Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-05-11
Germany's Attitude,

The imperial chancellor Of Germany, in q
recent speech to the reichstag. announced
that the delegates from that country would
take no part In any discussion concerning
the limitation of armaments, and explained
that, $50 long as there is not even a hope
for satisfactory solution Of this question,
there Is danger that an undesirable ef-
feet may be produced by arousing divergent
interests through a discussion OF it, Ger
many's abstention from the discussion does
not mean that she cherishes discreet de-
sire for war. said Prince Pr ,, Won BneloW, or
other selfish motives. She has hitherto Sc
cured peace by keeping In readiness for
war, and the policy has proved to be
wise one. We have never once misused our
military strength, and never will. There
are in England. France, Italy and America
plenty of friends of peace and civilization
who believe that they will best promote
peace II they allow no illusions to arise,
and II. while pursuing ideals, they do not
lose sight Of realities By her attitude at
The Hague Germany will prove that she
sincerely favors all practical efforts cal
culated to promote peace, civilization and
the welfare of humanity"
The refusal of Germany to discuss the
question of disarmament was anticipated
in the program Of the conference. Other
nations will proceed with the discussion OF
that question, and while they do not expect
to obtain any final result there is a conf
opinion upon this subject will do the world
no harm and will develop a healthy public
sentiment which will promote the cause.
Use Of Force In Collecting Debts.
The American delegates will find imme-
diate Interest In the discussion of the pos
sibility of obtaining an agreement among
nations to limit the use Of force in the
collection OF ordinary public debts arising
out of contracts. The government Of the
United States is especially interested in
that matter because Of the frequent con-
troversies between the money-loaning ma
tons Of Europe and the money borrowing
republics of Central and South America
and the West Indies. The United States
Is now taking charge Of the finances of
San Domingo in order to prevent its forci-
BILE occupation by European powers to
collect money owing to their subjects The
recent trouble In Venezuela grew out OF
the population of loans and contracts by
President Castro: there have been similar
troubles in Guatemala and Honduras and
not long ago Salvador refused to pay the
judgment of court of arbitration. Be
cause the use of force to collect debts IN
wolves the most serious peril to the peace
of America, Secretary Root is especially
anxious to secure some action at The
Hague that may stand as a permanent rule
for the guidance of nations in the future.
Another question OF vital interest to the
United States is the protection of neutral
commerce at sea during time of war, and a
utuIllc uIucislauuih6 40 " "Hdt 10 Noh-
traband of war. These questions were con-
stantly occurring during the recent war be-
tween Russia and Japan.
1t is not expected that the conference
at The Hague will take any definite action
upon any OF these propositions. 1t Is a
deliberative body, but 1t Is not a parlia-
ment in which motions are voted upon and
decided by the majority. II may recon-
mend, but 1t cannot determine. 1t may
adopt a program or express an opinion. but
its action Is not binding upon the parttc-
ipants.