The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1907-06-06
GENERAL PURPOSES
CONTINUED from Page ~

lin and Vienna.
At the time of the Rapallo meeting
it was reported that Mr.. White, who
had just gone as American ambas-
sador to Paris a few weeks before,
had the mission to bring France
around to the views of America and
England with regard to the limitation
of ornaments, which would nave
meant again the isolation of Germany
and Austria. The arguments of Prince
Won Buelow were not without weight
from the point of an ally to an ally,
so that Tittoni had the idea of
middle course, which would save the
susceptibilities of all powers con-
cerned, by proposing in the discus
sion of the limitation of armaments
as to be acceptable to all. Prince
Won Buelow agreed. and Immediately
after his return to Rome, Tittoni made
to the great powers the proposition
that he thought would settle the mat
ter, but 1t was not accepted; not only
by England and the United States,
1.-THE answer of Secretary Root being
couched in very courteous terms), but
by Germany herself. 1t appears that
Prince Won Buelow had misunderstood
the proposition when laid before him
at Rapallo.
The struggle that has been going. on
to secure Italy's support finally led
to Signor Tittoni's statement in the
chamber of deputies on May Is. This
may be taken as Italy's stand, and in
substance it reflects conservative
middle course, by which Italy main
tainS her friendly attitude toward the
British peace proposals and, at the
same time renews her loyalty to
Germany and Austria by sharing their
reservations on the impracticability
OF the immediate realization of the
British plan.
while l reaffirm,' said Signor Tit
toni. 1.-THE statement that the Italian
government is in sympathy with the
most noble objects suggested by the
predetermined British initiative, yet
We fully agree with the Austro-Ger-
man reservation on the impossibility
of Immediately finding a practicable
solution for the problem"
Thus the three members of the triple
alliance enter The Hague conference
united in their reservations against
the present practicability of limiting
herself in sympathy with the princi-
pie of limitation.
When it was decided to extend the
invitation to the second Hague con-
ference to those countries that did not
participate in the first, (the invita-
ton was accepted by all, with the
exception of the republic of Panama),
the question came up whether the pope
should be included.
NJ. Muravieff, the Russian ambas-
sador land NJ. Van Weede, the Dutch
minister, approached Signor Titoni,
who, however, said that If there had
not been the precedent of the confer
ence Of 1899, when his predecessor,
Admiral Canevro. strongly opposed
any direct or indirect participation OF
the Vatican, he might discuss the mat
ter, but giving that precedent, any
change would be impossible and would
rouse protests throughout the coun-
try. Besides, France now objected to
any interference of the holy see, just
as much as Italy did in 1899.
With regard to the Russian pro-
gram communicated to the powers,
|, Italy Is disposed to widen as much as
possible the functions and competence
of the arbitration tribunal, and further
limit the questions affecting the hon
or and vital interests" so much dis
cussed in 1899 that are to be excluded
from arbitration.
Count Tornielu, Italian ambassador
to Paris. and one of the plenipoten-
tiaries at the present conference, IL
competent on the question of estab.
fishing the rights and duties Of neu.
trail countries in time of war. he hav.
ing made special reports on the sub.
ject since the time of the Hispano-
American war.
| The most important discussion. out.
side of ornaments, will be on the
rules and usages in naval warfare
which will bring forth quite mum.
Der of problems, especially with re-
gard to the commandments of ports
laying of torpedoes, Transformation Of
steamers into warships, treatment Of
the private property of belligerents
treatment of merchantmen In neutra
or belligerent ports, contraband, etc
Italy, which Is chiefly a naval power
will take prominent part in the
discussion OF all these subjects, which
will be dealt with by the Italian del.
egates only from technical, military
and humanitarian point of view. Italy
is convinced that an understanding
on these points will be more easily
reached II politics is excluded.
The Starkweather Times is alwaye