New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-01-04

undue influence IN the history OF interna tional
arbitration This award has always ranked IN
the bosom OF the English people in consequences
OF the unfairness OF the verdict and rendered
the British Government very cautious at first
about definitely committing itself 70 the prfn-
ciple OF arbitration contained in the programme
OF the peace conference OF The Hague. Indeed.
II serves as an Illustration OF my argument
against the selection OF chiefs OF State as arhi-
traitors. that. although the interests involved IN
the Delagoa controversy were UNNECESSARILY tn
ferior In Importance 10 the Alabama award. yet
the latter, while II constituted a severe blow TO
John Bulls pocket and TO John Bulls pride, was
accepted in silence and without grum5lins. jrst
because It had been given. not BY any one arbi-
traitor, but By an International tribunal as
senbled for the purpose at Geneva
One OF the most remarkable episodes IN the
history OF international arbitration was the ap-
peal made by the late Prince Bismarck TO Leo
XIII to act as umpire in a dispute which had
arisen between Germany and Spain with regard
to the Caroline Islands II was clever pcliti-
cal move on the part OF the great Chancellor.
for he could not have selected an arbitrator
more pleasing to the Spaniards whose de-
cision was more likely to be received with re-
spect at Madrid. while the compliment thus paid
to the supreme head OF the Roman Catholic
Church contributed in 10 small measure TO
establish the frtendliest relations between the
German Government and the Holy Seat which
had been at war with each other ever since the
institution Of the Kulturkanpf-durfng the reign
of Plus TX II is doubtful whether there IL any
event during his long and remarkable pontincafe
to which Leo XIII looks back with much
satisfaction as to this arbitration OF the d1fr-
cuIties between Germany and Spain. and his
award Is weIlnigh unique IN that II was re-
ceived with equal good viii By both parties 70
the controversy. and its fairness never gEss-
toned
Admitting that international arbitration b
preventive OF war and a powerful instrument
OF peace, Il Is fortunate n every respect thas
President Roosevelt should have induced Ger
many. Great Britain and Venezuela 70 refsr
their differences TO the international tribunal ar
The Hague for settlement instead OF accepting
the pressing and fattering invitation &c aecsps
the role OF arbitrator IN the matter. Since the
constitution OF the tribunal there has been =
marked disposition displayed by the powers not
only OF the Old World. but also OF South Amer
ica to ignore II. and 10 refer to crowned heads
and to presidents of republics questions nat
are within its province II is difficult TO &C
count for this, and assuredly mistaken policy
which the United States has done well TO cts-
countenance, for. as shown above. rulers as urn-
pires help bringing the entire principle OF
International arbitration into disreputs by ths
suspicion to which they exposed of par
tiality. whereas the tribunal OF The Hague IL en-
tfreIy exempt from anything Of the kind BY rsa-
son of its constitution. and everything that can
tend 10 increase its prestige and importance IS
calculated 10 promote the cause OF the peace or
the world Ex-ATTACHx