Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-07-29
The Proposed Court Of Arbitration.

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of arbitration is established as a result
of the work of the peace congress at
The Hague, that body will have ac-
complished much more than most peo-
pie expected when it met All have
felt that the conference would result
indirectly in much good to the great
nations of the earth and to the cause
of peace. though no reasoning being
anticipated that a general dsarma-
ment or anything approaching it would
follow. But there will be a direct re-
suit of far reaching Importance if the
court of arbitration is established.
This will be a great American triumph
for our delegates have bent their chief
energies to this practical end, and have
had many obstacles to overcome.
The arbitration committee of the
conference contained the best talent
present and its recommendation can
only be ratified by the whole body.
These recommendations, in brief, are
that each nation within three months
shall appoint four men well Versed in
International law and of high moral
standing to act as arbitrators. These
men shall constitute an International
court Of arbitration TO be in continuous
session at The Hague. The members
of the court are to be nominated for
six years, and their. terms may be re-
newed They will enjoy all diplomatic
privileges. The sittings of this tribunal
will work for the immeasureable en-
rchment and strengthening of the
whole system of international law,
even aside from the specific service
upon which it may be expected. with
more or less consistency, to be engaged.
it will be a standing influence and an
ever ready court of appeal, removed
from prejudice ana from all Fictitious
considerations. with clearer discrimina-
tions between international rights and
diplomatic casuistry and rubbish. than
is possible TO the representatives Of
powers directly intel ested."
This plan is a broad one and should
command the confidence of nations. If
ever a great scheme for the advance
ment of mankind was worthy of trial
this one is. Such a court would be the
greatest and most distinguished of hui
man tribunals. and each power would
naturally desire to be represented in its
membership by men of the most com
manding talents and the largest repu-
tations The whole proposition is to-
ward n higher and better level of in
ternationai relationship. 1t recognizes
the vital fact that war is no longer
something which concerns the engag
ing parties alone, but an evil ana dis
grace which every nation should help
every other nation to avert by the full
exercise of its advisory and judicial
powers.
No better place than The Hague
could be selected as the permanent
meeting place of such court. The
situation of Holland and its own
preferences all favor peace. The gra-
cious young queen has no ambition be
yond her own prosperous and happy
domain. Holland has been a factor of
no small Importance in the worlds
history, but as the seat Of such a court
she would have a peculiar distinction
such as no nation, great or small,
has even enjoyed.
May the powers represented endorse
the action of the peace congress and
tration a reality of the near future. No
country can consistently object to its
establishment. The recommendation
Of the conference give a browning glory
to the work of a body which met in
doubt and hesitation. 1T has, tried to
do what is best for men and best for
nations, and while its immediate effects
on the worlds movements may not be
strikingly perceptible, it holds and
strengthens a great position. The
United States has reason to be proud
and satisfied with what its representa-
tives have done in this noble cause, Let
us hope that all governments will be as
ready as ours to endorse and ratify the
work of the conferences in this matter
The tax payers Of New York will be
glad to hear the denial of the report
.L,.. r,.,.e.. 49, - - E,-. 1,.r