Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-23

his invitation. Having taken this initial
STEP however, the Secretary says the Presi-
dent feels that he has gone as far as he APP
propriately can, and that with the general
acceptance of his invitation in principle
'the future conduct of the affair may fifty
follow it's normal channels"
Regarding the conditional acceptance OF
Russia, Secretary Hay says that while the
postponement which this reply necessitates
is to be regretted, this government recog-
nizes the weight of the motive which in
duced it.
Text Of Secretary Hays Note.
The text of the note follows:
Department of State,
WASHINGTON, December 16, 1901.
CTo the representatives of the United States
accredited to the governmenments slsha-
tories to the acts of The Hague confer
ence, 1S99.)
Sir: By the circular instruction dated oc-
tober 81 1904, the representatives OF the
United States accredited to the several gov
ernments which took part in the peace con-
ference held at The Hague in 1S99 ana
which Joined in signing the act thereoi
were instructed to bring to the notlce Vi
those governments certain resolutions
adopted by the Interparliamentary Union
at its annual conference held at St- LOUIS
SpOtemDer
bling of a second peace conference 10 con-
tinue the work of the first, and We're dl-
rected to ascertain to what extent those
governments were disposed to act IN the
matter. .,+
the proposition has been received with gen.
eral favor. No dissent has FOUND expires
sion The governments of Austrla-h n till.
gary Denmark, France, Germany, Gredt
Britain Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico. the
Netherlands, Portugal, Roumania, Spain,
Sweden and Norway and Switzerland eH-
hibit sympathy with the purposes OF tlle
proposal and generally accept 1T in prln.
ciple with a reservation in most cases OF
future consideration of the date or the con-
erence and the program of subjects FOR dlS-
cusSion
Replies Of Russia and Japan.
The REPLIES of Japan and Russia conveyed
IN like terms a friendly recognition of the
spirit and purposes of the invitatlon' put
on the mart of Russia the reply was accom-
panied by the statement that, in the exist
ing condition of things in the far east, II
would not be practicable for the Imperial
government at this moment to take part IN
such a conference. While this reply, tend
ing as it does, to cause some postponemeht
of the proposed second conference. Is deeply
regretted, the weight of the motive which
induces it is recognized by this government,
and probably by others. Japan made the
reservation only that no action should be
taken by the conference relative 10 the
present war
Although the prospect of an early convo-
cation of an august assembly OF repreSen-
tatives of the nations in the interests OF
peace and harmony among them is deferred
for the time being. 1t may be regarded as
assured so soon as the interested powers
are in a position to agree upon date and
place of meeting and to Join in the formula
ton of a general plan for discussion The
President is much gratified at the cordial
reception of his overtures. He feels that IN
eliciting the common sentiment of the va
| riouS governments in favor OF the principle
| involved and of the objects sought to be at
tained a notable step has been taken to-
ward eventual success.
Pending definite agreement for meeting
when circumstances shall permit, it seems
desirable that comparison of views should
be had among the participants as to the
scope and matter of the subjects to be
brought before the second conference. The
| invitation put forth by the government of
| the United States did not attempt to do
more than indicate the general topics which
! the final act of the first conference of The
Hague relegated, as unfinished matters, to
| consideration by future conference-ad-
! verting, in connection with the important
| subject of the inviolability of private prop
| erty In naval warfare, to the like views
expressed by the Congress of the United
| States in its resolution adopted April 2S
| 1904, with the added suggestion that it may
| be desirable TO consider and adopt a pro-
cedure by which states nonsignatory to the
| original acts of The Hague conference may
| become adhering parties. In the present
state of the project this government is still
indisposed to formulate program.
Secretary Hays Suggestion.
| In view of the virtual certainty that the
| Presidents suggestio Of The Hague as the
| place Of meeting of second peace confer.
| ence will be accepted by all the interested
| powers and In view also of the fact that al
| organized representation of the sgnatories
| of the acts of 1899 now exists at that CAPT.
tai, this government feels that it should no.
! assume the initiative in drawing up a pro-
| gram, nor preside over the deliberations Of
| the signatories in that regard 1t seems t,
| the President that the high task he under
| took in seeking to bring about an agree
| ment of the powers to meet in a second
peace conference Is virtually accomplished
| so far as 1t Is appropriate for him to act
| and that, with the general acceptance OF
| his invitation in principle, the future con
| duct OF the affair may fifty follow its nor
| NAL channels. To this end 1t Is suggested
| that the further and necessary Interchange
| of views between the signatOries of the acts
| of 1899 be effected through the international
| bureau under the control of the permanent
| administrative council of The Hague. 1t II
| believed that in this way, by utilizing tht
| central representative agency established
and maintained by the powers themselves
an orderly treatment OF the preliminary
| consultations may be insured and the way
left clear for the eventual action Of the gov.
| eminent of the Netherlands in calling re-
| newed conference to assemble at Tht
| Hague, should that course be adopted.
You will bring this communication to thu
| knowledge Of the minister for foreign af
fairs and invite consideration of the sug
gestionss sherein made.
JOHN HAH.