The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1907-06-15

The Hague, June 15. THE second
international Peaee Conference, the
call for which was issued by Presi-
dent Roosevelt on October q, 1904,
In response to the universal desire
of the thinking people of the world
that the influence of the first con-
gress held here In 1899 might be
strengthened and extended for the
general peace, was formally opened
fhIs afternoon. During the nexe
four weeks or more the attention OF
the world will be centered in this
gathering of representatives OF for
tyysix nations, the Areopagus OF the
civilized Powers, assembled to con-
slider the possibility of minimizing
the dangers OF war incident to the
rapid growth of navy and military
The opening function took place in
knights Hall, which forms part
OF the Blnnenhof a medieval pile OF
buildings In the heart of the city
surrounding the palace built for
Count William III, of Holland in
the middle of tine thirteenth century.
The initial sessior was given over
entirely TO the exchange of greetings
and the work of preliminary organi-
zation. NJ. Nelidoff. the Russian am
bassador to France, called the confer
ence to order and made an address
extening his sovei eign's greetings to
the delegates. Dr. Jonkheer, ID. A. Y.
van, Tets van Goudrain, the Dutch
minister OF foreign affairs, replied
In an address OF welcome on behalf
OF Queen Wilhelmina. The conference
then proceeded with the appointment
Of committees to consider the vari-
GUS subjects Inscribed upon the pro-
gramme.
TOPICS NO BE DISCUSSED.
With the appointment of these com
mittees It becomes thus of interest to
note the topics suggested for discus
sion. They are as follows;
Provisions relative to the peace
Tul settlemIent of international dis
putes by court of arbitration and
international commissions OF inquiry.
Additions to be made to the pro-
visions relative to the laws and Gus
toms OF wal on land; concerning the
opening OF hostillties, the rights OF
neutrals on land etc.
~Framing a convention relative to
the laws OF and customs OF maritime
warfare. concerning armaments.
Special operations of maritime
warfare, such as the bombardment oi
ports. cities and villages by a naval
force, the laying of mines and tor
pedoes, etc.
"The transformation of merchant
vessels into warships.
'The protection of the private prop
erty OF belligerents at sea.
THE length of time to be granted
merchant ships for their departure
from ports Of neutrals or ( the
enemy after the opening of hostili
ties.
'eThe rights and futies of neutrall
at sea. among others, the question o
Contraband, the rules applicable U
bellIgerent vessels in neutral points
destruction, In cses of Wis major o
neutral merchant vessels captured a
prizes.
Additions to be made to the con
vention of 1899 for the adaptation b
maritime warfare OF the principles o
the Geneva Red Cross convention Il
1854"
The government of the Unite
States has reserved to itself tn
liberty of submitting to the secon
conference two additional questions
viz, the reduction or limitation 0
armament and the attainment Of a
agreement to observe some limitation
upon the use OF force for the colleC
tion OF ordinary public debts arisin
out of contracts.
The Spanish government has 81
pressed a desire TO discuss the lin
tation Of srmaments, reserving to I
self the right TO deal with this que
tion at the conference.
The British government has give