Los Angeles herald., 1907-09-30
THE HAGUE CONFERENCE

lIUvAAH iOhb oihWH-Out conference al
The Hague is. about to close its
labors, and official England sums
up results of the months of labor as
follows: "The conversion of Germany
to the principles of arbitration;' the
recognition of the rights of neutrals;
the institution of an international prize
court; the discovery by Europe of
South American influence /, in inter-
national affairs. and through South
Americas initiative the abolishment
of forcible collection of debt, and
the humanizing of war in many direc-
tions Further, they claim the air has
been cleared on other points and say
we know where we stand and where
the points of danger lie.'
The press of the continent copied
largely by the American auxiliary. has
belittled the work of congress, evidently
inspired by the forces behind the
powers which have controlled its de-
liberations, and the effect of it all is to
underrate the great work accomplished.
If Germany has been converted to the
just principle of arbitration it is some
thing to be thankful for-not particu-
larly to Americans, but to Europeans
who have been in the thrall of fear ever
since William was declared emperor.
In fact the policy of Germany, as de-
veloped in the French war of the '7Os,
has been to strike, and talk about it
afterward. No financial or commercial
life could thrive in the radius of such
barbaric tendencies, and the fact that
William is a convert to arbitration is
good news to his European contem-
poraries.
The recognition of the rights of neu-
trails means much to all the world, and
in view of possible conflict at any or all
points of the international theater of
operations the fact that the rights of
neutrals are now settled and fixed by
for all concerned. When the Russian
vessels, fleeing from Togo's victorious
ships sought refuge in the ports Of neu-
trail nations there was instant and
anxious inquiry for the right thing to
do. Now we may know just what is
anu OOliSdlOiy III dL SuoOS |
and feel that all other powers know
and must do the same thing.
1t is in the matter of an interna-
tional prize court, however, that the
greaterst boon has been reached, for the
oceans now are covered with the sails
of all nations, and the possible cap
lures or Gripping of merchantmen
threaten the lasting hurt of any nation;
and the questions of what is and what
is not contraband are so close, and often
dovetail each into the other, that JUS
tice in case of capture could only come
from an international, and therefore
court.
In the matter of the forging to the
front of the growing power and in
fuence of South American republics the
expected has happened, and though
interests and prejudices
would have held this tendency to asser-
ton of rights on the part of these re-
publics in allegiance the unquestioned
of the markets of these
countries to the commerce of all
countries forced their claims to recog-
milton, and all the red tape and dip
lomacy of royalty could not check
them. In this, the first peaceful clash
between monarchies and republics, the
republics won, and destiny will main
tain them in the ascendency. The
Venezeulan difficulties brought out this
feature of international trouble, and
while the Monroe doctrine still is SUI
preme it is equally certain that we
shall never again see German guns
turned on South American ports for the
of commercial obligations.
In the humanizing of war as whole
has been accomplished, and the
private soldier of any flag, lying
stricken on the field or suffering in hos
pitals, may receive care and comforts
in the wars to come unknown in the
terrible history of the past.
1t will thus be seen that The Hague
conference has brought forth much to
be thankful for, and while much that
was needful was passed by, when we
closely consider the interests involved |
and represented, and the further fact
that monarchies were on trial before |
the world, 1t is but just to tender praise
to the men who have patiently wrought |
for these victories of peace, bearing |
with the ''slings and arrows Of people |
and press, and intent only on doing |
good to all.