The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-06-27
LAW LAID DOWN
 AT THE HAGUE
Unfortifed Towns Are Not to
 Be Bombarded
THEAMERICAN PROPOSITION
German Recommendation Says That Hospital Ships Shall Not Be Captured, as They Are
 Not Warships.

The Hague, June 26-The text of the American proposition presented to the peace conference on June 24 by Gen. Hor- ace Porter, is as follows:
 "The bombardment by a naval force of an unfortiaed and undefended town, vil- lage or building is forbidden, although such towns, villages or buildings are lia- ble to damages incidental to the destruc- tion of military or naval establishments pubic depots of munitions of war, or ves- sells of war in port and such towns, vil- lages or buildings are liable to lombard ment when reasonable acquisitions for pro- visions and supplies at the time essential to the naval force are withheld, in which case due notice of the bombardment must be given.
 "The bombardment of unfortified and undefended towns and places for the non- payment of ransom is forbidden"
 The German proposition for adapting the Red Cross convention to naval warfare which was presented on June 24, says that hospital ships cannot be captured, not being considered a $ warships Private hos ptal ships will enjoy the same treat ment if authorized by their own gov ernment and on condition that they are certified to the other beligerents. They must assist the wounded without distiuc- tion of nationality and must never be em- ployed for military purposes or interfere with military operations. They are sub ject to search and can be ordered by either belllgerent to take certain posi- tions or receive aboard ship officials.
 The protection given hospital ships ceases if they are employed against the enemy but the crews of such ships may be armed and may employ arms in their own defense and in defense of thes pa tients. Such ship can also carry small a. tillerv for the dangers of navigation or in defense against pirates.
 Senor Barra, representing Mexico. in presenting at the sitting of June 22 an arbitration treaty among the South Amer ican countries a model of compulsory arbitration, except for questions involv ing national dignity or vital interests, said he hoped the work of justice and concord among the young American re- publs would show other countries their practical views in striving for the grand ideal, which inspired the first peace con ference "and would enlarge the empire of law. fortyfying the sentiment of in- ternational justice"
 r ldntt pltStnttu lWo PiOpoSlllOh9 ipi the peaceful regulation of international conflicts. The first, which contains twen- ty-five articles. says that in disputes of int irrational character not engaging their Eonor or essential interests. the signatory powers may decide to appoint an inter- national commission of inquiry accord in. to a convention agreed upon by the conflicting parties. In sue hcase the whole proceedings must occur in writing al- though witnesses and experts may be heard orally. The second proposition, which also contains twenty-five articles, deals with the formation of this commits sion and it's procedure.
 The abstract of the documents cabled last night and tonight, constitute the whole material distributed to members of the conference, on which discussion will begin Thursday morning.