New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-01-19
PEACE TREATY'S PROSPECTS.
LITTLE DOUBT CT RATIFICATION AT
THE PRESENT SESSION.
ALL ITS OPPONENTS HOPE TO DO is TO AT.
TACH A PROVIsO DISCLAIMING ANY
INTENTION TO RETAIN THE PHIL
IPPINES PERMANENTLY-NOT


INTENTION TO RETAIN THE PHIL
IPPINEs PERMANENTLY-NoT
LIKELY TO SUCCEED.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIpCNE.l
Washington Jan. 1S-The failure OF the Senate
TO secure a vote either yesterday or to-day on
the Nicaragua Canal bill has interfered some-
what with Senator Davis's purpose to force an
early consideration OF The 'reaty OK Peace be-
tween the United States and Spain. Two days
at least have been lost, which might have been
given to clearing away the ground for discus
sion OF the Paris convention Chairman Davis
hopes. however. to have a clear field ahead OF
him before the end OF the week. and only appro-
priation bills will be allowed hereafter to block
the progress OF the struggle for and against
ratification.
The opponents of ratification realize that they
have not the necessary strength to amend the
treaty. a majority vote being required to alter
its terms in any particular. They also know
that. falling TO change the text. they cannot
muster the one-third vote needed to defeat the
convention. Their only hope lies. therefore, In
wearying the friends Of the treaty into an agree
ment to append some provso to the present
teyt. disclamng any intention on the part OF
this Government to retain the Philippines. as the
price of final vote during the life OF this Con-
gress.
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION.
Though the opposition has now found par
liamentary leader OF skill. energy and resources
in the senior Senator from Maryland Mr.. Cor
man, II is not yet clear what purpose the Demo-
cratic side of the Senate has TO serve in main
taining very stubborn fight against ratih-
cation. Since Mr. Bryan has declared in favor
Of ratifying the treaty first and settlin~ the
Nations policy toward the philippines later. II
is not perhaps. to be wondered at that Mr.. Cor
man should seize the opportunity 10 break the
force of Mr. Bryan's leadership in Congress by
advocating unconditional opposition 10 the
terms Of the Peace Treaty. By rallying behind
him this issue the great majority OF the
Democrats in the two Houses he will certainly
be able to commit the party to his own rather
than Mr.. Sryan's political programme.
But beyond its effect on the struggle for con-
troll within the Democratic organization. Mt.
Germans fight against ratification cannot pro-
duce any very serious results At best II can
only postpone approval of the terms OF peace
made Paris until special session of the Sem
ate can be called in Marcia session which will
find the ranks OF the opposition materially de-
pleted the Democratic leader himself being
among the ten or more memb Of that party
who will then have lost their seats With Mr..
German directing the fight against ratification.
Chairman Davis is to encounter manv OBJ
staces to progress In executive session. There
Is as yet however, no substantial reason To
think that the Paris Treaty, even with due re-
gard to other necessary legislative business.
cannot be ratified before March next
CONSEQUENCES OF REJECTION.
What would probably be the situation in the
event Of the defeat of the pending treaty OF
peace is a question that is frequently asked.
Answers TO that question are found in opinions
of American statesmen and the highest authori-
ties on international law and usage.
Thomas JeNersonc opinion that con
quest gives only an inchoate treaty Of peace,
which does not become perfect till confirmed by
the treaty of peace and by renunciation or
abandonment by the former proprietors"
Everything that has been stipulated by an
agent in conformity with his full powers ought
TO become obligatory for the State from the
moment OF signing. without even waiting for the
ratification" says Martens. However" he con-
tinues, mot to expose a State to the errors OF
single person. II has now become a general
maxim that public conventions do not become
obligatory until ratified. The motive OF this
custom clearly proves that the ratification can
never be refused with Justice except when he
within the extent Of his public full powers. has
gone beyond his secret instructions, and conse-
qu.ntly rendered himself liable to punishment;
or when the other party refuses to ratfy.'
VIEWS OF PRESIDENT MONROE.
President Monroe. commenting upon his nego-
tiations with spain relative to the cession OF
Florida and the decnation of Spain to ratify
the treaty, remarked that the facts would
tiaI mir Govern
ment Of Spain had no justlhabie cause for de-
clinine 10 ra .ify the treaty "A treaty concluded
in conformity with Instructions said President
Monroe "Is obligatory in good faith in all its
stipulations according 10 the true intent and
meaning Of the parties. Each party Is hound to
ratifv IT, II either could set aside without the
consent Of the other there would no longer be
anv rules applicable to such transactions be-
tween nations BY this proceeding the Govern
noent of Spain has rendered to the United states
a new and very serious injury. IL mas peen
stated that Minister would be sent TO ask GER
tain explanations Of the Government out IL
such were desired, why were they TOT asheu
within the time limited for ratincatioh! Is
contemplated TO open rev negotiation respect
ing any Of the articles or conditions OF the
treaty? II that were done. to what consequence
might II not lead? AT what time ana IN wnat
manner would new negotiation terninateF by
this proceeding Spain has formed relation De-
tyoen tbs TWO countries which will justify any
measures on the part Of the United States which
strong sense Of injury and a proper regard
for the rights and interests Of the Nation may
dictate"
WHAT JOHN QUINCY ADAMS SAID.
Speaking for Presiden: Monroe and for himself
Secretary OF State John Quincy Adams denned'
distinctly and explicitly. the position OF the
United States Government relative 70 the oon-
--..IO.. % rntIfv a comnnct for the ad1ustment