New-York tribune., 1909-03-07
RoosEvELr's WISE DEcLINATIoN.

One of the yvisest acts of Theodore Roosevelt
while President was IN declining the invitation
10 act as arbitrator in the difficulties that arose
some six years ago between Venezuela, on the
one hand. and Great Britain. Germany, France
and Italy on the other. He expressed his ap-
probation of the fattering compliment implied
by the invitation, but suggested that they should
refer their differences TO the international tri-
bunal at The Hague for settlement. BY so do
ing he increased the prestige and Importance Of
that court which. by reason of its constitution.
is wholly free from that suspicion Of partiality
and of subservience to political considerations
which, rightly or wrongly. is laid at the door Of
every ruler who undertakes TO act as umpire.
While nnonarchs and Presidents may be i'm
mune from any such suspicion at the time when
they undertake to act as arbitrators in interna-
tional controversies, they will always be &Ir-
deneG Herewith after they have rendered their
decision, and this has been the experience Of all
cf them Thus, there was no more fair minded,
upright and sensible sovereign in all Europe
than the late King Oscar of Sweden. great
grandson OF that French village notary at Pau
whose boy rose from the ranks OF a French in
fsntry regiment Of the line TO the throne OF
Sweden and Norway. Invited 10 arbitrate in
the disputes which arose at one time between
Germany, the United States and Great Britain,
in connection with Samoa. he rendered a verdict
in favor Of Germany, which excited no end OF
II feeling both in this country and in England.
Indeed, some Of the London papers did not hest
tate TO assert that Oscar had been, perhaps un-
Intentionally. biassed in favor of Germany by
the secret military convention which is under
stood to exist between Stockholm and Berlin.
With view 10 combined military and naval op-
eratons in the event of any German war with
Tlaeva iS
Oscar gave his Samoan award in obedience to
what he was convinced were the strict merits
81 the case. and in Difference TO the views of his
most trusted legal and political advisers-thst is
70 say. the leading statesmen and jurists of
sseden. But there viii always be a large num-
Der Of people both sides OF the Atlantic who
VII be disposed TO believe that his intimate re-
isuons, political and personal, with the Kaiser,
We're not without influence in prejudicing him,
perhaps unconsciously. in favor OF Germany
One OF the most remarkable episodes in the
history Of international arbitration was the ap-
peal made by the late Prince Bismarck to Leo
Ali, to act as umpire in a controversy which
hsd arisen between Germany and Spain with
regard 10 the Caroline Islands, in the Northern
Faclhc L was a clever political move the
Part Of the great Chancellor, for he could not
nave selected an arbitrator more pleasing to
~ oPSAlaIds, nor one whose decisions were
more likely 10 be received with respect at
-"Horac; while the compliment thus paid to the
supreme head Of the Roman Catholic Church
ooAlflouted in no small degree to establish
friendly relations between the German gov
eiiinent and the Holy See. which had been at
var with each other ever since the inaugura-
ron o. the Kuiturkampf during the reign of
lux * 1t is doubtful whether there was any
9 Tih during his long and remarkable nontifi-
e' upon which Leo was wont toward its close
. ook back with so much satisfaction. as
ulHs arbitration Of the difficulties between
sAaaHy and Spain. and his award is wellnigh
--sie' IL that it was received with equal good
toned
iess fortunate in this respect was the
Aiefshai MacMahon. who while President
me French Republic undertook to act as
nalor IN Great Britain's dispute with
sal on the subject Of various territories
- -Slands In Delagoa Bay. Although chiefly
tof MS personal honesty, and for