Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-06-13
Reduced from $22. so, SIS and $28.

toward the development of our sister pow
ers and the rights of Others.
Some alarmiStS,' went on the diplomat,
go so far as to declare that Great Britain
hides in this pacific tendency great po-
Htical game. But although it is admitted
in certain quarters that both Russia and
Germany offer John Bull certain disquiet
England is always in position to aug
ment her fleet in a manner commensurate
with the increase of those other powers.
1t is evident, therefore, that If the dis
armament takes place in 1908 Great Britain
will retain the lead, just as though it had
been possible to dsarm ten years ago or
to postpone 1t until twenty years from
now; the result will remain the same.
"Of course. England in semi officially
standing sponsor for disarmament realizes
that the movement is tremendous and ultra
d1fhcult. Military and maritime power to-
day forms the greatest political kernel in
Europe. Every step taken by a power is
followed by an additional gun from the
shops. The politics of today work on the
same principle of insurance, and the ex-
penses of maintaining and increasing the
strength of self is charged to a premium
paid for insurance against perils in war
time
How the Other Powers Stand.
The diplomats in Washington were re-
Gently approached by Star representative
on his subject. All maintained an elo-
quent siierce, not caring to say more than
that the conference will be a great step
towa.I hunanitys good"
One. however, asserted that in a CONVERSE
ton between Prof de Martens. the Russian
peace apostle, and the Duke de Argos
Spanish ambassador at Rome, the latter
voiced his governments sentiment by stat
ing that Spain is ready to support the Eng
lish question as so far submitted. He added ::
Berlin received somewhat of a shock
when it learned that England would not re-
call the suggestion. There 1t was believed
that England would not have insisted on an
advance opinion on her proposition, but that
she would only have reserved the right to
discuss it at The Hague.
Russia maintains always her original po-
sition in the apostleship circle. but has hint
ed that she would not enter into discussions
that have no practical solution. BY this it
is understood she means the limitation of
armament.
Germany, and Austria, too, reserve that
same right OF course, Austria's influence
a The Hague is rather small, but she takes
that stand in order to strengthen Ger
many's views. Germany, in fact, decided to
drown herself in hot water when she de-
clared for a limitation OF the Drago doc
trine, a secondary Monro!an catechsm At
all events other nations have indirectly de-
clared their Intentions these doctrines
that they be not discussed so long as they
remain protective, but not impossible
Another diplomat explained that En-
gland and Japan reserve their right not to
consider the discussion of questions included
IN the Russian program, which have no
practical scope"
France Favorable.
Therefore, the informant continued,
three powers support the limitation of ar
mament-England, Spain and United States
France, according to latest adv!ces is ready
to be included in this circle. \ powerful
parliamentary faction in favor of this
movement is gaining hold in Paris. and it is
even believed that special ENJOYS will be
named for the discussion of this question
alone.
Certain French politicians, however hold
that the proposition is yet too immature
to be intelligently considered. For this rea-
son it is also regarded as useless loss of
time. Alarmists hold the idea to be a trap
and that it Is dangerous. According to
them the English appeal cannot but aug
ment the discord between the nations and
after the discussion has taken place inter-
national relations will be less pacific than
now. Important Paris papers declare edi-
torially that the good intentions of the Brit
ish premier will inevitably lead the powers
to war.
''Germanys attitude. in maintaining objec-
tons against disarmament is hidden behind
a technicality-that of impracticabilty."
Another diplomat, an ambassador, con-
fded to The Star representative that the
discussion of the thing may take place, but
that Great Britain during the progress Of