Virginia gazette. [volume] (Williamsburg, Va.) 1893-192?, 1904-11-05

washington. cFecldl.-in circular i
note. Secretary Hay has carried out |
the presidents instructions relative 90 /
proposing a second Hague conference. /
The note not only contemplates the re- /
assembling OF the Hague conference |
for the consideration OF the questions |
specifically mentioned by the original |
conference. as demanding further at
teution. such as the rights and duties
OF neutrals. the inviolabiity OF private
property ia naval warfare and the
bombardment 90 ports 10y naval forces.
but goes on further by practically en-
dorsing the project Of a general sys-
ten OF arbitration treaties.
The issue OF the call while the pres
ent war is in progress is justified by
the fact that tho FIRST Hague confer
ence was called before our treaty OF
peace with spain was concluded
MT Hays letter SAYS that the Hague
conference OF 1899 marked an epoch in
the history OF nations and that a great
work was accomplished. although GER
tain phrases 81 the general subject
we're left for a future conference. The
letter ascribes 20 the Inter-Parlimen-
I tary Union considerable credit for pre-
+ pairing the nations for the conference.
and says that this union at ST. Louis
/ recently requested the president 90 call
a second conference OF the Hague. IL
adds
In accepting this trust. the rresi-
dent was not unmindful or the fact.
so wildly brought home to AN the
/ world. that great war is now in pro-
+ gress He recalled che circumstance
+ at the time when. ora August 2t lSeS
+ his majesty. the Emperor of Russia.
I sent forth his invitation 90 the nations
+ Co meet in the interests of peace. the
/ United States aud spain had merely
halted In their struggle 20 devise
means of peace
While az the present moment an
armistice between The parties now con-
tending is In sight. the fact of an ex-
listing war is no reason why the ma
tions should relax the efforts they have
SD successfully made hitherto toward
the adoption of rules OF conduct which
may make more remote the chances
for future wars between them. Tn
1889. the conference OF the Hague
/ dealt solely with the larger problems
which confronted all nations. and as
sumed no function OF Intervention or
suggestion in the settlement OF the
terms OF peace between the United
/ States and Spain. 10 might bee the
same with re-assembled conference
az the present time. It's Efforts would
naturally lie I'm the direction OF further
cOdihcatiOn ~ the universal ideas OF
right and justice. which we call inter
national law. its mission would De &C
give them future effect
The president directs that Won vii
bring the foregoing considerations q
the attention OF the minister of for
eign affairs of the government Z,
which You are accredited and. in dis
, Greet conference with him. ascertain Z,
what extent that government is dis
. ] posed 10 act in the matter
should his excellency invite sugges
ton as 70 the character OF question
90 be brought before the propose.
? second peace conference. you may sa,
20 him that. az this time IL would seen
E premature 10 couple the tentative invi
tatiOn thus extended with a cAa@gOrica
- programme OF subjects OF discussion
IL is only by comparison OF views tia
q general accord can be reached as {
the matters TO be considered by III
+ new conference. IL is desired that 4
( the formulation OF a programme IN
l distinction should be kept clear be
tween the matters which belong {
the province OF international law an
d those which are unconventional as be
: tween individual governments. Anon
n the broader general questions AFFECT
; ing the right and justice OF the rela
y ton OF sovereign states. which wsr
then reregaJed 70 a future conferenc
were.
The rights and duties OF neutral.
n The inviolability OF private propert
in naval warfare: and the lombard
ment OF ports. towns and villages BY
l. naval force The other matters mel
T. toned IN the anal act take the fOri
- OF suggestions for consideration by II
terested governments.
= The three points mentioned cover
% large field The hrst. especially toucl
n ing the rights and duties OF neutral
Z IS OF universal importance It's RICH
. fGi disposition affects the interests ar
y well-being OF all the world. The me-
q tral is something more than an OF
) locker His act OF commission or cor
J. mission may have an inhuence-direC
G. but tangible-on a war actually
q progress; whilst. on the other han
he may suffer from the exigencies
the beliigerents. II is this phase
warfare which deeply concerns q
n world at large.
"Other matters closely affecting q
rights OF ncutrals are the distincti'
- be made between absolute and co
ia aitional contraband OF war. and q
srviofahf1gfv 81 tho 0mrfaI and Driva