The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-05-19
READY NOW TO TALK PEACE
CzAR's CONFERENCE IMPREssIVELY
ORGANIZED AT THE HAGUE.

Baron de staal Chosen President-ConRrat-
uIatory Messages Sent to tho Gar and
3 Queen NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Delegates
Well Seated Opening Session and
Speeches Brief - High Praise for tho
Crsr-No Tangible Plan Yot Presented.
Special Cable De,patch to TIE sur.
THE HAGUE. May 1s.-The Cars peace con-
ference assembled here to-day under brilliant
meteorological auspices. The warm. bright
sun ard fresh breeze made the eayly decorated
tow most attractive and the green OF the
suburbs gave the surroundings OF the House
In the Woods q charm which tempted the ar
irving delegates to delay entering the council
chamber until they had stopped to admire the
delightful picture which the palace made In its
beautiful grounds. IL was q little later than
the announced hour for assembling before all
OF the delegates arrived. but there wore only
two or three absentses whom the conference
was called to order a few minutes past 2
O'Clock.
DIR. de Beaufort. the Vice-Chairman opened
the conference with the following remarks:
In the name Of my august sovereign 1 have
the honor to bid you welcome and to express
my feelings Of profound respect and hearty
gratitude toward his Majesty the Emperor Of
the Russias. who has so greatly honored our
country by designating The Hague as the seat
OF this conference. The Emperor. in making
the noble proposal that has been applauded
by the whole civilized world. has aimed at re-
alizing the vow expressed by one OF his most
illustrious predecessors. Alexander l.. first. to
see all OF the sovereigns and nations Of Europe
come to an understanding to live like brothers.
succoring each other and supporting them in
their needs.
"Inspiring himself with these noble tradi-
lions OF his august grandfather. his Majesty
has proposed to all OF the Governments whose
representatives are here to bring about a con-
ference whose mission will be to search for
means to make an end OF continental arma-
ments and prevent the calamities that menace
the whole world. Most assuredly the day on
which this conference will be one OF
the most remarkable days in the history Of the
now finishing century. and 1t comedies with
the feast which his Majesty's subjects are
celebrating.
while associating myself with all OF the
wishes OF this magnanimous sovereign. l will
allow myself to be the interpreter OF the wishes
Of the whole civilized world by expressing the
hope that his Majesty. seeing through the
efforts Of this conference a realization OF his
purposes. may In future consider this day as
the most beautiful Of his life.
My sovereign. with the same feelings with
which the Emperor OF the Russias is inspired.
has put the most beautiful historical monu-
ment she possesses at the disposal OF the con-
ference. The hall in which you now meet,
decorated by the best artists OF the seven
teenth century. was erected by the widow Of
Prince Frederic Henry in memory OF her noble
husband. Among the allegorical groups OF
figures which you can admire here there ara
those relative to the Peace Of Westphalia. That
which deserves your attention is the one you
see over the entrance door. where Peace Is
entering to shut the temple OF Janus. I hone.
gentlemen, that this beautiful allegory will be
good omen as you labor. After having An
ished your work I hope that you may say that
Peace. making it's entrance into this hall by
way Of art. has issued from 1t to spread its
favors on mankind"
Upon the conclusion OF his speech Of well
como DR.. de Beaufort nominated Baron de
etaal as President Of the conference. and the
nomination was unanimously approved.
Baron de Staal said: MY first desire Is to
express to DR.. de Beaufort my gratitude for
the noble words he has Just pronounced re-
garding my august master. His Majesty will
be profoundly touched by the sentiments with
which DR.. de Beaufort is inspired and also by
the spontaneous manner in which the mem
bers OF this high assembly have Endorsed
ttlCIl. IL tHC q VI III iloctlhE
belongs to the Emperor OF Russia. it
belongs to the Queen Of Holland that we have
the privilege OF assembling in her capital. and
1t is a happy augury OF the success OF our work
to meet under the auspices OF the young SOW
e-eiRn whose charms have spread their inlu-
ence far. and whose heart is susceptible to all
that Ia great and generous. She has shown
much sympathy for the cause which brings us
here in this calm spot OF The Hague. in the
heart Of a nation which is a remarkable factor
Of universal civilization. We have under
our eyes a remarkable example OF what
valor. patriotism and persevering energy
can do for the welfare Of the people. and it has
been upon the historic soil OF the Netherlands
that the grandest problems OF the political life
OF States have been discussed. I can say that
this lie the cradle OF international aw. During
the centuries the principal negotiations OF the
European powers have been conducted here.
We find ourselves therefore in the midst Of
historic traditions Of the human race.
II thank DIR. de Beaufort for the fiattering
manner. too fattering. in fact. with which he
preferred my nomination. I I'M sure l express
the sentiments Of all the members Of this high
assembly In assuring DR.. de Beaufort OF how
pleased we would be to see him preside over
our sessions. His place as President would be
indicated not only by the presidents OF such
occasions. but also by his qualities as the emil
nent statesman who directs the foreign affairs
Of Holland. furthermore. his Presidency would
he a further homage which we should like to
have paid to the august sovereign who has
offered US her gracious hospitality.
"As to myself. l can only consider the refer
snce which has been made to me as inspired
OF my capacity as plenipotentiary OF the
Emperor. my master. the august ~initiator OF
the idea of this conference. 1t Ia only in this
capacity that l accept with profound gratitude
the signal honor which DR.. de Beaufort has
paid me in proposing me for the Presidency.
and I thank the members OF the conference for
being so good as to concur in the choice. Twill
use all my efforts to merit their confidence. but
am fully aware of my advanced aRe-alas. 1t
Is a sad privileGe-and l must prove a weak
auxiliary"
The conference voted to send through DR.. dc
Beaufort a telegram OF birthday conRratula-
ton to the Czar. and also to send through
Baron de Staal a telegram OF thanks to the
Queen Of Holland for her hospitality.
Nine secretaries were chosen. a majority OF
them being Dutchmen known for their lin