New-York tribune., 1907-06-25
LIMITED DRAGO PLAN.
SOUTH AMERICA UNEASY
The United States Proposal-Mo-
tionS Regarding Contraband.

ton has not yet given out the draft of its pro-
posaI for the collection Of contractual debts.
This is causing some uneasiness among South
American countries, especially after the publica-
tion this evening of the minutes Of the sitting
OF June 10 from which it appears that General
Porter, in announcing the American proposition,
said
The United States will present proposition
for concluding an agreement, in which it will in
froduce some limitations in using force for the
4 collection Of contractual, public and ordinary
debts"
The opinion Of certain South American dele
gates is that the words some limitations show
that ii is the intention of the United States so
10 reduce the Drago Doctrine TO deprive IT of
Its original character, thereby destroying the
purpose for which ii intended-protection
against oppressive European interference. Cen
eral Porter on the other hand. appears TO be
satisfied with the work accomplished. and is
confident of the support of the European and
South American countries in this matter.
The American proposition relating TO private
property of belligerents a tsea. presented this
afternoon by Joseph H. Choate. establishes that
this is inviolable, with the exception of
traband, hut ''inviolable' does not extend TO
private property trying TO run a blockade.
Andrew d. White presented a similar proposal
in 1899 but il was opposed by Great Britain
and France. Now il may be accepted, with
the addition of regulations granting the right of
search. the right to remove cargoes when sus-
pected 10 be contra band or in case of breach of
blockade.
NEW BRITISH VIEW OF CONTRABAND
The British proposal regarding neutral prizes
establishes that prizes must not be destroyed
unless destruction is deemed absolutely neces-
sary. The British statement with reference 70
coptraband reads if Great Britain. which
heretofore has held that the flag covers con-
right 70 visit
the ships TO ascertain whether not the mer-
chandiSe carried is cOntrahand.
Several of the delegates to the peace confer
ence have received decorations from different
countries. including Don Gonzalo de Quesada,
Of Cuba. who is the recipient of the Order of
Christ of Portugal
Andrew Carnegie and Mrs. Carnegie arrived
here to-day and were met by David ]. HILL the
American Minister. They guests of Mr..
Hill AT Villa Banchory.
The fourth committee Geneva Convention)
met at 2:3O P IN. in the Hall of knights. be-
hind ssased doors. General Horace Porter, L.
II Rose, David J. Hill, Brigadier General George
B. Davis. L. 5. A; Rear admiral Charles s.
Sperry, William !. Buchanan and James Brown
Scott were present.
THE SPEECH OF NJ. MARTENS.
The president. NJ Martens, made speech
summarizing the work already accomplished by
the conference of 1899 and the vast field still
10 be covered. He recalled the who worked
for the same purpose in 1899. and mentioned
Andrew d. White. head OF The American delega-
ton TO that conference. whose original skepti-
cisn. the speaker said was transformed at the
end Of the conference into the best hope for its
success. VI. Martens referred General Por-
ter's proposal, especially regarding the bonn
bardment Of unfOrtihed towns by naval forces
and TO Sir Ernest VI. Satows motion the sub
ject Of laying automatic mines, submarine con-
mines and floating mines.
Ny. Choate then presented d proposal regard
ing the enemy's private property at sea.
Lord Reay and Sir Ernest VI. Satow presented
q motion the subject of neutral prizes. re-
served the right TO present another proposal for
the definition Of what constitutes warship and
presented a statement on Contraband of war.
VI. Martens appointed NJ Fromageot France
10 be secretary of the committee, and distrib-
uted TO the members d dozen questions on the
arguments to be dealt with. asking each OF
them TO present at the next meeting his own
opinion on every question, thus enabling the
president to decide how TO divide the work of
the committee and how many subcommittee
10 appoint
WORK OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE.
The third committee at 10 O'Clock this
morning in the Hall of knights behind closed
doors The president. Count Tornielli made
short speech, saying that his appointment was
due not TO an honor 20 him personally, but to
Italy. which the cradle Of international law
and had adopted the most liberal and broadest
views in legislation regarding marine warfare
He pointed out the Importance Of the problems
submitted to the committee, chiefly those relat-
ing 10 the private property Of belligerents, con-
verting merchant ships into warshps, the treat
rnent Of belgerent ships in the harbors Of neu-
trails and laying mines at sea.
This committee was divided into two sub
committees. The programme Of the first sub
committee includes the questions Of the bonn
bardrnent of harbors etc, the laying Of mines
and torpedoes and the adoption Of the Red Cross
in sea war Dr. Hagerup CNorway) IS presi-
dent Of the first subcommittee and Professor
STREET. (Creece) is the reporter
The second subcommittee will discuss the
treatment of bellgerent ships in neutral harbors.
Count Tornieli is the president and NJ. Renault
(France) is the reporter.
After General Porter and the German dele
gate DR.. Kriege, had presented proposals re-
eardinR the adoption of the Red Cross in sea
war. Sir Ernest NJ. Satow (Great Britain)
served the right 10 present motion referring to
the use of torpedoes.
CHINESE OBJECTIONS REMOVED.
The Chinese delegation stated officially that it
would accept the Red Cross after explanations
had been received showing that the
merely the Swiss coat of arms and not re-
ngious emblem. Turkham Pacha said that Tur-
key, instead of the Red Cross, would maintain
the Red Crescent.
General Porter presented motion the sub
iect OF the bombardment Of harbors. with the
view Of preventing useless damage and loss of
life
An official communication issued to-day
rects a former official statement as follows:
Russia has not presented a proposition
garding the opening of hostilities. She merely
supported a proposition to that effect"
Queen Wilhelmina arrived here privately to-
day from Castle Loo and drove in a closed car
riage from the railroad station to the royal pal
ace. The Queen has decided 10 receive the dele
gates on July ut the Huis Ten Bosch, if the
weather is flfhgrAviGa har facsx yrKriIl