The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-05-23
AMERICANS ON
ALL COMMITTEE
The Peace Conference
Ready for Work.
Special Dispatch to The Call.


NEW YORK, May 22-The Washington
correspondent Of the Herald telegraphS:
Secretary Hay received a dispatch to-day
from Mr.. Hollis secretary of the American
delegation to The Hague conference an
nouncing the appointment of American
members of the various committees or
ganized by the conference. The authori-
ties are especially gratified that Embas-
sador White is a member of all the i'm
portant committees, as that will enable
him, it is hoped, TO exercise great infiu-
ence over the conference.
I understand that since the arrival Of
the American delegates at The Hague
they have been performing some mission
airy work among other delegates in sup
port of the plan of arbitration which they
are especially charged TO press upon the
conference The fact that Russia is de-
sirous of compulsory arbitration is be
lieved to be of Importance as bearing on
the fate Of the American plan. A COM
pulsory plan is regarded as fmpracticable,
and it is thought that the conference will
be willing to accept as a compromise the
American suggestion for the organization
of a permanent arbitral tribunal of linn
tied power. to which nations in contro-
versy may submit disputes if they desire
to do so.
1t is considered strange that the Presi-
dent should be urging arbitration for
adoption by the world, when in two re-
cent instances he has rejected it. In the
Pears case the Honduras Government
suggested arbitration, which was dis
tinctly refused, and the demand for in
demnity pressed, and now in the Alaskan
boundary controversy Great Britain has
been given to understand that this Gov
eminent will not accept the proposition
for arbitration which she has advised.
~ in he
net attitude arises solely out of misun-
Outstanding of his position. He believes
that it is wise for nations TO have an
arbitral tribunal to which they may re
fer disputes If they desire, to adopt such
a course, but where it is manifestly to
the injury of the interests of one of the
nations he has no heSitancy in declaring
against action of this character. A repe-
+i9ion of the outrages upon American clti-.
zens in Central America has caused the
administration to determine TO give HON
duras a lesson. In the case OF the Aias,
kan boundary controversy, while saushed
with the Justice of the American conten-
ton. the President does not feel that ne
would be justified in submitting 70 one
man or a court. a question which is OF
such vast importance to this country, and
more probably as the people of the Paclhc
coast would sustain great damage II
faundiced arbiter should decide that Great
Rritain is entitled to portion OF what
IS now considered Alaskan territory
THE HAGUE, May 3.-The disarma-
meets at 10 o'clock on Tuesday morning,
the committee on the laws OF warfare
meets during the afternoon OF the Same
dav and the committee on aIDllrdlioIl
meets on Wednesday, The hrst session
of each committee will be devoted 10 Ihe
election of officers. The chiefs OF the uel-
egatfons have had frequent conferences
eth the view of arriving at an agreement
In regard TO the choice or ofncerS Oh tne
committees. Apparently many ulIlC 20, t iS
have arisen, as nothing has peeh nhaly
! Many false and exaggerated reports
have been circulated regarding THESE
bitches For instance, 1t mas been salu
that Count Won Munster. the German f5in-
bassador at Paris and head OF the ger
man delegation, would withdraw from the
conference. Such stories must De re-
cefved with caution, as persons hOslne
to the aims of the conference nave pesn
busilv engaged in spreading dlstrust. Inc
story about Count Won Munster proDapIy
arose from the fact that his name does
moi appear as a member of any OF the
committees while the other chle1S Oh ueie-
cations have joined one or more Goa LLnti
feee B,t II is pointed out, delegates,
although not members OF committee;
are privileged to attend its sessions ana
ma rtfcipate fulihe discussions.
pa ndrew d White, the United States
Ambassador at Berlin and head OF the
american delegation, in an interview mere
with a representative OF the ASsoclateu
bees said he regarded the situation as
Ironising and that the first work OF Or
ganization will be well done. He ADDED:
am hopeful that it will be possible to reach
nracticai conclusions The skepticism OF the
- few DAYS must yield to serious hopes with
ont ar the same time INDUCING in exaggerated
expectations. ,,-,,,t- 49, ooo
+rtbuted TO improve the situation. | think we
may arrive at some result on the subject OF
mediation and arbitration AIthough IL Is un.
doubtedly Impossible to make such OBJECT
obligatory IL can be rendered at least OBJ
tionaI. and l believe that after the conference
the POWERS will recognize that they nave at
their disposal means OF regulating their olher-
ences otherwise than by war. That VIII be an
Immense advantage. / am also conndent that
important improvements are achlevaole In the
laws and usages OF war. to humanize war es-
recially in extending to the naval battles the
Geneva convention OF 1854 and in increasing the
protection Of private property in naval wars
! Relative 10 the reduction OF armaments am
not in a position to speak on the subject
Other ambassadors who are delegates
10 the conference were also interVleWed
and expressed similar views. they said
they were most hopeful that the denoera-
tions of the conference would result IN tne
Cd Of r1ranftpal recommendations