New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-31
ARBITRATION PROPOSALS.
TEXT OF THE RUSSIAN ARTICLES MADE
PUBLIC.

The Hague. May 3O.-The "vaderland" prints
to-day the text of the Russian proposals re-
garding mediation and arbitration.
Part I deals with the desirability Of seeking
a solution OF international disputes by the
mediation of friendly Powers and sets forth
that such good offices. whether sought or prof.
fered shall bear strictly the character OF friend
ly counsel and in no way of compulsory force.
Part ii deals with international arbitration
which II declares ''the most efflcacous and equi-
table means of settling questions regarding the
international application of treaties" The con-
tracing Powers. therefore. should undertake TO
seek arbitration in such cases so far as these
affect neither vital interests the national
honor of the parties in dispute. Then, after
setting forth that each State remains the sole
judge Of what to be submitted 10
arbitration. 1t is suggested that a large num-
ber Of cases. such questions OF pecuniary
damage and dsagreements in the application OF
treaties conventions affecting commercial,
postal, navigation, currency sanitary and copy
right matters and the like, not affecting vital
interests national honor are those in which
arbitration should BE- obligatory. In all other
cases, says the Russian scheme. arbitration.
though recommended by the present act can
only be applied on the spontaneous initiative
of Of the parties in dispute and with the
express consent of the other parties.
COMMON ARRANGEMENT PROPOSED.
The closing clause provides follows: With
a view Of facilitating recourse to arbitration.
the s'Gnatory Powers agree to formulate COM
mon arrangement for the employment Of inter-
national arbitration and for the fundamental
principles to be observed in drawing up rules OF
procedure to be followed pending inquiry into
the dispute and the pronouncement or the arpl-
traitors decision The application Of these prin-
cpes and procedure may be modified in virtue
Of special arrangements between the States
which may have recourse TO arbitration
Part III deals with an International Commits
sion of Inquiry 1t provides as follows:
I'm cases OF divergence causing international
litigation on local circumstances, which cannot
be settled by ordinary diplomatic means but do
not involve honor or vital interests the Gov
ernments Interested agree to institute an In
ternational Commission Of Inquiry TO nves1-
gate impartially all questions of fact Each
Government interested shall appoint two MEM
hers Of the Commission These four shall choose
n fifth. who shall be president Of the Commits
sion. II the votes are divided as to this an ap-
peal shall be made to another Government or
to third party TO appoint president.
LEFT AT LIBERTY TO ACT
after the investigation the Commission shall
submit a report signed by all the members. 10
the Governments interested. The report snail IN
nowse have the character of an arotra'ioh
Judgment but shall leave the conflicting parties
al full liberty either to conclude a friendly ar
rangement on the basis OF said report or 10 nave
recourse to arbitration by concluding an agree
ment ad hoe, else by resorting to acuVe
measures allowable in the mutual relations be-
tween nations"
The Russian proposals are followed by cone
OF arbitration indicating procedure on the
lines:
THE States interested that have accepted ar
bitration shall sign special act of compromise
clearly setting forth the questions to be arDi-
trated and the full facts connected therewlth'
The compromise thus concluded may provide for
arbitration upon the whole matter In dispute or
upon points categorically determined.
The Governments interested may intrust the
functions of arbitration either to sovereign
third Power or to a tribunal Of arbitration such
tribunal shall be selected In the same manner as
commissions of inquiry and, If difficulty arises
in choosing the fifth arbitrator as president the
other Powers shall be asked by common COLI
sent to appoint president go
The other clauses Of the proposals deal with
details as to place OF meeting the appointment
of counsel the procedure Of the tribunal and
cognate matters.