Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1899-05-23

frequent conferences with the view of ar
irving at agreement in regard to the
choice of officers of the committees. But
apparently, many difficulties have arisen,
as nothing has been finally settled.
Many false and exaggerated reports have
been circulated regarding these bitches.
For instance 1t has been said that Count
Won Munster, the German ambassador at
Paris, and head of the German delegation.
would withdraw from the conference.
Such stories must be received with eau
tion as persons hostile TO the aims of the
conference have been busily engaged in
spreading distrust. The story about Count
won Munster probably arose from the fact
that his name does not appear a men,
Der of any of the committees, while all the
other chiefs of delegations have Joined one
or more committees. But, it is pointed out,
delegates, although not members of a COM
mittee, are privileged to attend its ses-
sions and participate in the discussions.
Andrew D. White, the United States am
bassador at Berlin and head of the Ameri-
can delegation. in an interview here with a
representative of the Associated Press,
said he regarded the situation as promis-
ing and that the first work of organization
will be well done. He added: Il am hope
5ul that it will be possible to reach practi-
cal conclusions. The scepticism OF the first
few days must yield to serious hopes with
out at the same time indulging in exag
gerated expectations. The words of EN-
peror William have contributed to improve
the situation. ! think We may arrive at
some result on the subject of mediation
and arbitration; although it is undoubtedly
impossible to make such action obligatory,
1t can be rendered at least optional and
believe after the conference the powers will
recognize that they have at their disposal
a means of regulating their conferences
otherwise than at war. That will be an
Immense advantage.
81 am also confident that important i'm
provements are achievable in the laws and
usages of war to humauize war. especially
In extending to the naval battles the Gene
va convention of 1864 and increasing the
protection of private property in naval
wars.
Relative to the reduction of armaments,
am not in a position to speak on the sub
3ect."
the conference were also interviewed and
expressed similar views. They said they
were most hopeful that the deliberations of
the conference would result IN the adoption
of practical recommendations tending to-
ward peace and rendering war more hui
manc. All were dominated by a sense of
Immense responsibility to achieve some-
thing. especially in the direction of arbi-
tration. Tho delegates were unanimously
of the opinion that the question of the
reduction OF armament should be the most
difficult TO meet and it is believed that il
will be releGated 10 the rear of the other
two features, especially since the special
subject Of the conference is now acllnowl-
edged to be an endcdVOr to establish means
FOR the solving Of international difficulties
without recourse to war. thus increasing
the rarity OF wars. and. as a natural
that the conference would be protracted.
After an active exchange of views during
the last twenty-four hours the chiefs of the
various delegations arrived this evening 4
an agreement regarding the selection of the
presidents of the various committees. This
agreement viii be communicated to the
delegates who have been summoned to
meet IN plenary session in the Hus Ten
Bosca at noon tomorrow. for the sole pur-
pose OF formally confirming the agreement
The meeting of the disarmament COM
mittcc has been postponed to o'clock to-
morrow afternoon.