New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-07-11
PROTECTION OF TOWNS.
i NEW HAGUE PROPOSAL.
Nr. ChoGte Urges Tote on Rights
Of Property at Sea.

The Hague. July 10-Count TorrielH to-day
presented a new draft Of the proposal on the
tcnhardn,ent of unfortiied towns. based on the
American views IN the name Of the United
States, Spanish Dutch. Russian and italian
delegations II consists OF six articles as fol.
lows:
Ffrst-TLe commander Of a feet must spare his
-orical monuments, churches. buildings used for
.r-Isfic scientific or benevolent purposes and hos
rtals. condition that they not used for mill
iarv purposes and are designated by special signs
which must be displayed by the Inhabitants
Second-Eefore beginning the bombardment Of
town the commander Of a feet must do all in his
power inform the authorities Of the town OF his
Intentions.
Third-Pillage IS forbidden even in town or To-
calitv taken by assault.
Fourth-The bonbardment Of undefended ports
towns villages or buildings IS forbidden but any
military work existing in otherwise undefended
places can be bombaTded IL the local authorities
refuse 10 destroy #.
they refuse 10 furnish fleet with necessary pro-
visions.
sxth-The bornbardment Of a town or village for
refusal to pay a ransom is prohibited.
This draft combines the ideas of all the coun-
tries Interested IN the question.
The American proposal regarding the inviola-
bility Of private property at sea was discussed
al the meeting to-day of the Geneva convention
committee. Belgium presented motion similar
10 those of Italy Denmark and Brazil. providing
for the seizure of private property at sea on con-
dition that il be returned at the end Of the war
and that indemnity be paid for the damage
sustained.
John ". Foster, former American Secretary
Of State. representing China, supported the
proposition OF the United States, and Norway
again adhered TO II, although the delegates said
they considered its application difficult.
NJ Bourgeois (France) made proposal for
the abolition Of the right Of the officers and
crew Of a warship TO part of the value of a
ship or cargo seized at sea.
Argentina strongly opposed the American pro-
posal, as well as those of Belgium and the other
countries.
Joseph H Choate defended the right of the
Americans TO have their proposition voted on
before other propositions or amendments, TAX
vg the ground that the discussion of the Amer
lean proposition was closed, and that even If 1t
was not approved by d unanimous vote II would
have great moral influence in inducing the
powers 10 agree among themselves on the treat
ment of private property al sea IN case or the
outbreak OF naval war
The subcommittee. under the presidency Of NJ.
Beernaert, dealing with the laws and customs of
land warfare after discussion in which num-
ber Of new propositions were made, decided TO
appoint special committee TO draft new con-
ven1ion
The German proposal. 10 the effect that bel
iigerents should be obliged TO give notice of the
formation Of militia and volunteer corps and
make them wear uniforms rejected by "a
10 30 votes. Ten members of the subcommittee
were absent.
NJ. Nelidoff. president of the conference, with
II Martens. to-day received Representative
Richard Bartholdt of Missouri. president OF the
American group Of the international Parliament
ta-y Union, who said that he justified his pres
ence on the ground that he was the author OF
the resolutions in response 10 which the confer
ercc was called, and also Of resolutions in which
the interparliamentary conference was inter-
ested and which approved by twenty thou
sand prominent persons. representing one hum
dred and fifty millions Of people.
IN reply VI. Nelidof said that the United
States was not constituted in the same manner
Is Europe. The United States had a homo
gereous population, while the many races COM
posing Europe caused prejudces with which
governments must deal In some cases the peo-
pie would refuse TO accept the judgment of arbi-
traitors. The governments. NJ. Nelidoff added.
and not the people. started this work of reform,
and the present conference would 60 further
than its predecessor.
In conclusion N. Nelidoff said that the great
est number Of the petitions received by the Reace
conference came from America.