The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-06-16
Delegates From Forty
Six Nations Are
Present.
Message From the
Gar Receives Rapt
Attention.
By HAYNE DAVIS.

THE HAGUE. June 15.-When NJ.
Nelidoff. the head Of the Russian
delegation, called the second general
assembly of nations TO order in the
Hall Of Knights today. the repre-
Isentatives of forty-six governments.
governing the entire civilized world,
Responded.
1t is doubtful if ever before in the
worlds history has so representa-
tive body of men gathered at any
one place. Not alone were the Chris
tian nations of Europe and the
Americas represented by some of
their strongest men. but Japan and
China and other new entrants had
their delegates 10 take part in the
discussion which viii have so far
reaching an influence on the de-
veIopment Of humanity
Delegates Very Hopeful.
The feeling among the delegates as
the conference opens is one OF strong
hope. While Ii is realized that the
ideals OF the more advanced anlsa- the
delegates viii not be reached. there IS
every confidence that on many Of the
questions which viii be discussed il
viii be possible 90 reach conclusions
which cannot but have vast ana far
reaching influence.
Immediately after calling the confer
ence TO order " NeIdon read the
Cars message TO the conference. which
is 10 form the foundations Of Its work.
It was somewhat lengthy document
going into more or less detail on the
specific questions which are 70 be laid
before the congress by the Russian En-
peror, but IL was listened to with the
keenest interest.
Avoids Delicate Subjects.
It traces the benefits which accrued
from the first conference and expressed
the earnest hope that greater benefits
would come from the gathering which
brings even more closely together the
nations Of the world at the present con-
ference. No reference whatever was
made 10 the question Of the Limitation
Of ornaments nor is the Russo-Japa-
nesewar alluded 20. Political issues also
are carefully avoided.
The wonderfully strong influence
which the United States is TO exert in
this conference is becoming more and
more evident As I have already rsoint-
ed ont the Central and South American
republic, while Great Britain, France.
and Spain are more than willing 10 have
the United States take the lead in those
questions particularly, which are liable
to create friction.
Kaiser Won't Join In
Emperor William is not disposed to
accept American leadership. He has no
confidence in the American idea OF a
permanent tribunal and the ultimate
development OF The Hague conference
into an international parliament. and
is to be feared that the powerful
influence Of Germany will be thrown
against any action In this direction. The
Germans apparently fear that develop
mentsments along these lines viii the
dominant values Of the Fatherland on
the world politics
Among the South American dele
two questions are regarded as OF para
mount interest. While they still hope
that the DragO doctrine prohibiting the
use of force IN Western in the collection
Of montract debts may be accepted iu
a modified form, the general impression
is that the opposition of the creditor
nations will be too strong TO permit
any thinf TOP strong 10 me done.
Duties Of Alien Residents.
The other question is that OF the
duties Of alien residents TO the States
where they live. The South Americans
are particularly Interested IN this, and
VIII urge that a three-year limit De
placed on the immunity from taxation,
and that the rights Of these aliens be
clearly defined IL is probable that
some such actions will be taken. The
United States VIII take the lead in
urging this action in all probability, as
il IS more directly interested even than
thel, South American countries.
The proceedings today were brief
The conference adjourned until next
Wednesday. This morning there was A
drilling rain. but IN spite Of this thu
city presented a gala appearance. Flags
Of all nations are seen everywhere.
Delegates and military and naval at
taChes wore no uniforms. This is al The
request CT the government OF The
Netherlands. In order 10 lay stress on
the peaceful character and objects 0f
the conference. August viii probably
be the date for The dedication of tha
Palac. OF Peace, FOR which Andrew Car
negie gave Sl.5OO.0OO.
Several American peace workers are
watching the proceedings, AnseEs the