New-York tribune., 1906-04-04
FOR HAGUE CONFERENCE
RUSSIA MOVES AGAIN.
Meeting IN Early Summer Suggested
Il Programme Prepared.

Washington, April 3.-The Russian govern
ment made another move to-day toward the re-
convention OF The Hague conference when
Baron Rosen. the Russian Ambassador present.
ed TO Secretary Root proposal for the meeting
early in the summer and indicated that the
Netherlands government had assented to the
proposal 1t had been supposed that owing to
the complexity of the problems involved in the
arrangement of even tentative programme for
the conference and the delays caused by the
necessity of persuading the Swiss government to
make the time and programme for the approach
ing Red Cross convention conform as far as pos
sible TO The Hague project it would scarcely be
possible for the conference to assemble earlier
than late date next fall. There were seasonal
BILE objections. however. 10 such date, and it
was intimated that il might be necessary 10 de-
fer the convention until next year
The matter had been left in large part to the
governments of Russia and the Netherlands to
adjust because the proposal for the conference
had originated with Emperor Nicholas, and the
host should be consulted when it concerned a
matter Of date for the conference The fact that
they have agreed makes 1t probable that the
other signatory powers TO the original Hague
convention which have accepted the invitation
10 attend the next conference win agree 70 the
date. although the short time available will
make II necessary for some of the powers which
have given little attention to the subject recent
ly TO do some rapid diplomatic work in order to
arrange programmes according to their own de-
sires
1t Is certain that this proposed Russian pro-
gramme. as conveyed TO the State Department
by Baron Rosen. win, while not meeting positive
objections, at least call forth some projects diff
fering materially in scope and detail from the
Russian plan A casual reading of the proposal
discloses nothing that is calculated to arouse
opposition on the part of the United States gov
ernment. but unless the Algeciras conference
has materially modified the views of certain Of
the European powers. there is a notable dis
inclination to enter into any engagements that
would further restrict the independence of ac-
tion of power in International matters
The first paragraph of the Russian programme
is regarded tending toward this restriction,
in that it makes it easier for powers to engage
in mediation arbitration. and in consequence
enables a majority of the powers to force a set
tlement on one Of their number when it would
much rather protract the use OF strong diplo-
matte measures and even proceed TO the verge of
forcible compulsion. Several of the Russian
proposals are really in substance the same as
/ those proposed by the Hague conference itself
proper for consideration by another con-
ference. There is a suggestion of the last great
war in reference to a regulation for opening
hostilities, for the Russians have never ad-
mitted the legality in international law Of the
Japanese attack on the Russian warships at
Chemulpo and at Port Arthur
/ The suggestion relative to the recognition of
private property rights in shipping and cargoes
/ will find ready favor with the State Department,
| for this government has been foremost in advo-
eating this for many years
The Russian programme provides that all
political questions shall be excluded from the
/ conference. and makes the following provisions:
Amelioration of provisions Of the convention con-
cerning the settlement OF international controver-
sizes far the court of arbitration and the IN
( vestigaton committees concerned.
! Additions to the laws and usages Of land war
fare. among others, opening of hOstilties, rights
of neutrals land declarations of 1s9-renewal OF
one OF them.
/ Compilation of a convention regarding the laws
and Usages OF naval warfare relating TO the special
operation OF naval warfare. such as bombardment
OF forts by naval forces, location CT tOrpedoes
change Of merchant vessels into waTshIpS. private
property of belligerents at sea, time allowed mer-
/ the beginning of hOstilites: rights and duties ot
neutras at sea, among others the question OF con-
traband; rules which beilgerent vessels must
submit In neutral ports. deStruC ton from uncon-
| trollable causes of merchant vessels captured as
/ prizes. Into this convention would be inserted
! provisions concerning land warfare. which would
/ apply naval warfare supplements TO the con
vention for the adaptation To naval nights OF the
principles of the Geneva Convention held IN 1851