Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-07-14
AMERICANS ARE CONFIDENT.
Expect Good Results Despite Pessi-
mism in Some Quarters.
BY Associated Press.

BY Associated Press.
THE HAGUE, July misunderstanding
tie ressmistic views held in some quarters
concerning the peace conference and its
work, the members Of the American delega-
ton feel confident that some good result
will be reached from the exchanges of
opinion among the Ilenipotentiaries of the
countries represented.
1t row appears that all of the American
propoS tons will be satisfactorily received.
The question of immunity of private prop
erty II sea. although bitterly opposed, Will
have "A considerable ajorlty in the vote
next week, and this will be a further step
toward the adoption of this principle In
another conference. The rules regarding
the hombardmcnt of unfortiied towns. VII
iegcs ctc., originally presented by America
will be substantially adopted with the APP
prevail of TIE proposal drawn up by the
Italian delegation bringing into harmony
the different views this subject.
The American suggestion regarding the
collection of pecunlary contractual debts
without the use of force will be supported
by all Of the great powers and the pro-
posa.s concerning the establishment OF a
ptr.GaHea; court Of arbitration and the
profits ton of the use OF unnecessarily cruel
bu,es have been favora5ly received.
Finally. in a plenary sitting, the United
States viii present plan for the perma-
nency Of the conference itself an insti-
tuition, the holding Of er odic meetings and
tie organization of Grcsran.
iInposing demonstration on the occasion Of
the Inauguration Of Andrew Carno g!e's pal
ace Of peace. The PR gram VIII include an
aleeOT!cal procession representing all the
peoples Of the wo Il passing before the
altar of peace and rcnouncing their enmi-
ties. about 1JG0 prisons viii take part in
tie procession. an 1t is expected that
- 800 spectators W i be present
American PROPOSAL on Warships.
The American p, position relating TO ships
of war reads
"A warshp must te commanded by
comm ss;oned officer, with crew subject
to military law and discipline. In time of
war 10 merchandise can be transformed
into u warship. e.-cept ii be commanded
and equipped as beiors said and this trans
formation can only occur in the territorial
waters Of the state of which the owner OF
tie vessel is subject, or Intentional wa
tiers under the effective control OF the mill
tary forces of such q state
Another American proposition states.
first. that arms OF war, ammunition. pro-
visions and objects only employed for
military purposes on military establish
mcnts form absolute contra band of war;
second that conditional contrabdnd con-
sistS in provisions materials and objects
employed both IL peace ana Wal, but
which, because OF their character, special
qualify or quantity, are convenient and
necessary for military purposes and are
destined to the armed forces or the mill
tarv establishments of tho enemy; third.
that q list OF the objects ana provisions TO
be included in eli her of said catcgories
must he published by the belligercnI and
notification of such must be rade to
neutrals or their Diplomatic representa-
tives.
The capture or con fscation OF contra
band, the proposition states cannot occur
until such notification has been made.