New-York tribune., 1906-07-28
A NATION AND ITS HONOR.

I'VE are nation yet" The fact is to be borne
In mind In all discussions, however benevolent
OF international affairs. II is to be borne IN
mind in connection with the "model arbitration
treaty which the Interparlamentary Union has
formulated, and especially in connection with
the amendment thereto which was proposed by
Mr.. Bryan. That amendment marks distinct
advance in radicalism beyond all other arDltra-
ton treaties proposed by serious bodies. Hlth-
ertO the demand has been for arbitration OF all
matters not affecting the honor or integrity OF
nation. The Interpsrliamentary Union went
no further than that, until Mr. Bryan took the
floor. He also, indeed. left actual arDltration
thus circumscribed. But he further proposed to
require nations TO submit all other controversies
to wit. those directly affecting the honor and
integrity of natiOns-to the consideration OF an
international commission Of inquiry or media
tion." which is to consider if they are not
suitable for arbitration or susceptible OF such
settlement.
That marks a new departure. 1t denies tne
right of a nation to be the immediate judge ana
custodian Of it's own honor and integrity. 1t
prescribes that no matter how fragrant ana wan
ton an outrage has been committed against
nation that nation shall not raise hand In
resentment or for redress until some other pow
ers have considered the case. The Interpar-
liamentary Union adopted that amendment
unanimously and with enthusiasm. 1t was
quite free to do so, being a voluntary associa-
ton with neither authority nor responsibility
But we can scarcely suppose an authoritative
and responsible parliament would in quite such
fashion accept the proposal if it were submit
ted to IL as a part OF a treaty for ratihcauon
which should be binding upon the nation as It's
supreme law Even If it were granted that
nation should pause for consideration and cOun-
sci in an emergency when its honor and integ-
rity were at stake-thOugh 1t is much TO De
doubted whether that would actually be granted
before binding themselves to such plan gov
ernments would want TO know how long they
would be expected thus TO await counsel.
Would it be for week, or month, or year!
Would il be indefinitely, at the pleasure of the
powers consulted? II those powers delayed
their Judgment intOlerably, would it be bad
faith for the aggrieved power to decline to wait
longer and TO resort to arms before the de-
layed judgment was given? Again. while alien
powers were considering the case, would the
two in controversy be expected to refrain from
warlike preparations, or could they utilize that
time by mOblizing their fleets and armies and
occupying strategic points within their own do
mains. and thus getting ready for a struggle?
These are not idle or academic questions. They
are practical and fundamental, and upon the
answer to them would largely depend the atti-
tude Of a responsible government toward Mr..
Bryan's most benevolent and altruistic propo-
sition
These things are to be borne in mind not to
discourage or to disparage arbitration or the
work of the Interparlamentary Union, but
rather TO prevent that estimable work from be-
ing marred by an impractical excess Of zeal. 1t
would be a useful thing for the Interparliamen-
tary Union, which is composed chiefly Of expert
and informed lawmakers, to formulate general
arbitration treaty which might be adopted by
the next congress at The Hague for the use of
all nations. But it would be futile thing for
Ii to spend it's valuable time in preparing an
instrument which would certainly not be ac-
cepted at The Hague or by any considerable num-
Der of individual powers. With sincere love of
peace and horror Of war, and devotion to the
principle of adjudication for the settlement OF
disputes, it must be recognized that there widely
prevails the conviction that there are certain
questions Of honor and integrity which no SELF
| respecting nation could should submit TO
alien arbitrage, and so long as the conviction
prevails it is TO be feared that to demand that
nations should submit such questions and all
questions If they become parties to an arbitra-
ton treaty would simply mean that they would
refuse to sign the treaty.