New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-09-16
PIOT,S FUND ARBITRA TON.
HEARINGS BEGUN BEFORE THE INTER
NATIONAL COURT AT THE HAGUE.

The Hague, Sept. 15.-The hearing of the claim
of the United States against Mexico, growing
out of the Pious Fund of California. began here
to-day before the international Court of Arbi-
tration At the opening of the court the For
eign Minister DR.. r. Melvil, Baron van Lynden,
reviewed the history of the court which. he
said had been ready for business since January,
1901 but lacked Htigants- He heartily con-
graduated the two American republics on tax
ing the initiative and hoped the outcome and
experience of the court would contribute power
fully to the maintenance of the peace OF the
world.
Dr. Matzen, the president of the court,
thanked the minister for his friendly greetings
and said he hoped the court would become the
centre of international right The president
then opened the first session of the arbitration
court expressing the hope that the work OF
the tribunal would harmonize with the sublime
idea which led to it's establishment glorious
result, he said. was expected from the arbitra-
ton court-namely to facilitate the peaceful
settlement of disputes between States on the
basis of respect for right
The American and Mexican representatives
expressed their thanks for the welcome given to
them and said they had full confidence in the
impartiality and equity of the court. In de-
claring in advance their intention to abide by
the decision of the court the Mexican repre-
sentatives hoped that both great and small
powers would follow the lead of the two great
North American republics.
At the afternoon session the Mexican repre-
sentatives obtained permission to add TO their
documents in the case the reply of Mexico to the
memorandum of the United States.
United States Senator William NJ. Stewart, or
Nevada, began the pleddings. He applied him
self to showing that Mexico always intended the
proceeds of the Pious Fund for the civilization
of the natives of California and the prOpaga-
ton of the Catholic religion in those regions.
The hearing adjourned until Wednesday
The International Arbitration Court. which is TO
decide the Pious Fund case is composed follows:
Dr. F. D. Martens, professor of international law
at the University of St Petersburg, and Sir Edward
Fry the former Lord Justice of Appeal of the
British Courts of Justice representing the United
States, and Professor 7. NJ. c. Asser. the Dutch
jurist, and DR.. A. f. de Savorin Lehman, repre-
senting Mexico. who selected the fifth arbitrator
of the Danish Landsthing.
The Pious Fund originated in 1887 in gifts made in
trust to the Jesuits from charitable persons be
devoted to establishing and supporting Roman
Catholic missions in the CALIFORNIA; The Spanish
Government expelled the Jesuits in 1867 and seized
all their property. which thereafter admins
independence she took charge of the fund In 1S42
Mexico sold the properties of the fund and guar
anteed per cent ii in ptrpetuity to the Church
authorities When California coded to the
United States Mexico stopped paying this interest.
In 1869 Mexico paid 1901 100 arrears on an award
made in favor of the Church authorities by Sir
Edward Thornton Since that time nothing has
been paid.