Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-07-11
TO LIMIT THE HAVOC OF WAR
FRESH PROPOSALS SUBMITTED TO
TIL HAGUE CONFERENCE.
Draft o. Proposition Regarding the
Bombardment of Unfortified Towns.
Pillage Forbidden.

of the Anglo-German proposition regard.
Ing the establishment Of the proposed in.
ternatlonal prize court today occupied
most Of the time of the subcommittee to
which the matter was referred. Consid-
cradle opposition developed and ultimate
~ Joseph H. Choate moved the appointment
or small committee to harmonic the
different proposals. M. Bourgeois France
seconded the motion, which was carried
unanimously.
Private Property at Sea.
The American proposition regarding
the 1nVlolability of private property at
sea was discussed at the meeting yester-
Gay OF the Geneva convention committee
of the peace conference. Belgium pre-
scented a proposition similar to those of
Italy, Denmark and Brazil, providing for
the seizure of private property AT sea on
condition that 1t be returned at the end
OF the war and that an indemnity pe paid
for the damage sustained
John w. roster, eX-Secretary of State
OF the United States, representing China,
supported the proposition of the United
states and Norway again adhered to it.
although the delegates said they constd-
cred its application difficult
M. Bourgeois (France) presented a
proposition providing for the abolition Of
the right of the officers and crew of a
Warship to part of the value of shin
or cargo seized at sea.
Argentina strongly opposed the Ameri-
can proposition. as well as those of Bel
GUM and the other countries
Joseph /. Choate defended the right Of
the Americans to have their PROPOSITIONS
voted upon before other PROPOSITIONS or
amendments taking the ground that the
discussion of the American PROPOSITION
was closed, and that even If it was not
approved by a unanimous vote 1t would
nave great moral influence in Inducing
the powers to agree among themselves on
the treatment of private property at sea
In the event of an outbreak Of a naval
war.
Bombardment of Towns.
Count Tornielli Qtaly) presented a new
draft of the proposition on the lombard
ment Of unfortifed towns, based on the
American views, in the name Of the United
States, Spanish. Dutch Russian and Italian
delegations. 1t consists of six articles, as
follows:
l. The commander of a fleet must spare
historical monuments, churches and build
ings used for artistic. scientific or benevo-
lent purposes and hospitals on condition
that they are not used for military pur-
poses and are designated by special signs,
which must be displayed by the inhabi-
tants.
q Before beginning the bombardment Of
town the commander Of fleet must do
all in his power to inform the authorities
of the town of his intentions.
g. Pillage Is forbidden. even in town or
locality taken by assault.
4. The bombardment of undefended
ports, towns. villages or buildings is for
o.uoen; but any military work existing In
HHone se unattended places can be bonn
9aroed II the local authorities refuse to
j.. o. ondefended places can be bombarded
sary provisions ~ eeS
o. Inc commandment of town or villa ee
ioT leiusai 10 pay ransom is prohibited
Inc propositions are considered to be
very important. as they combine the idea q
ton.
The subcommittee, under the presidency
of NJ. Beerbaert, dealing with the laws and
customs of land warfare, after a discus
sion during which number of new propo-
sitions were accepted. decided to appoint
ton.