The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1907-06-27
U. S. May Force Armament Issue.

The surprise of the second session
OF the peace conference Tuesday af-
ternoon was the formal reservation
by Gen. Horace Porter on behalf O.
the United States of the right TO pre-
sent the question of limitation OF
armaments. Together with this. Gen.
Porter also reservd the right to- in
troduce the subject of the collection
OF contractual debts by force.
While this reservation was made in
accordance with notice served on
Russia during the preliminary nego-
tiations last spring, and in order that
silence now might not be construed
as acquiescence in the restriction of
the work of the conference to the
limits of the Russian program, it is
believed to indicate firm resolve on
the part of the Washington govern
ment, after seeing the trend of the
situation here. to, raise the question
later If it becomes apparent that the
subject is going by default.
1t can be stated positively, how
ever, that no proposition has yet been
formulated by the American dele
gates, but this action has renewed the
hope that the United States would
bring up the question of limitation,
and has given great satisfaction to
the pacifcists.
Sir Edward Fry also served notice
that Great Britain reserved the right
to introduce subjects outside the pro-
gram, but less significance is attach
ed to his action.
Another interesting feature of the
session was Baron von Bierberstein's
notification that Germany intended
to offer the proposition of an inter-
national prize court to which appeals
could be made at the time of mar
atime war and the decision of which
should be final Gen. Porter second
ed this proposition on behalf of the
United States, and Sir Edward Fry
declared that Great Britain proposed
to advance project on similar lines
The fact that the first definite prop
osition submitted to the conference
should emarate from Germany and
receive the prompt and cordial sup
port of the United States and Great
Britain created an especially good
impression.
Beyond these two matters, the ses-
sion was perfunctory in character
Four committees were created as
preaTanged and the rules formulated,
except on permitting countries to
vote by proxy, adopted. The United
State was honored by two honorary
presidencies, and Mexico, Argentine,
and Brazil each obtained recognition
Elaborate precautions still are be-
ing taken to insure the safety of the
delegates from anarchistic attempts
as well as to prevent eavesdropping
Before the sitting the old castle was
thoroughly searched and all the doors
leading to the Hall of Knights were
sealed. A force of twenty police oc-
cupied the cellar underneath, ready |
to respond to an electrical call placed |
on President Nelidoh's table
Emperor Nicholas message of
thanks to the conference was signed
Nicholas" At the previous confer
ence it was signed "Muravieff" in be-
half of his imperial master.
Senior Barbosa, speaking privately |
on the Drago doctrine, said the prin-
cipl was unpopular in Brazil
Brazil" he added, ''like other
South American countries. needs for
eign capital for her development, and
we do not desire to do anything to
impair our credit. We would have
preferred to see the proposition orig
mate with our creditors. England,
France, Germany, and Belgium
However, we will wait and see the
nature of the notifications of the
doctrine proposed by the United
States, when | hope all interests can
be satisfied"