The San Francisco call., 1903-12-05
AMERIcAN-BRITIsH ARBITRATION.

TNGLAND and France having composed their an
r cent differences by treaty of arbitration thereby
- rendering the Continental balance of power OF less
importance in British politics. it is proposed
the effort arbitration treaty between
the United States and Great Britain. Such treaty
negotiated by Mr. Mckinley and Secretary of State
Hay but Defeated in the Senate.
When it was under consideration in the Senate there
offered the somewhat amazing spectacle of certain
Irish members of the British Parliament opening head
quarters in Washington advocate defeat of the
They sought by United States Senator'S and their
interference and advice in political matter domestic
this country were influential in defeating the treaty.
Since then the relations of England and Ireland have
become more amcable The land bill and the visit
of King Edward to Ireland have mitigated much of the
harsness that for centuries has characterized the rea
tions of the countries 1t is therefore probable that
treaty may be considered its merits free from
foreign interference.
Viewed from the standpoint of American interests such
treaty is honorable it is necessary. The United
States and Great Britain led the way the arbitration of
issues which had in them the smell of powder and the
potency of When the Alabama claims went to the
Geneva court Great Britain without hesitation abided
by the award and paid it promptly great step forward
taken in the interest of peace and civilization Since
then the countries have arbrated the Bering Sea
and Mr.. Blanes claim that it clausum
decided against and in favor of Great Britain and
accepted the award and promptly upon proper adju-
property we had seized Next followed the Alaskan
boundary and the everlasting honor of British justice
and judicial character the Lord Chief Justice of Great
Britain decided that in favor
England is only European neghbor in North
America. We do not covet her possessions here but
contguity breeds friction and wisdom foresight
predict whence when it may There are
uneasy and adventurous spirits in all countries who TO
international trouble for the purpose of causing
war, condition dear the hearts of ali dsturbers of
peace and soldiers of fortune The peace of these two
great nations should not be left to the Dugald Dagetys
of the world. If solemn treaty exist pledgng the
countries substitute arbitration for the profess
sional dsurbers OF the worlds peace will have less
temptation friction because it will lead arb-
tration and not
From a proper American standpoint such a treaty,
wisely phrased respectful of the national honor of both
countries, proper object of patriotic desire Progress
and human happiness and its orderly pursuit
require peace and hindered by war Such treaty
for them stability, and conclude it would be
the crowning glory of American diplomacy
France and Great Britain found no insurmountable
barrier to such an agreement though the fricons be-
them, Continental and colonial have been
and and French prejudice had been recently
active and viruent Conditions between since the
Alaska award have been especially inviting and both
countries should take advantage of them without
waiting for a change.