The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1907-07-11
The Latest Proposals at The Hague.

Although it seems to be settled that
the Hague conference will not approve
of the suggestion that the private prop
erty of belligerents at sea shall be ex-
empt from capture, and although the
acceptance Of the Drago doctrine yer
in a modified form is doubtful, there is
reason to think hat the field of arbitra-
ton may be somewhat extended and that
the methods of warfare, both on land
and sea, will be rendered more humane
in certain particulars. Certain incidents
OF the last few days indicate that the
delegates of the great Powers do M
wish the second Peace Conference to
prove entirely abortive.
Two proposals, for example, submitted
On July o by representatives Of the United
states are said to have been received
with encouraging Difference. The first
Of these provides that differences re-
garding the Interpretation of treaties,
when such differences do not affect the
Independence or honor of either of the
signatories, shall be referred to the
permanent court Of arbitration. Each
party, however, is to decide for itself
whether the differences do or do not
affect its honor and independence. An
other safeguard is that in every case the
parties shall agree upon the protocol
outlining the arbitcr's powers and the
mode Of procedure. Provision is further
made for preserving the record of the
arbitration court and for permitting any
uarty to the convention that may upon
reflection dread the results Of arbitration
W withdraw from the convention, on
giving a years notice of its intention so
60 do. After Professor DE MARTENS of
Russia and spokesman of other Powers
had expressed opinions favorable TO the
American views, a special committee was
appointed to draft a new arbitration con-
vention, based on that of 1899, but modi-
fed in correspondence with the position
az the present conference. Notable, also,
we are told, was the impression made by
another recommendation brought for
ward on the same day by the United
States, that the employment Of bullets
which infict wounds unnecessarily cruel,
such as explosive bullets, should be pro-
hibited. Nor are these the only grounds
on which the American delegates have
reason to regard their treatment AT The
Hague with considerable satisfaction. On
the same day the British, Russian, Dutch
and Spanish delegations withdrew their
respective proposals concerning the bonn
bardment of unfortitied towns, and re-
quested Count ToRNIELLI Of Italy to draft
a proposition ~embodying the American
suggestion on the subject.
Much attention has been given also
during the last few sessions to statements
snanating from the British and Russian
delegations 20 the effect that a more
exact definition OF the rights and duties
Of neutrals in wal time is imperatively
needed. Great Britain, for example, has
mooted no fewer than twenty-nine pro-
visions bearing on this question. the inn
porrance of which was demonstrated
during the late contest in the Far East.
Among the objects aimed at are a more
effective prohibition Of the use Of neutral
ports by belligerents for warlike pur-
poses and a more exact prescription Of
the conditions under which belligerent
ships may run into neutral harbors for
protection. As we have formerly pointed
out, every change in international law
calculated to narrow a belligerent's OPP
~portunity OF obtaining aid and comfort
in a neutral port would benefit Great
Britain, which has naval stations of her
own all over the globe, but might not
commend itself to Powers less fortunate
IN this particular. Russia, which during
,thelate war had to payf for certain neutral
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