The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-05-12
Side by Side on Arbitra-
ton Question.
BEFORE PEACE CONGRESS
They Will Present Plans for Perfeetfng
This tanner Of SettIfng international
Autograph Letters Prom officials and
Prominent Men Awaiting Dewey's
Arrfval-The New Commander OF the
Charleston.

Washington, May 9.-The United
States and Great Britain viii stand
together in the advocacy of the ado2-
international disputes by arbitration.
which will be presented TO the disarma-
ment conference at its meeting in TIE
Hague on the 10th of the present
month.
The American delegates, headed by
Ambassador White, are equipped with
a fairly Well digested plan for the ex-
ecution Of this long-cherished project,
while the British delegates r pre-
pared with a plan, which IS almost
identical with the American project.
h details cannot be procured for
publication in advance Of the presen-
tation Of the projects TO the confer
ence. 1t is known, however, that there
are essential differences between this
last plan and that embodied in the
treaty drafted by Secretary Olney and
Sir Julian Pauncefote, which failed of
action in the senate when submitted
for ratification. The differences are
rather in the methods provided for Sc
curing an impartial adjudication than
in the principles of the former confer
ence, and it is believed hat on these
points the British and American propo-
sitions are now precisely similar.
Other points upon which the dele
gates have been are cor
rectly referred to in the cable dis
patches this morning, namely: The ex-
emption from seizure of individual
property and the extension of the Red
Cross rules of warlike operations at
sea. But another point in the instruc-
, lions which is not mentioned in the
cab dispatches is that relating to the
amelioriation of the horrors of war,
n with this, too, the American dele
gates are deeply concerned. 1t was be-
cause of the presidents interest in this
subject that Captain Hahan and Cap
tain Crozier were included in the
American delegation, and the great
changes in modern weapons Of war
which have all followed the last at
tempt of an International conference to
treat on this subject have given the
state department encouragement to
hope that something in this direction
can be accomplished at the approach
ing conference.
THE TESTIMONIAL AWAITING
DEWEY.
Admiral Dewey, upon his return to
the United States, is to be presented
with a monster testimonial consisting
of autograph letters from nearly every
member Of President McKiniey's cabi-
net, governors of states and prominent
United States senators.
The secretary of the treasury says
in his opinion of Dewey that he re-
CARDS him as n of the great galaxy Of
men who have made the American
name honorable and illustrious. The
secretary Of state writes that no arti.
fetal commemoration Of such a vic.
tory is at all needful to preserve i
forever in the American heart. This
secretary of the navy expresses similar
; views. The secretary of agriculture re-
minds Americans hat Dewey in a day
added an archipelago to the possession:
Of the United States. The secretary OF
war writes that he gladly adds hi:
tribute Of praise to Dewey, and tn
postmaster general enthusiastically
seconds the proposition to emphasize
the gratitude of the people.
While Admiral Dewey will be the re
cipient of many honOrs on his return
home, this testimonial will be the frs
written evidence ever extended to hin
of the very widespread sentiment o
admiration and gratitude on the par
Of Americans for the victor of Manila
THE CHARLESTON'S NEW COM
MANDER.
Captain G.. W. Pigman has been de
tached from duty as inspector of ord
at Newport News and ordered
to command the cruiser Charleston Oh
h Asiatic station, per steamer Of tn
oath instant.