Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-03

the substitution of the rule Of reason and
justice in place of simple force. Not only
will the International prize court be the
means Of protecting the interest of neu-
trails, but it is in itself a step toward the
creation of the more general court for
the hearing of International controversies
to which reference has just been made.
The organization and action of such a
prize court cannot fail to accustom the
different countries to the submission of
international questions to the decision of
an international tribunal, and We may
confidently expect the results of such SUBJ
mission to bring about a general agree
ment upon the enlargement of the prac-
tice.
Numerous provisions were adopted for
reducing the evil effects of war and for
defining the rights and duties of neu-
trails.
The conference also provided for the
holding of third conference within pc
Rod similar to that which elapsed between
the first and second conferences.
The delegates of the United States
worthily represented the spirit of the
American people and maintained with fl
deity and ability the policy of our gov
eminent upon all the great questions dis
cussed in the conference. .
The report of the delegation, toge Their
with authenticated copies of the cOnven-
tons signed. when received, will be laid
before the Senate for it's consideration.
When we remember how difficult it is
for one of our own legislative bodies. COM
posed of citizens of the same country,
speaking the same language, living under
the same laws. and having the same Gus
toms, to reach an agreement, or even to
secure a majority upon any difficult and
important subject which is proposed for
legislation. it becomes plain that the rep
resentatives of forty-five different coun-
tripS king different languages
accustomed to different methods of pro-
cedure, with widely diverse interests, who
discussed SO many different subjects and
reached agreements upon so many, are
entitled to grateful appreciation for the
wisdom. patience and moderation with
which they have discharged their duty.
The example of this temperate discussion,
and the agreements and the efforts to
agree, among representatives or all the
nations of the earth. acting with universal
recognition of the supreme obligation to
promote peace. cannot fail to be power
full influence for good in future interna-
tional relations.
Cuban Affairs.
A year ago in consequence of a revolu-
tionary movement in Cuba which threat
ened the immediate return to chaos of the
island. the United States interviewed, send
ing down an army and establishing a pro-
visional government under Gov. Magoon.
Absolute quiet and prosperity have re-
turned to the island because of this action
We are now taking steps to provide for
elections in the island and our expecta-
ton Is within the coming year to be able
to turn the island over again to a govern
ment chosen by the people thereof. Cuba
Is at our doors. 1t is not possible that
this nation should permit Cuba again to
sink into the condition from which we
YraC tod tto+ nrl- <,ft l,N-N ,,I~-
people is that they be prosperous, that
they govern themselves SO as to bring
content. order and progress to their
island. the Queen of the Antilles; and our
only interference has been and will be to
help them achieve these results.
An invitation has been extended by
Japan to the government and people of
the United States to participate in a
great national exposition to be held at
Toxic from April l to October 81, 1912,
and in which the principal countries of
the world are to be invited to take part.
This Is an occasion of special interest to
all the nations Of the world. and pecul-
iarly so to us: for 1t Is the first instance
in which such a great national exposition
has been held by a great power dwelling
on the Pacific; and all the nations Of Eu-
rope and America will, trust, Join in
helping to success this first great expo
sition ever he'd by a great nation of
Asia. The geographical relations of Japan
anu the United states as Cne pOSSeSSOTS-
of such large portions Of the coasts of
the Pacific, the intimate trade relations
already existing between the two coun-
tries, the warm friendship which has.
been maintained between them: without
break since the opening Of Japan to, inter-
course with the western nations, and her
wealth and production, which
we regard with hearty good will and wish
to make the occasion Of mutually bene-
fetal commerce, all unite in making it
eminently desirable that this invitation
should be accepted. l heartily recommend
such legislation as will provide In. gen
erous fashion for the representation of
this government and its people in the pro-
posed exposition. Action should be taken.
now We are apt to underestimate. the
time necessary for preparation in such
cases. The invitation to the French expo
sition of 1900 was brought to the atten-
ton of the Congress by President Cleve-
land in December, 1895; and so many are
the delays necessary to such proceedings
that the period of four years and a h:.lf
which then interviewed before the EXPOSE
ton proved none too long for the proper
of the exhibits.