New-York tribune., 1907-06-20
r S. RESERVES RIGHTS.
STRPRISE At THE HAGUE.
Armament Limitation and DragO
Doctrine Nay Be Discussed.


ton of armaments. He also reserved the right
10 Introduce the subject of the collection of con-
tractual debts by force.
While this reservation was made quite natu-
rally in accordance with notice served on
Russia in the course Of the preliminary negotia-
tions last spring and in order that silence nov
might not be construed acquescence IN inc
restriction of the work of the conference ana inc
limits Of the Russian programme. it is believed
TO indicate a firm resolve on the part OF the
washington government, after seeing the trend
Of the situation here, TO raise the question later
if il becomes apparent that the subject is going
by default.
II can be announced positively, however, that
no proposal has vet been formulated by the
American delegates. but this action has renewed
the hope that the United States would bring up
the question of limitation and has given great
satisfaction 10 the advocates of a strong peace
policy.
Sir Edward Fry also served notice that Great
britain reserved the right TO introduce subjects
outside the programme. but less significance IS
attached 10 his action.
GERMAN PLAN FOR PRIZE COURT.
Another interesting feature of the session was
Baron Won Biebersteins notification that Ger
MANY intended TO offer proposal for inter
national prize court to which appeals could be
made al the time Of maritime war and the de-
cision Of which should be final General Porter
seconded this on behalf of the United States.
intended 10 advance project on similar lines.
The fact that the first definite proposal sub
rnitted 10 the conference should emanate from
Germany and receive the prompt and cordial
srnport OF the United States and Great Britain
created an especially good impression
Beyond these two matters the session was per-
4unc:ory Four committees were created ana
-,les except on permitting countries to vote py
n-oxv. we're adopted. The United states was
bonored by two honorary presidencies, and Mex
- ,-gen+ina and Brazil each obtained recog-
milton.
before the conference assembled. the Russian
Minister Of Justice telegraphed the Dutch MIN
,star of Justice that he had grave appreheh-
sons for the safety of the Russian delegates.
he begged the Dutch authorities 10 take every
nrecaution. Accordingly. IN addition to the pres
ence Of Russian and Dutch detectives every
tine the conference meets. the whole pullalhg.
With its winding staircases and small haH
hidden doors. will be searched from top TO bot-
,oro notb al the opening and closing of the ses-
sion
after each sitting all the exits will be sealed
up and the seals will be broken only III clle
nresence of representatives Of the Secretarlat
General on arrival for the opening of the ses-
sion -,
police barracks have been fitted up in the
cellar Beneath the presidents chair, in cor
ner q small door marked with red seal gives
direct access TO the meeting hall, so that IN
cases Of danger on signal from above the ponce
will break the seal and pour into the hail
APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES.
The session Began at ) o'clock TINS afternoon
The full committee organization was as follo"s'
Arbitraton-President M BOURGEOIS; ST. rance aiIs.
tia. Sir Edward Fry, England; Ruy Barbosa. Bra
I'll: vice-presidents, Dr: kriege, CerrlaiS' ''si'
Ponria italy; Senior Esteva, Mexico
rsnd Wsr-President, II. Beernaert Belgium
and Herr Asser Netherlands: honorary presidents
ps-o1 Narschau Won Bieberstein, Germany Gen
sTal Horace Porter, United States; the Marquis Ge
scveraI Portugal; vice-presidents Constantn
Br,n Denmark: DR.. Bediman Rumania; DF.
Maritime War-President Count Tornielli, Italy:
honorary presidents. Joseph II. choate, United
States. Tseng Lang. China; Turkhan Bey, luf-
key. ysce-r,-esidents Herr Hammarskjold, Sweden;
Dr. Drago. Argentina; Baron d d'kstouIheHeS ae
Constant, France. -
ss; honorary presidents, Sehor Don de Nllla
Urruts Spain: NJ Kurachi. Japan; vce-presidents'
Sir Ernest n. Satow, England; Professor Lam
masch, Austria; DR.. HageTup, Norway.
n. Nelidoff, president of the conference, redu
dispatches from Emperor Nicholas ana queen
TiIhelmina thanking the conference Tor llS
messages sent the opening day, greeting the
delegates. and expressing the hope 1or sue
cessful result Of their deliberations
Al the plenipotentiaries later presented their
credentials. The Chinese Ambassador wrote
that he would be unable to be present because
Of the state Of his health, and he VIII be repre-
sented by General John w. Foster
NJ Nelidoff made few remarks in memory
Of the late ". de Staal. the former Russian
fhe conference, including publicity for the
penary sessions, were presented and unanl-
mously adopted.
None Of the South American countries, except
Mexico, seems prepared TO submit anything in
their interest. The conference to them appears
TO be confined to the extension of the principle
Of arbitration and 10 the Drago doctrine.
The delay in getting the conference under way
creates the suspicion that the leaders are delb-
dately delaying the preliminaries in the belef
that by giving the great powers more time,
mat they understand each other. the work VIII
De fastened later. The session to-day lasted
only hour.
Emperor Nicholas's message Of thanks to the
conference signed Nicholas" AT the pre-
Fious conference it was signed "Muravief." in
behalf of his imperial master.
The date Of the next plenary session has not
oeen fixed The delegates are subject to the call
Of II Nelidon
senor Barboza, speaking on the Drago Doc
irine to-day, said that the principle was unpop
asr in Brazil. Brazil he added like other
SCUM American countries. needs foreign capital
iof ner development, and we do not desire to do
ANYTHING 70 impair our credit. We would have
Weterred 10 the proposal originate with our
ereditors, England, France. Germany and Bel
GUM However. we will wait and see the nature
" me notifications Of the doctrine proposed by
ns United States. when. / hope, all interests can
oe satisfied"
IhE RULES FOR THE SESSIONS.
. me rules Of the conference submitted by the
,,ieusfy general to-day comprise twelve
lsh' Dealing with procedure and division Of
TEs Dy commissions and sub-commissons
80 provide for the appointment of an editing
knlAaltee for the coordination OF acts voted
~ Aie conference All members may take part
vhOates vhsat In plenary sittings or committees Of
rs,, pAey are members One delegation
a,. another, but members OF the conference
me- pf1 ffaac Of f.xylafr