New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-06
LAUDS HAGUE TRIBUNAL
Minister Bozcen Tells of arguments
IN VenezueIa Case.

Among the passengers on the Campania yester-
day was Herbert W. Bowen the United States
minister TO Venezuela Mr.. Bowen is returning
from Inc Hague. where he represented the United
States and Venezuela before the tribunal trying
the case Of Venezuela against the blockading and
creditor powers. He was enthusiastic over the
test that tribunal had successfully passed for he
thinks that it has marked great step forward in
the worlds progress All the arguments have been
iald before the tribunal, which will render its de-
clsion when It convenes next February.
The Hague tribunal" said Mr.. Bowen. con
sisted Of three members a Russian and the
others Austrians. The arguments were begun Sep
tember L Judge Penfeld and I presented the
American case. Twelve countries were represented.
The question admitted was whether Great Britain,
Germany and Italy are entitled by reason OF the
war which they instituted against Venezuela to
have their claims paid before the other creditors.
The decision Ofthat question will be important,
inasmuch It viii establish a precedent that will
Indicate what methods creditor nations should pur
sue IN the future in collecting claims.
During the session OF the tribunal. which began
September l. the three distinguished arbitrator
constituting the court heard every possible and
impossible argument in favor Of warIike methods
and every humane and enlightened reason why
creditors adopting peaceable methods should not
be held TO have forfeited their rights TO equality
OF treatment with belicose creditors.
IF we were a little further advanced in civiliza-
ton the distinguished arbitrator would doubtless
have been asked to decide. if preferential treat
meut should be given any creditor. why il
should not be given TO those who rerrained from
resortIng TO and used their best endeavors TO
collect their claims by diplomacy. But arbitration
is comparatively d institution. and until the
Venezuela arose the nations did not regard
The Hague Tribunal with great favor. Il was
thought that some Of the strongest nations
were opposed to recognizing the tribunal at all
However that may be, the most ardent supporters
of arbitration quite unanimous In assert
ing that this Venezuelan case in which twelve ma
tons interested, has given TO The Hague Tri-
bunal the recognition and respect II needed as the
supreme iuterns tiOnal court Of justice and peace
The credit for securing for II THIS general reCOS
milton and respect is due to President Roosevelt
He advised the beginning of the contention that
IL should be taken The Hague. Nearly all our
Presidents have done something for our people OF
great and permanent value, but 70 President Roose-
welt belongs the unique distinction OF performing
two services for the lasting benent OF MANKIND
He removed all obstacles 10 the construction OF
the Panama Canal ana secured the general recOs-
milton and respect for The Hague Tribunal . -
The Campania passed Sandy Hook at u:SO
Friday night several hours ahead OF her rival the
ST Louis The Campania brought 1907 Gags OF
mail which included the entire mail or last Satur-
day from the United Kingdom The last bag was
Put on board Just three minutes before the Gu
harder put DaUuU's Rock aSteFn last sunday morn
ing Among the passengers on the CaInpaIAa were
Count Morse de Agreda and Lionel Craden, brluSn
Minister 10 Cuba