New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-10-09
AMERICAN EL0QUENCE.
1T IMPRESSES BRITISH.
Nr. Dickinson Stirring Plea at End
of ALASKAN Hearing.

London. oct. s-The arguments in the Alaska
boundary arbitration were finished to-day Mr..
Dickinson concluded with an eloquent perora-
ton. dealing with the bonds of amity between
the United States and Great Britain. The wives
and families of the commissioners and of coun-
sci were present
John ". Foster. the agent for the United
States. thanked the British Government In the
name of the American Government for It's cour-
tesy. and Lord Chief Justice Alverstone paid
tribute to Mr.. Dickinson.
The commission then adjourned until Monday.
when it viii hold its first private session, to
consider it's verdict
Mr.. Dickinson in dealing with the question Of
American military and fiscal occupation of the
disputed territory. quoted many reports of
american naval and military officers in regard
TO the formal taking over OF the territory and
governing the natives.
There is no concealment" he continued.
Everything is aboveboard; but Great Britain
never protested against or questioned these
actions"
In speaking OF the dispatch Of Ambassador
Choate to Lord Lansdowne which Attorney Cen
eral Finlay quoted as evidence against the
American claim. Mr.. Dickinson said he only
wished he had Mr.. Choate before the tribunal. so
that he could explain how the Attorney General
patch.
Il submit" he added. that all these acts of
the unquestioned occupation in 1867 cannot and
must not be dismissed as worthless. as British
counsel contend. I submit that British acqui
essence in these acts can only he taken as favor
ing our Interpretation of the treaty"
The closing moments of the hearing were
marked by an intensity of interest hitherto lack
ing in the proceedings. AS Mr.. Dickinson
finished his argument and commenced his ref
erences to international relations and the pos
sible effect of the verdict the members of the
tribunal and the other listeners appeared TO
grasp the true import of the proceedings. which
had almost been lost sight of in the puzzling
technical details in which they had been
shrouded Mr.. Dickinson said:
The tribunal is unique, and the treaty will en-
trely miscarry unless at least one member shall
decide against the contention of his own people.
The faith thus manifested BY the governments
Of Great Britain and the United States that
judgment and justice will be exalted above the
plane where the sympathies that move men
have sway challenges the attention of mankind
and distinguishes this tribunal above all others.
1t does not follow that failure 10 reach n
decision will show that such faith was in any de-
gree misplaced. but if settlement IS reached II
will he triumphant epoch in history, the strug-
gle of humanitarian principles for the substtu-
ton of something better than war as the sole
court determining international differences.
laborng for the peace of the world than the
settlement Of these issues. so pregnant of posi-
bilities? If the tribunal should render judgment
practically unanimous. ii would be the strongest
assurance yet given to humanity that the Chris
tan nations tending toward the only prac-
teal realization Of the poets dream of a parlla-
ment of nations and q confederation OF the
world.
Mr. Dickinson also paid tribute % the OPP
posing counsel and Chief Justice Alverstones
fairness
Lord Alverstone said he had heard many
leaders of the American bar speak in arbitra-
ton and other cases, but Mr.. Dicknson's arSu-
nent equalled anything he had ever heard, and
he had not suffered by the fairness and i'm
partially with which he had presented his argu-
ments.
Mr.. Foster said:
Having approached the end OF the open ses-
sions / desire in the name of the government
of the United States and in behalf OF my asso-
ciates and myself to make public recognition
Of the extreme frendliness and consideration
with which we have been received by the British
Government and by its representatives. Not
only have every facility and convenience been
afforded us for the dispatch of the business
which brought TO this capital, but these acts
have been attended by marked courtesy and
kindness. In making this acknowledgment, II
Is especiallv pleasant to recall the fact that
during our prolonged sessions not a harsh word
has been spoken, has an unpleasant Incl
dent occurred TO mar the harmony OF our inter-
course May this be an indication Of the char
acter of the decision TO be rendered by this
tribunal, which both nations await with so much
interest.
Lord AIverstone replied feelingly and said that
his najesty's government would doubtless deep
ly appreciate such an expression of friendship
and thanks.
Attorney General Finlay entertained the
commissioners and counsel at dinner tonight.