New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-05-16

The recent alarmlst reports concerning rela-
uons between Brazil and Peru were probably
unwarranted We have been able 10 discover
no sufficient ground for them There is II Is
true, controversy between those countries
concerning the ownership Of certain terrific
rles in the upper Amazon Valley. II has been
pending for some time. Bolivia also IS or
was. a party to it, At one time there was
much talk about the independent republic
OF Acre" which amounted TO talk and moth
ing more. year or moro ago Brazil and Ro-
hyia came 10 an understanding and the dis
pute between them was practically settled
Bolivia relinquishing 10 Brazil for a sat
isfactory qud pro quo her claim upon the
territory. But Peru claims TO have been the
rightful sovereign Of the territory, or some
of il, which Bolivia assumed to own and re-
hnquished TO Brazil, as we'll as Of other land
TO which Brazil lays claim. The present dis
pute therefore involves points recently raised
by the action Of Bolivia, as well ms some that
have been mOoted for the best part OF hun
dred years
The case appears TO be one well suited 10
settlement by arbitration II is so regarded by
the two powers concerned. Each is quite will
lng' and indeed eager, 10 submit il 10 arbitra-
uon' II certain minor details can be arranged
One point is that each seems 10 want some
specific assurance OF the good faith Of the
other. That could be given by the simple ex-
pedent of each Of the disputants formally de
claring to some impartial third power its de-
sire for arbitration ana its willingness 10 ac-
cept the result thereof in good faith as a final
settlement Another, and perhaps the chief.
point is that Brazil demands that Peru shall
as a sine qua non preliminary TO arbitration
withdraw her troops from the disputed terri
tory while Peru IS said 10 demand that If her
troops are Withdrawn, the territory shall be
neutraliZed pending arbitration. The point is
really trifing one. Perus troops" in that re-
gion probably number not more than a hundred
men. who are performing mere police service
and such police service Is needed in that remote
and little settled region. 1t would be impror,pr
Tor either power 10 send an army thither while
arbitration is pending, but Il really would seem
reasonable for the small police force now there
TO remain in the performance Of its duties. ON
the other hand, If the Peruvian police force is
Withdrawn, 1t would certainly seem 10 be n
graceful thing for Brazil TO regard the territory
as neutral ground until the title is fully settled
by arbitration That would simply mean for
her TO leave it in statu quo for n time. and not
seek 10 strengthen her hold upon it while The
case Is under adjudication.
Certainly no such trihing detail as this sboull
/ De permitted TO prevent or 10 delay the adiudi
| cation OF the case which both parties want and
! which Is from all points OF view desirable The
| settlement OF il is essential 10 the industrial
ana commercial development OF that rich 70
| gion, as well rs for the strengthening OF bonds
OF friendship among the South American States
we shall not enlarge upon its desirabllitv as
means OF keeping the peace secure for we ere