New-York tribune., 1907-11-06
HAGUE DELEGATESHERE
PLEASED WITH RESULTS.
Mr. Choate and General Porter Sag
Much Has Been AccOmp pliSheG.

c,.n.ra, Horace Porter. ex-Anbassador TO France.
and Joseph II Choate ex-Ambassador TO Great
Britain American representatives at the recent
peace conference az The Hague, arrived here EeS-
terday on the North German Lloyd liner hron-
.,-inzessia Cecie. Both representatives, said they
were thoroughly satisfied with the results of the
second conference. Mr.. Choate said the ldea pre-
vailed that iitto had been accomplished because
obligatory arbitration and limitation Of arInaiehIs'
two OF the chief propositions before the confer
ence failed 10 take positive form. Mr. Choate sald
that this idea would disappear when the results
OF the conference were studied and their lAr-
reaching effect was fully realized.
General Porter said: Il think It will be fully
recognized. When the work of the conference is
studied and understood. that if this conference
had succeeded IL adopting only one of the four
teen conventions finally agreed upon it would nave
repaid the nations for bringing ii about
War seems remote now, but we have done much
to a1neorate the horrors of it If it should occur
We have provided for tho better protection OF
prisoners and wounded and for more full recog-
rltion Of the Red Cross and other societies in tho
interests of humanity
This was the first time that all the nations OF the
globe ever met in amcabe conference. The de-
bates We're interesting and intelligent There was
no acrinony-not harsh word was uttered
Everywhere was evident an earnest desire to bring
the peoples together and when the text Of the four
teen adopted conventions Is studied every one viii
be struck by their Importance not only as affecting
the present but indicating sti better results at
:he next conference.
''One of our most important works the agree
nent TO hold the next conference in eight years
.he same period that elapsed between uIe first ana
second meetings at The Hague This. we believe
VIII insure hereafter the automatic gathering or
peace conferences.
''One Of the two things which failed to take posi-
i've form AZ the conference was obligatory arbitra-
don. The United States delegation pressed TINS
proposition to a vote, and it received 3 out OF
u votes in the conference But two or three large
powers were not willing to that far at this time
They would only agree to announce tlelr lhuofSe-
nlent Of the principle Of the thing
The conference, you know, was not one where 4
majority ruled Neither were there rules for cut
Ing off debate ard demanding a vote. Diplomacy
had 10 rule in bringing results, and there was no
attempt at force. The conference dissolved in the
pest Of spirits. good nature and harmony
The second proposition which failed was that
lealing with limitation of ornaments. The attitude
several the great nations took in advance OF the
conference made it known that this proposition
could not be accomplished. One nation wanted 10
remain mistress Of the seas
Another continental nation, which had been sub
Get 70 attack in the past. was reluctant TO reduce
Is means Of defence. Some thought that for
power like America to urge another power TO dl-
alinsh its right TO for protection was a
good deal like that nation asking New York City
reduce its police force.
Tt is difficult TO tell Just what constitutes mill
AIRY power. It is made up of armies. navies ana
he extent and protection OF fortifcatiOns. It may
Also consist OF an internal administration with
oower TO levy en- nasse upon the people. But the
conference expressed unanimously desire to have
he governments study the question seriously be-
.ween now and the next meeting.
The American delegation stood in a favorable
position as II was not a member Of the European
concert and our country is separated widely geo
graphically from the great powers and occupies
Eenerally a neutral attitude. It therefore found
sself in a position take the initiative and TO in
roduce the many measures which II presented and
vas successful in carrying through
our delegation made a persistent effort TO have
established & permanent international court It
ucceeGed IN preparing and having adopted by the
conference a form OF organization and procedure
or such a court which VIII always stand forth as
/. great intellectual accomplishment
The conference. however. could not select the
,ldges. as mis- was not clearly in their compe-
ence. and it was therefore left to the various
Countries TO proceed through diplomatic channels
o select bench of judges composed Of men OF the
highest ability and integrity.
While the rules governing warfare on land had
seen pretty well codifed and recognized interna-
1onallv, no such action had previously been taken
,egardng naval warfare Much labor
t-ndad IN the conference Just closed in the adop-
ion OF a series Of rules governing warfare both
ne seq and the land and defining the rights and
!uties Of belligereuts and neutrals. These rules
Iii 20 far in the future & is believed toward pre-
-ortfng third parties from being drawn into