The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1902-12-05

A convention with Great Britain has
been concluded, which will be at once
laid before the senate for ratification.
providing for reciprocal trade arrange
ments between the United States and
Newfoundland on substantially the lines
OF the convention formerly negotiate ID
by the secretary of state, Mr. Blaine. /
believe recopriocal trade relations will
be greatly to the advantage OF both
countries.
The Hague Tribunal.
As civilization grows warfare becomes
less and less the normal condition OF
foreign relations. The last century has
seen a marked diminution OF wars be-
tween civilized powers: wars with u--
civilized powers are largely mere mat
tiers OF International police duty. essen
ual for the welfare OF the world.
Wherever possible, arbitration or some
Similar method should be employed in
lieu OF war 20 settle difficulties be-
tween civilized nations, although as yet
the world has not progressed sufficient
ly 10 render il possible, or necessarily
desirable, 10 invoke arbitration in every
case. The formation OF the information
al tribunal which sits at The Hague IS
an event of good omen from which great
consequences for the welfare OF all man
kind may flow. 1t is far better. where
possible, TO invoke such = permanent
lLlDui4dl man ~ NlcdIc SHtN4AA a.
tors for q given purpose
1t is a matter of .,inCere ~CoDgratu-
lation Ito our country that the United
StaeS and Mexico should ave been the
first TO use the good offices of The
Hague court. This was done last sum-
mer with the most satisfactory results
in the case of a claim at issue between
US II our sister republic. 1t IS ealnest
~ 10 be hoped that this first case will
serve as n precedent for others. IN
which not only the United States but
foreign nations nay take advantage OF
the machinery already in existence ut
The Hague.
l commend to the favorable consider
alton of the congress the Hawaiian
fire claims. which We're the subject Of
careful investigation during the last
session.
The IstLmian Canal.
The congress has wisely provided that
we shall build at once an lsthInian can
FL, if possible at Panama. The attor-
e general reports that we can un-
doubtedly acquire good title from the
French Panama Canal Company. Nego-
tiations are now pending With Colombia
to ecure her assent to cur building the
canal. This canal Will be one of the
greatest engineering feats Of the TWEEN
tieth century; Il greater engineering feat
than has yet been acUOmpliShed during
the history of mankind. The work
ould be carried out as n ~Ontlnuln
policy without regard 10 change of adj
m~inistration: n it should be begun
under circumstances which will make
it a matter of pride for all alministra-
tons to continue the policy.
The canal Will be of great benefit to
America, and of Importance 10 all the
world. 1t will be of advantage to US
industrially and also as improving our
military position. 1t Will be of advan-
tage to the countries Of trOLical Am
erica. 1t is earnestly 10 be hoped that
all of these countries will do as some Of
them have already don with signal
success, and will invite to their shores
m and improve hen material
conditions by recognizing that stabilI-
ty and order are the prerequisites of
successful development. No indepen-
lent nation in America need have the
slightest fear of aggression from the
United States. 1t behOoVes Zach one to
maintain order within It's own borders
and to discharge its just obligations to
foreigners. When this is lone they can
rest assured that. be they strong Oh
weak, they have nothing to dread from
outside interference. More n more
the increasing independence and COM
plexity of international political and
economic relations render it incumbent
on all civilized and orderly powers TO
insist on the proper Policing Of the
world.
The Pacific Cable.
During the fall of 1901 = commune
cation was addressed to the secretary
of state. asking whether permission
would De granted by The president to a
corporation to lay a cable from a point
on the California coast to the Philip
pine stands by way OF A
statement Of conditions OF terms upo
which such corporation would under
take to lay and Operat1 {, cable was
volunteered.
Inasmuch as the congress was short
~ to convene. and Pacific cable legis-
lation had been the subject Of consid-
Grafton by the for several
years, it seemed to me wise to defer ac-
ton upon the application until the con-
gress had first an opportunity to act.
The congress adjourned without taking
any action, leaving the matter in eX-
actly the same condition III which II
stood when the congress convened.
Meanwhile it appears that the Com
mercial Pacific Cable Conn any had
promptly proceeded with preparations
~plication to the president for access to
and use of ~soundings taken by the L.
). S. Nero, for the purpose Of dlscoV-
ering a practicable route for a trans
Pacific cable, the company urging that
with access to these sOundings it could
complete it's cable much sooner than II
it were required to take sOundings
upon its own account. Pending consid-
| Grafton of this subject, it appeared inn
| Iortant and desirable TO attach certain
conditions to the permission to examin"
and use the soundings, if it should be
| granted.
In consequence of this solicitation of
the cabl company. certain conditions
were formulated, upon which the
president was willing to allow access To
| these soundings and TO consent to the
landing and laying OF the cable. sub
ject to any alterations or additions
thereto imposed by the congress. This
was deemed proper. especially as IL was
| clear that a cable connection of some
kline with China, a foreign country,
was a part of the comp2ny's plan. This
| course was, moreover, in accordance
with a line of ~procedents including
| President Grants action in cas- OF he
| first French cablefi explained 10 the
| congress in his annual message Of De-
| cembc-. 1875. and the instance occur