be necessary for the nations to
contribute some sort of an international
police tribunal and maintain a sufficient
force to punish refractory members
among themselves. But it is evident that
the Car thinks he sees way.
s'Of course the time has not yet come
when the nations can rope to get along
without war. But if the Cars hope
is realized it viii be possible to con-
f7rzn s1,n fiurhA A3rv 4A an