Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-25

make a similar journey 1t would prevent
possible misunderstanding 1t would vital
lie their relations; 1t would enable them to
see more clearly and act more wisely
Secretary Root is setting a good example
to the official world generally by getting
out of his office and going there himself.
Conference Of the Leaders
That is the most important feature of the
conference.-the bringing together of the big
men Of the American republics for social
intercourse and the interchange of ideas
and experiences. The two previous con-
ferences at Washington in so and at the
City of Mexico In 1902 were extremely valu-
able In that particular. They have caused
a much more friendly feeling among the
American republics than ever existed be-
fore, and better understanding all around
of motives. methods and purposes. III
these conferences could be held every year;
if the men who control the foreign policies
of all the American nations could get to-
gether annually and discuss their differ
ences and explain their purposes, there
would be no international troubles; and the
meeting at Rio de Janeiro will do great
good, even If the delegates do not pass
single resolution,
The Pending Propositions.
The principal propositions for considera-
ton this time are as follows:
l. resolution accommodating that the
second peace conference at the Hague be
requested to consider the extent to which
the use of force is admissible for the col
lection OF public debts. We cannot settle
that vital question on this side of the At
lantic because the creditor nations are all
in Europe The debtor nations cannot very
well determine how much pressure should
be used upon themselves to make them
settle their own bills. The creditor nation
must naturally be consulted, and 1t is alb
solutely useless for the International Amer
lean Conference or any other body that
does not include the European powers, TO
discuss this subject Hence it is considered
wise to send 1t TO The Hague. Nobody
expects 10 get a definite or formal decla-
ration from The Hague, but II seems de-
sirahlc to bring the subject under the no.
tice of that tribunal and start a debate
upon II. If The Hague should decide that
contracts and financial obligations cannot
be enforced by navtes and armies ii would
be good thing, because 1t Will make 1t
more difficult for the creditor nations to
borrow money and compel them to improve
their credit and their financial standing.
II The Hague decides that the creditor ma
tons have the right to collect debts al
the lannon's mouth IL Will be q good thing
also for similar reasons.
2 The Monroe Doctrine will not be dis
cltssed. 1t VIII be carefully avoided The
United States does not want Its policy
defined By other nations. and the other ma
tons dc not care 10 have an exact defni-
tloh OIL It's scope ana meaning thrust at
them.
). There viii be 4 renewal of the adher-
ence of the American republics to the>prin-
ciple of arbitration for the settlement of
disputes arising between them, and the
conference viii doubtless pass. resolution
expressing its hope that The Hague confer
ence win agree upon a general plan of ar
b!tration that can be approved and put into
operation by every country 1t is not prob
able that the arbitration treaties which
were concluded between ten or twelve of
the American nations at the close OF the
Arst American conference will be revived.
The Cleveland administrator. which came
irto power shortly after the adjournment
If that body. suppf essed them. President
CIevcIand's intense dislike OF Mr.. Blaine
and Secretary Gresham's paiseuni hatred
CT President Harrison caused them TO undo
everything that had been done. and IL the
other American republics were not very