New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-06-15
GOOD AMERICANS RETURN.
Retirement of Mr.. Neecel from The
Hegue-SerTioes to arbitration.
London. MAY ~


exnecteI occurrence, since he has been in Office
Car eight years. Mr.. Newers success at The
1Jo1,,e has offered unnaistakable evidence that
American politics may train men for diplomatic
work When he was appointed Minister by
President Mckinley he was known an expert
aneed ami resourceful political leader in Mime
sots: and il may have been rashy assumed that
ne would be the proverhial square peg in round
pole al diplomatic centre. He carried with
hin, to his post an excellent knowledge of
French and a characteristic American habit OF
adapting himself to new conditions and inter-
esting himself in what was going on around
him, Diplomacy was new game for the vet
eran politician from the West. but he gave
c,ose attention to to it, speedily mastered all
she details of etiquette and ended by being the
hest expert at The Hague. During his term of
nfiee Queen Wilhelnlina came of age and was
married, tive Peace Congress was held and the
perIna nent Court of Arbitration estah-
lished and in consequence of these events The
Hague became one OF the most influential dplo-
matte capitals in Europe. In what a
whispering gallery Of jealousies and suspicious
the American Minister trusted by every
body. and whenever anything was to be done
the diplomatic corps turned to him to lead the
way His ascendency and efficiency were due
in large measure to his savoir faire and gen.
without seeming to do 1t. Quiet. unpretentious
and indifferent to publicity he had Ameri-
can way of considering practical results and
being quite content If these Were secured, VINO
ever might have the credit for them.
Mr. Newell has been working for eight years
without letting people in his country know
how much he doing to promote the great
principle of international arbitration. On this
account I tempted TO write short letter
about his work, especially as 1 have frequently
visited The Hague and know how highly he is
regarded by the Dutch Ministers and his col
leagues OF the diplomatic corps. The Queen
Mother ana Queen wilheln1ina have come TO
look upon him as sincere and consistent friend.
and his relations with the court have been most
intimate His influence has also been strongly
exerted in all matters relating to the perma-
nent Court of Arbitration. and the Dutch
Ministers. trained in the oldtime school of nom
Intervention and neutrality, have appreciated
the value OF his advice and taken broader views
of the new policies which have been associated
with The Hague since the Peace Congress
When that body assembled the diplomatic corps
affected TO regard arbitration and disarmament
with cynical amusement the toys of senti-
mental faddists and dreamers: but their point
of view changed when the American delegation.
with the assistance OF the British representa-
tives succeeded in making something out of
the Cars visionary policy. The permanent
arbitration court has increased the dignity and
Importance of every diplomatist's post at The
Hague Every member of the diplomatic corps
has understood this since the adjournment OF
the Peace Congress. Self-interest has has
tened the conversion of the diplomatists to the
arbitration policy. The American Minister has
been consistent and convinced advocate Of
the cause from the outset. and he has helped i
h
out being sentin1entalist or affecting mission
airy zeal. he has carried his colleagues with him
and impaired unity and dtrectness te their col
lectiYe action. Without seeming to head the
procession, he has kept them all in line, and
the Dutch Ministers have marched with them
The Hague is a self-centred little capital
where every detail of diplomacy and etiquette
is taken seriously. The susceptibilities of the
deliberate Dutch Ministers have to be consid-
cred, and public opinion cannot be eoerced by
displays Of energy or impatienee- In order to
accomplish anything at The Hague one must be
willing to stand and wait and to meet objections
in q spirit of accommodation and good Will The
American Minister has been the most successful
and influential member of the diplomatic corps
because he has never been in a hurry and always
has been prepared TO be conciliatory and to take
a great deal of trouble in arranging details. The
organization of the permanent Arbitration Coun-
ell was work Of exceptional difficulty. and his
tact and good sense were Indispensable. hun
dred delicate points Of procedure, etiquette and
dignity had TO be arranged at diplomatic con-
ferenees before the cooperation of all the gov
ernments represented at the Peace Congress
could be secured. When the machine had been
set I'D. every cog readjusted and every wheel
oiled il was not brought into immediate use
When the force of habit prevailed throughout
future campaiens or actually fighting all this
elaborate mechanism for preserving the peace of
the world seemed artificial and useless The
American Minister could smile over the touches
of Ra belaisian huIner Of his colleagues without
losing faith in the arbitration cause; ana When
at last cases were submitted to the international
court and skeptics were silenced, he could exert
himself to remove friction and bad feeling and
70 have the business transacted with dignity ana
tnnpartialfty Mr.. Newel's associates nave
frankly acknowledged the Importance of his
services in carrying the arbitration seneme INTO
nractice In all these transactions the handi-
work Of a practical politician has been disclosed
The American Minister has also known how to
deal with the Dutch people. When the Peace
Congress was called there was little enthusiasm
over it at The Hague. The Dutch had the repu-
tarion of being the most consistent neutrais IN
the world, and scrupulously RETAINED from
meddling in foreign affairs NOT one ahiohs
their Ministers suspected that the Ferhiaheii'
Court Of Arbitration would ever be of any prac-
teal service to their country Time and patience
were REQUIRED before they could be coilNlhceu
that a safeguard had been established Tor liieil
protection The Dutch were bitter partsahs
during the Boer War. and in their resentment
against England relaxed their attitude Oh us
trust and suspicion OF Germany; and an aglta-