New-York tribune., 1907-06-16
PEACE AIMS LIMITED.
". NELIDOFFS ADDRESS.
Il Bloc to the AdUOcates of High
IdeaLs-.Secret Sessions.
TBy The Associates Press.I

The Hague. June 15.-The Second Interna-
tienal Peace Conference was opened in this city
this afternoon. The first session lasted scarcely
twenty minutes and was devoid of any Incl
dent outside of the cut and dried prearranged
programme. II consisted simply OF a short
speech Of welcome by DIR. van Tets van Gou-
6rian. the Netherlands Foreign Minister, the
adoption of a resolution TO send teiegrams OF
greeting TO Emperor Nicholas and Queen Will
heInlina. and the delivery OF the eagerly awaited
speech by NJ. NeliGon head OF the Russian dele
cation who was unanimously chosen president
Of the conference.
The keynote sounded by NJ Neiidoff on behalf
Of Russia was a crushing blow to the peace ad-
vocates He sid not mince words when he spoke
of the idea OF ultimate disarmament snd of
reign Of univ ersal peace being reegated TO the
limbo of dreams. n. Nelidoff described this
ideal as "a star 1oadng far aboVe this mundane
sphere, 10 he always stHven for, but never at
tanned Nations like individuals" he said
frankly, ''are human. and not the most perfect
judicial system ever invented could put an end
10 strife and violence. When honor and vital
interests are at stake" the speaker added, 're-
gardlsss Of consequences neither the former nor
she latter Will recognize any authority except
personal judgment and personal feelings"
Stripped of it's fine phrases, the speech of NJ
Nelidof is regarded I. deliberate warning TO
the conference to keep down TO the plane of the
earth. continue the work OF the first con-
ference in the direction OF alleviating the hor-
rers of war and narrowing the chances Of con-
fiet by opening wider the door of arbitration,
and to aim toward "conciliation and Justice .
but not to go further
The pious that the powers should study
the question Of tightening military establish
nents. with which the first conference concluded
its abors. was not even mentioned. The speech,
however clears the atmosphere and shows that
Russia is determined to try TO keep the con-
ference within her programme. and that as
far as the discussion of the question Of the lin
itation Of armaments is concerned. she lines up
Germany and Austria her side.
In the face of this initial reverse II remains
10 be seen what the powers favoring con-
sjderation of the reduction of ornaments will
do The delegates who insist that this subject
must be allowed TO drop, no matter whether
n IS possible make actual step in the di-
reetien of limitation not. manifest some re-
sentiment. They say they would not have been
dissatisfied had Russia steered clear of the sub
sect altogether but express the opinion that this
bold attempt to influence the conference against
consideration of the question OF limitation is
highly improper
AS a matter of fact President Roosevelt car
ried off the honors Of the opening session. The
rounds of applause which greeted the high trib-
utes paid 10 the President by both NJ. Tets
van Geudrlan and NJ Neldoff were hearty and
spontaneous. and it is perhaps, not too much tn
saw that this incident points tn President Roose-
welt and the American delegation. instead of ia
the Emperor of Russia, the moulders Of the
destinies Of the present conference. At any rate
tt certainly shows with what common accord
the world recognizes the lofty motives which in
spire America I'm international action.
So-y
entirely in French, but it has been practically
decided that the delegates during the subse-
quent proceedings, may use any language they
choose
The adjournment until next Wednesday is de-
signed TO give the leading delegations an oppor-
tunity 10 confer relative TO the programme of
the organization and the personnel of the COM
rnittees
1t IS now apparent, Notwithstanding the deci-
sion in the matter of publicity. that the open
sessions will be formal affairs, and that the real
work OF the conference will he done behind
closed doors and in private conferences among
the leaders.
THE ARRIVAL or THE DELEGATES.
A drizzling. overcast day usfrelcd in the con-
ference. but the depressing weather, however.
did not prevent the government Of the Neither
lands from trying 20 give the city gala ap-
pearsnee. The red. white and blue flag Of Hol-
land. side by side with the orange standard Of
the House of Nassau was hoisted over every
public building. and many private residences
few the national colors. The clouds began 10
break toward noon and the people were soon
gathered to witness the arrival of the dis
hnguished foreigners al the portals Of the Bin
neBhof, within the walls Of which is located the
old castle in which the sitting of the confer
enee opened
AS on the occasion Of the first conference thn
government Of the Netherlands in order tn Law
stress on the peaceful character and objects of
the conference, specially requested the dele
gates and military and naval attaches NOT ~
appear IN uniform or wear any insignia of their
rank.
General John W. Foster. of Washington. rem
fesehlng China. was the first delegate To go nm
the carpeted steps past the guards and into
the knights Hall One of the British delegates
who followed him glanced at the churchlfke ir
terror and exclaimed: 1T is going 10 he ll,. +.
seety meeting on a large scale"
The ushers. young Foreign Office ep,ploveo
showed the Delegates 30 their places which ,yer.
carefully arranged under the alphabetical svs-
tems thus giving Germany ihe place of honor
1hs right OK the United States was to be ne.r