New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-12-25
TILE PEACE CONGRESS-.

Annie vindication Of the Presidents policy
In moving for another peace congress Mt Inc
Hague would be found, were IL needed, III Tue
replies made by the powers 10 his oVertuIeS
as summarized in Secretary Hays note OF
a few days ago. In fact, Of course, no VIM
dication is needed. His action was such as
completely commended itself by Its very nat
ure 10 thoughtful minds all over the word
Without offence we might perhaps say that
the replies mentioned are really a Vindica
ton of their authors. and Of the world at
large. rather than of the Presidents policy
They show that despite all the selishness ana
iealousies and other unworthy passions which
are all too common throughout the world, In
America as elsewhere, whenever strong. true
and fearless voice utters call for that when IS
righteous and uplifting there is prompt ana
svmpathetic response from practically every
quarter. We might say from every quarter
without limitation since we are told that our
governments suggestion has been heartily ac-
cepted, at least In principle, by every power to
which II was addressed.
There seems 70 be only one exception to the
rule of its acceptance in practice as well as in
principle That Is provided by Russia. That
powers acceptance is conditioned upon post
ponement of the congress until after the end
ing of the present war in Manchuria. While
this is deeply regretted by the government
at Washington, diplomatic courtesy requires
4 recognition of Russia's right to make the
condition, and thus TO compel, practically. a
postponement Of the congress The cond
ton is not unexpected. 1t was looked for
by many in advance of its being made. But
it cannot be said to commend itself 10 rea
SON 1t might be regarded as reasonable were
there clear indications Of q speedy ending of
, the war. But such indications are lacking. In
/ their place are unmistakable suggestions that
the war may last for years, put forward espe-
cially by Russia herself We are told the ST.
berian railroad is to be double tracked and n
mighty new navy Is to be built as means of
, winning ultimate victory in this war But the
doing Of such works will be matter OF years
Are we to understand that all the rest of the
world must await such lapse of time before
meeting in council for the general good? Then
if in the mean time some other nations become
involved in war, must we continue 10 wait until
they have fought TO a finish: Really, IL we
f.. are to wait for universal peace before holding
peace congress, the date Of the latter may be
set at the Greek Kalends.
With no wish to institute invidious comparI-
sons, II must be said that the Jananpse reDly
commends itself upon this point far before the
Russian. Japan Is certainly ms much involved
and interested in the rs is Russia Size is
quite willing. however. 10 enter a peace congress
Ut Ouces WItHOul WdttnP IoF the ending or The
war, her sole stipulation being that the deIibera-
tons and findings Of the congress shall not af-
feet the present conflict That Identical sug-
Gestion was made in these columns long ago
1t seemed TO us at that time-the time when the
call for the congress was first made-a reason
able and practicable method of meeting the oh
lection which we feared Russia might raise IT
is gratifying TO see that it has been formally
made by Japan and that it is well received by
many diplomats. 1t is pity that it could not
have been accepted by Russia. and thus the