Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1908-05-14
Refusss 10 Make Arbitration Treaty
With The United States.
ONLY GREAT POWER 50 ET|Ne
Nations to Be Approached In Turn
BY Mr.. Root and When Series Of
Facts is Complete Germany's Atti-
tude viii be Pointed Out.

WASHINGTON. ID. c.. May 81
Germany is the single. one OF the
great powers which has refused 10
enter into an arbitration treaty with
the United States The unwillingness
Of the German government to make Il
treaty of this character has just been
made known here.
Kaiser Wilhelm has never been
particularly friendly toward arrange
m-nts for Il pacific settlement of in
trrnational disputes. He agreed re-
mctantly to take part in the fret
conference of The Hague. which was
called by the Emperor of Russia. His
representatives then Oppose d most OF
the arbitration proposals which were
rUnSid, red, and refused TO sign the
treaty finally adopted.
They did sign the convention for
the adaptation TO maritime warfare
of the principles Of the Geneva con-
ventiOn. and with respect to the laws
and customs of war on land. The
moral influence created by the first
Hague conference finally caused Ger
many to abandOn opposition to the
signature of treaties confirming the
principle of arbitration, and in the
last Hague conference declared her
self in favor of pacific arrangements
of int irrational controversies ana
signed the convention relating 10
that subject.
Special Treaties Sought.
In the judgmen, of the United States
the r. solutions adopted by the last
conference did not go far enough, and
Secretary Root took up the work
which Secretary Hay inaugurated or
inducing all the powers of the world
10 enter into special arbitration urea
ties with tbs country. Eleven govern
I'm nts thus far have aSsented.
As matter of fact the treaties
mean little They leave SO many
lOOphOleS through which 4 nation may
ESCAPE if ii prefers war to arDitral.oh
that each convention resembles
thin thread which a spider weaves-
The President and Secretary ROOT
are of the opinion that If many, OF
these threads be joined together they
will attain L strength which Will
make it difficult for war to occur.
Apparently. Germany does no. want
TO restrict her freedom of action any
more than is absolutely necessary.
So far as the United States is con-
cerned, she has for the last few years,
since Raron Speck Won Sternburs has
been her representative in Washing
ion. indicated that she desires the
main1. nance of the most peaceful ar
rangements
Needs Our Support.
Germany needs the moral support
OF this country throughout the world
particularly in the far East. AS a
result OF the clever diplomacy OF
England, she is practically isoiateo
in Europe. In the far East there IS
no nation, other than the United
States, with whom she can, with GOOD
grace, act in concert.
But this political situation may not
last for any length OF time. inter-
national combinations are easil> brok-
IN and easily made. Germany may
n. ed the United States today and not
,omorrOw.
II is these various considerations
which have inspired this government
to seek an arbitration treaty with
Germany. The authorities do not be-
lieye Germany will stand out in 'ts
opposition il treaties Of arbitration
nre arranged with all other nations
Mr. Root. therefore. Will continue
his negotiations. and eventually all
the nations of the world will nave
made these pac.s with us. Germany
then will he approached again. ana
i, will BE- pointed out that unless she
sign similar agreement not only
will the cause OF arbitration suner
a great b!ow-for worldwide agree
mont Is essential in movements OF
this kind-but Germany herself viii
be placed in position just'fyins
suspicion and compelling other ma
,,,ns 70 regard every action she takes
v,,h the utmost dis;rust-