The times., 1899-05-18
THE CARS PEACE CONGRESS.
Delay i'm Arranging Programme e
for the Opening Session Today.


The Hague, May 1.-THE delegates to
the Disarmament Conference met for the
first time at a reception given by Jonkherr
Cremer, Minister Of the Colonies. Nearly
all the delegates %ere present. They are
beginning to realize that their duties will
probably impose4 more severe test OF
their stomachs than their brains, for the
number of dinners and other social func-
tions for which invitations have already
been issued is quite appalling.
The final programme for tomorrow's sit
ting was not decided upon until late to-
night. The speeches of both Baron dc
Staal, the Chairman. and DR.. de Beaufort,
the Vice Chairman, which are now pre-
pared. will be brief and formal. Baron
de Staal will confine himself to a strong
tribute to the Cars courage and human
ity in issuing the invitation for confer
ence. but he will reserve until next week
his important speech in which he will deal
with practical subjects regarding the work
of the conference. Three secretaries will
be selected, one of whom will probably be
Mr.. Hollis. the Secretary of the American
delegation. The only other question that
will be raised tomorrow will be as to the
publicity OF the proceedings, but it is al
most foregone conclusion that the ses-
sions will be private
Four correspondents will be permitted to
listen to the opening speeches. Most of
the delegates are tonight In complete ig-
norance of the scope of their mission or
whether any definite scheme for avoiding
war has been prepared under auspices
which viii command strong support. Dis
armament or a serious curtailment of war
preparations have scarcely been discussed.
There is considerable speculation regard
ing workable plans of arbitration, of which
several will be introduced, but not single
scheme of this nature has yet been sug-
gested which secures general attention,
much less approval,
The impression becomes stronger that
Germany will be found opposed to the
whole spirit of the Cars proposal. The
German delegates are endeavoring to coun-
teract this idea by protesting enthusiastic
devotion to the aims of the conference and
confidence in the practical advantages that
will spring from it.
1t is interesting to note Just here that a
gentleman who recently had the ear of the
Gar represents him as expressing the
strongest sympathy with American indig-
nation over the German attitude anent the
Philippines, ETC. The Russian Emperor s
language itself, If quoted. would astonish
other capitals besides Berlin.
NJ. de Staal, Russian Ambassador to
Great Britain and President of the Peace
Conference, who has been i'll for several
days, has recovered and was about town
today. 1t is thought. however, that his
age and feebleness will make it necessary
for NJ. de Beaufort to do most of the work
of the presiding officer in his capacity Of
vice chairman. Count Won Munster, Ger
man Ambassador to France. arrived here
today and will speak in behalf of the
Gar at the opening of the conference to-
morrow.
Mr.. William T. Stead came today fresh
from his latest Interview with the Gar
There has been some anxiety among the
delegates over his on-arrival, for every
one recognizes that it would be impossible
for the conference to proceed without him,
although he is mot an official delegate of
any country. The Russian and other dele
gates are now gratefully receiving his
suggestions and instructions. and their
courage. which has been at a low ebb. Is
now reyiying.