The Washington times., 1903-07-04
PROGRESS OF PEACE
IN A TWELVEMONTH
Former Secretary of State Foster Re
views the Leading Events.

The Hon. John W Foster is con-
tributer 10 the current Independent"
In discussing The Years Progress in
Peace" ne says:
1T is a matter Of congratulation for
US that the United States was the first
TO SET an example TO he world OF a
resort to The Hague -lDunal. II was
announced year ago that this country
and Mexico were just concluding an
agreement 20 submit TO that interna-
tonal court question much discussed
and OF long standing That case has
already been submitted 20 the tribunal
and with a promptness and celebrity al
most unknown IN International judica-
ture a decision has been rendered. Al
though the amount Of the award Is la-ge
inc debtor nation has cheerfully ac-
cepted the result Even for her the re-
suit was so much more satisfactory than
Tie constant Irritation growing out OF
he continued agitation Of the question
That 1t was better 20 pay the award
even though regarded as negotiable,
src be at peace with her neighbor.
An Auspieious Event.
Probably the most edifying and au-
sIicious event has occurred IN a quarter
OF the world TO which Anglo Saxons have
not been inclined to look for helpful
examples in good government and salu-
tary public law In the lower extreme
OF the South American continent there
have arisen during the last century two
prosperous and aspiring republics As
rule they have sustained good admin
istration. maintained excellent foreign
credit. and have greatly advanced In
wealth and resources For a time they
arrayed themselves IN a rivalry for
erHs~
lowing the examples of the greater na-
tons they largely increased their armies
and navies
"A controversy over q boundary line
threatened 10 light the torch OF war and
thrust these two peaceful prosperous
aud Industrious peoples into a sanguin-
airy and eXhausting conflict. But better
counsels prevailed, and Chile aud Argeu-
tina agreed 10 submit the boundary
question 10 the arbitration Of the King
OF England His award has been rem
dered and accepted by both nations.
But that is only the beginning OF the
narrative. The two nations have entered
Into treaty whereby they agree TO sub
NIT all questions which cannot be settled !
by diplomacy 10 arbitration the only ex-
ception being those involving principles
OF their constitutions. They further
agreed to stop the construction OF mora
naval vessels and TO sell those which
were ordered 81 the time the war fever =
was raging. and as a result there are
now In the naval dock yards OF Europe
several war vessels OF the two nations
seeking customers. They also agreed 70
reduce their armies to a peace footing
and to so maintain them, and 10 partially
disarm their naval vessels at home.
An Inspiring Example
From these far away countries. where
we have been so prone to expect war and
disorder. comes this inspiring and hope
ful example. They are a people. TOO. OF
a different religion and race from the
most Of us-Catholics. not Professionals
Spanish-Americans OF the Latin race not
the boastfui Anglo-Saxon- May We not
learn from this 10 be little more char
liable in cur criticism Of the countries
to the south OF US in their struggles 20
free themselves from the customs which
enchained them during so many cen
turtles of misrule?
Some notice must be taken Of the
Venezuela complication Three of the
most powerful nations of the world COM
bined in a hostile demonstration against
one of the feeblest Of the smaller na-
tons
The point which I wish TO emphasize
is that the public sentiment OF the
world. and especially OF the British peo-
pie, brought those three powerful ma
tions to a halt IL is encouraging 10
know that in this era It is not so easy
TO inaugurate or prosecute an unjust
war as il was a century or more ago.
'On the other hand. the event shows
some OF the evil effects OF Transforming
the pOpulOus nations into great mill
tary powers. While the vast naval arm
aments and standing armies OF Great
Britain. France Germany. Russia and
other nations make them very cautious
about provoking each other 10 q conflict.
they offer temptation TO occupy these
forces in expeditions and adventures
against weaker nations. There was lit
tie risk 70 Germany, Great Britain, and
Italy III Selling or sinking the infantile
fOtilla OF Venezuela and in bOmbarding
its Anticipated forts
Hence, in the interest OF the weaker
nations and OF the worlds peace, II is OF
the utmost importance that public
sentiment be created among the enlight-
ened nations which VIII restrain the
great military powers from entering
upon schemes OF adventure or oppres-
sion and which viii support the smaller
independent nations IN their appeal 10
the arbitration OF their differences with
the more powerful
The Hague Tribunal.
The Venezuela imbToglio has also
served to bring into prominence the val
ne of arbitration and the utility OF The
Hague tribunal II was high comph-
ment 70 President Roosevelt to be So
licited TO act as arbitrator of that dis
pute. But il enhanced his reputation
still mere to decline the offer and 10 re-
fer the cOntending parties TO the tri-
bunal which his own Government has
done so much 10 create
In no country did this act of Presi-
dent Roosevelt receive greater common
dation than in France, some Of whose
representatives at The Hague Confer
ence were the most ardent supporters
OF the scheme adopted by that body.
Only a few days ago the press announced
that the parliamentary arbitration or
ganiZation of senator's had received some
notable accessions from the ranks OF its
public men, and that the cause OF in
tcrnatfonal arbitration had been given
a new impetus in that enlightened eoun-
try.
THE Alaskan boundary treaty, ap-
proved by the senate last February, Is
the method of settlement provided in
the Olney- PauncefOte convention. II Il
i've have a.