New-York tribune., 1904-09-18
CARNEGIE PEACE PALACE.
Difficulty in Selecting Site for the
Structure in The Hague.

The Hague. September
Two years have already elapsed since the Dutch
government received the sum 81 900 from An
drew Carnegie for the erection OF palace for the
permanent Court OF International Arbitration. but
the choice OF site Of the future building has not
yet been made. The architects competition for the
plans Of the edihce. which has several occasions
been announced about 10 be held has again been
adjourned. II is not even certain that the arbi-
tration palace will be built IN The Hague The
traditional prudent Elowness Of the Dutch IL fully
emphasized in this matter. for. IN September, 1904
matters further advanced than at the close
Of 1907 Hence the complaints uttered lately by
the advocates OF the future court OF arbitration
the Continent. What It be asked. has
the Dutch government done IN the matter? For ao-
cording to OF donation OF October 7. lsOe
the initiative Of the steps be taken rested upon
the government The Hague.
On September "a, 1903. commission was ap-
pointed by the government with VI. de 6aVornin
Lohman member Of the Court OF Arbitration. an
chairman. for the purpose OF carrying out MI Car
nesies 3 plan. The work OF this commission was
confined exclusively the choice OF suitable sita
Finally. in q report submitted 10 the government
last February. preference was given 70 the PARK
behind the Maeoeld-the Bots de Boulogne OF Ans
Hague-as the site for the palace. This spot was
admirably suited to carry out the wish expressed
by Mr.. Carnegie that the palace be built in q
park garden; while the other hand. the land
could be acquired at a comparatively small cost
leaving the greater amount OF the fund available
for the building itself and the library.
The commissioners choice as soon made pub
lie was received with a general protest in The
Hague. Petitions at once organized against
the destruction OF any portion OF the park which
is the city's pride. WhereuDon. the Department
Of Agriculture vetoed the commissions choice. and
thus ended the matter.
new site was then put forward by the press.
Since The Hague refused the honor OF the Palace
Of Peace within !ts gates. the suggestion made
that the palace be built outside the city in the
woods Of Scheveningen. the eliminating point
Of the sandhiIls from where II would overlook
The Hague. No objection made 20 this plan
bv tho inhabitants OF the Dutch capital The
government however, for some reason not stated.
refused TO ratify the commissions second choice
ON June 30 last the advisory commission. headed by
NJ Dc Savornin Lohman, dissolved, and the
definite committee for the Carnegie foundation aD-
nointed The committee must Ak in final man
ner the site OF the palace. The committee has re-
,ected the proposed spot at scheyeninsen, and de-
cided that the Palace Of Peace be built at the
entrance OF the Bois. at the end Of the COeaan As
was 20 be expected. this choice Is approved OF
bv the people OF The Hague. and petition pro-
testing against the granting OF any portion OF the
park now being circulated. and has ALREADY TO-
ceived thousands OF signatures.
So the matter stands the present moment
The Dutch government. unless II wishes 20 appear
ridiculous hardly defer final action IN the mat
ter any longer. although Il must be ackno"isoseo
that the popular movement against the eaAlhs
OF any portion OF the capitals pleasure Efouhus
has made the task OF Queen YYIlhelninas ADVISERS
a dlr.cult one