davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07
LONDON PEACE DECLA-
RATION.

The Second Peace Conference recent!
held at The Hague adopted a convention
for the establishment of an International
Prize Court upon the joint proposal OF
delegations of the United States, France.
Germany and Great Britain. The law to
be observed by the Tribunal in the deci-
sion of prize cases was, however. left in
uncertain and therefore unsatisfac-
tory state Article Z of the Convention
provided that the Court was to be gov
erned by the provisions of treaties exist
ing between the belligerents. but that in
the absence of such provisions. the court
SHALL apply the rules OF international law.
il no generally recognized rule exists. the
court shall give judgment In accordance
with the general principles Of Justice and
equity As, however. many questions
in International maritime laws are I'M
derstood differently and therefore inter-
preted differently In various countries, Il
was deemed advisable not to intrust leg
ialative powers 10 the proposed court. but
to determine the rules of law properly
applicable In a Conference Of representa-
tive maritime nations. Pursuant to an
invitation of Great Britain a conference
was held at London from December 2.
1908, TO February %, 1909. in which the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07
TO GET AT THE EXACT TRUTH
OUR PAN-AMERICAN POLICY
LONG FIXED AND UNCHANGED
Course Consistent With Our Dignity and Our Duty
to Be Maintained Toward Central Ameri-
can Republic = Peace With All
Other Governments.
80 THE Senate and the House
of Representatives:
The relations of the United

-7o THE Senate and the House
of Representatives.:
The relations of the United
States with all foreign govern
ments have continued upon
the normal basis of amity and gooo
understanding. and are very generally
satisfactory.
Pursuant to the provisions of the gen.
eral treaty of arbitration concluded De
tween the United States and Great Brit
ain, April 4, 1905 a special agreement was
entered into between the two countries
on January 81, 1909 for the submission OF
questions relating to the fisheries on the
North Atlantic Coast to tribunal to- De
formed from members of the Permanent
f,ourt of Arbitration at The Hague.
In accordance with the provisions of
the special agreement the printed case or
each Government was, on October last,
submitted to the other and to the Arbftrai
Tribunal at The Hague. and the counter
case Of the United States is now In course
of preparation.
The American rights under the fisheries
article of the Treaty of 1918 have been
cause Of difference between the United
States and Great Britain for nearly sew
enty years. The interests involved are
of great importance to the American fish,
ing Industry, and the final settlement OF
the controversy will remove source of
constant irritation and complaint. This
is the first case involving such great In
ternational questions which has been sub
mitted to the Permanent Court of Arbi-
tration at The Hague.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07
MISSION TO LIBERIA.

Under an appropriation made at the
last session of the Congress. commits
sion was sent on American cruisers to
Monrovia. to investigate the interests Of
the United States and it's citizens in Lii
IBERIA. Upon It's arrival at Monrovia the
commission was enthusiastically received.
and during its stay in Liberia was every
where met with the heartiest expressions
OF good will for the American Govern
ment and people and the hope was re-
peatediy expressed on all sides that this
government might see Its way clear to do
something to relieve the critical position
OF the republic arising in a measure from
external as we'll as internal and financial
embarrassments.
The Liberian Government afforded every
facility to the Commission for ascertain
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07

Ican Republics. as due from the United
States on account OF it's relation to the
Washington Conventions. have been at
ali times conservative and have avoided.
SO Tar as possible. any semblance OF In
reference. although 1T is very anna rent
.hdt the considerations of Eeoeranhic
proximity to the Canal Zone and or fre
very substantial American interests IN
Sta. america give to the United
states special position in the zone of
these republics and the Caribbean Sea
Murder of Americans.
heed not rehearse here the nation.
EFFORTS of this Government RI nro,,.,
peace and welfare among these Repub-
ne ehorts which are fully appreciate,
ny the majority of them who are Ioy.,
70 their true interests. 1t would he -,
Tess unnecessary to rehearse her. g.
s'u laie OF unSpeakable barba ritieS as
oppression alleged to have hea, 80
n ca,,tea by the zelaya Government. Re-
by order of President Zelsva h;r,ss,.
dney were officers in the Organized forces
OF revolution which had contsnnas
many many weeks and was in control OF about
nord,, VI .ne Republic. and as such. ac-
esording TO the modern enlightened nrac-
ice or civilized nations, thew wara a.,
Titled to be dealt with as nyasons.- ca i
war. p'aSohsIS OF
Proceeding With Care.
AT the date when this messsee A
printed this government has terminated
diplomatic relations with the Zelaya gov
eminent, for reasons made public in a.
communication to the former Nicarae1an
charge daffaires, and is intending tn
take such future steps as NAV be found
most consistent with its dignity it's duty
10 American interests and it's moral oh.
igat.ons to Central America and to civ.
ilizatlon 1t may later be necessary for
us to bring this subject to the attention
oI lhe Congress In special message.
ne International Bureau of American
republics has carried on an important
ana increasing work during the LAST
year: In the exercise of its peculiar
functions as an international agency
maintained by all the American repuh
lies Tor the development of Pan-AmerI-
can commerce and friendship, it has ae
compllshed great practical good which
could be done in the same way by no
individual department or bureau of one
government. and is therefore deserving
OF your liberal support The fact that it
IS ABOUT 10 enter new building, erected
through the munificence of an American
pnllanthropist and the contributions OF
ail the American nations. where both
It's emciency of administration and eS-
pense OF maintenance will naturally he
much augmented, further entities IL La
special consideration
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07
TROUBLE WITH MICA
RAGUA.

Since the Washington Conventions Of
1907 were communicated to the Govern
ment Of the United States as a consult
ing and advising party. this Govern
mont has been almost continuously
called upon by one or another. and In
turn by all OF the five Central Ameri-
can Republics. to exert itself for the
maintenance OF the Conventions. Nearly
every complaint has been against the
Zelaya Government of Nicaragua. which
has kept Central America in constant
tension or turmoil. The responses made
to the representations Of Central. Amer
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07

His Majesty Mehmed V, Sultan of
Turkey, recently sent to this country a
special embassy to announce his acces-
sion. The quick transition of the Gov
eminent of the Ottoman Empire from
one of retrograde tendencies TO a con-
stitutional government with a Parlia-
ment and with progressive modern poll
cies of reform and public improvement is
one of the important phenomena of our
times. Constitutional government seems
also to have made further advance in
Persia. These events have turned the
ewes of the world upon the Near East. In
that quarter the prestige of the United
States has spread widely through the
peaceful influence of American schools,
universities and missionaries. There is
every reason why we should obtain a
greater share of the commerce of the
Near East since the conditions are more
favorable now than ever before.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07

following powers participated: the United
States, Austria Hungary France, Ger
many. Great Britain, Italy. Japan, the
Netherlands, Russia and Spain. The con-
ference resulted in the Declaration of
London unanimously agreed to and
corning among other matters. the highly
important subjects of blockade, contra
band. the destruction Of neutral prizes,
and continuous voyages.
Satisfactory to America.
The Declaration of London is an emf
nently satisfactory codification of the
international maritime law, and 1T is
hoped that its reasonableness and fairness
will secure its general adoption, as well
as remove one of the difficulties standing
in the way of the establishment of an
international Prize Court.
Under the authority given in the sun
dry civil appropriation act, approved
March 4, 1909, the United States was
represented at the International Confer
ence on Maritime Law at Brussels. The
Conference met on the 2sth Of September
last and resulted in the signature ad
referendum of a convention for the uni
hcation of certain regulations with regard
10 maritime assistance and salvage and
convention for the unification Of certain
rules with regard to collisions at sea-
Two new projects of conventions which
have not heretofore been considered in a
diplomatic conference, namely, one con-
corning the limitation Of responsibility
OF shipowners, and the other concerning
marine mortgages and privileges, have
been submitted by the Conference to the
different governments.
The conference adjourned to meet again
on April II. 1910.
Uniform Legislation.
The International Conference for the
purpose of promoting uniform legisla-
ton concerning letters of exchange
which was called by the Government Of
the Netherlands to meet at The Hague in
September. 1909, has been postponed to
meet at that capital in June, 1910 The
United States will be appropriately rep
resented in this Conference under the
provision therefor already made by Con-
gress.
The cordial invitation of Belgium to be
represented by fitting display of Amer
lean progress In the useful arts and in
ventions at the Worlds fair to be held
at Brussels in 1910 remains to be acted
upon by Congress. Mindful of the ad-
vantages to accrue to our artisans and
producers in competition with their Con-
tinental rivals. l renew the recommends
ton heretofore made that provision be
made for acceptance of the invitation
and adequate representation in the Elk
position.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07
Argentine Exposition.

The Argentine Republic will also hole
from May to November. 1910, at Buenos
Aires. great International Agricultural
Exhibition in which the United States has
been invited to participate. Considering
the rapid growth of the trade Of the United
States with the Argentine Republic an6
the cordial relations existing between the
two nations, together with the fact that
it provides an opportunity to show de-
ference to sister republic on the occa-
sion of the celebration of its national in
dependence. the proper Departments of
this Government are taking steps to ap-
prise the interests concerned of the op-
portunity afforded by this Exhibition. in
which appropriate participation by this
country is so desirable The designation
or an of1clal representative Is also re-
ceiNiner cnnsiderafi ton -
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07
CANADIAN BOUNDARY.

The treaty between the United States
and Great Britain concerning the Cana
dian International boundary. concluded
April II. 1908, authorizes the appointment
of two commissioners to define and mark
accurately the international boundary line
betWeent the United States and the Do
minion Of Canada in the waters of the
Passamaquoddy Bay, and provides for the
exchange Of briefs within the period OF
six months. The briefs were duly pre-
scented within the prescribed period, but
as the commissioners failed to agree with
in six months after the exchange OF the
printed statements, as required by the
treaty it has now become necessary to
resort TO the arbitration provided for in
the article.
The International Fisheries Commission
appointed pursuant to and under the
authority of the Convention of April IL,
1905 between the United States and Great
Britain. has completed a system of uni
form and common international regula-
lions for the protection and preservation
of the food fishes in International boun-
dairy waters OF the United States and
Canada.
The regulations will be duly submitted
to Congress with a view to the enactment
OF such legislation as will be necessary
under the convention to put them into
operation.
Great Britain Slow to Act.
The Convention providing for the set
tlement of international differences be-
tween the United States and Canada, in
cluding the apportionment between the
two countries of certain Of the boundary
waters and the appointment of commits
Sioners TO adjust certain other questions,
signed on the nth day of January, 1909,
and t. the ratification of which the Senate
gave its advice and consent on March 3,
1900 has not yet been ratified on the part
Of Great Britain.
Commissioners have been appointed on
the part OF the United States to sact
Jointly with Commissioners on the part of
Canada In examining into the question of
distractions in the st. John River be-
tween Maine and New Brunswick, and to
make recommendations for the regulation
~ tho uses thereof, and are now engaged
in this work.
Negotiations for an international confer
ence to consider and reach an arrange
rncnt providing for the preservation and
protection of the fur seals In the North
Pacific are in progress with the Govern
rtents of Great Britain. Japan. and Rus
sa The attitude of the Governments IN
terested leads me TO hope for a sausfac-
tory settlement of this question as the
ultimate outcome of the negotiations
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07
IN THE FAR EAST,

In the Far East this Government nre-
serves unchanged its policy of support
ing the principle of equality of oppor-
tunlty and scrupulous respect for the
integrity CT the Chinese Empire. To
winch policy are pledged the Interested
Powers of both East and West
By the Treaty of 1908 China has I'M
oertaken the abolition of likIn with A
moderate and proportionate raising of
the customs tarIfT along with currency
reform. These reforms being of man.
res. advantage to foreign commerce as
Wen as to the interests OF China this
Government is endeayoring to facilitate
these measures and the needful acuuies-
cence OF the treaty Powers.
The Chinese Loan.
When it appeared that Chinese likin
revenues were to be hypothecated to for
elgn bankers in connection with a great
railway project. it was obvious that the
governments whose nationals held this
loan would have a certain direct interest
in the question of the carrying ont by
China OF the reforms in question: Be
cause TINS railroad loan represented
practical and real application OF the.
open-door policy through cooperation
with China by interested powers as well
as because of its relations to tue re-
forms referred TO above, the aGministra-
ton deemed American participation To
be OF great national interest. Happily,
When IL was as mater o. broad policy
urgent that this opportunity should not
be lost the Indispensable instrumentality
presented itself when group of Amer
ican bankers, of, international reputation
and great resources, agreed at once to
share in the loan upon e:isely such
terms as this government should approve.
The chief of those terms was .aat Amer
lean railway matcriai snould be upon an
exact equality with that of the other
nationals joining In the loan In the plac-
ing or orders for this whole railroad
system
Americans to Participate.
After months o. negotiation the equal
participation OF Americans seems at last
assured. 1t is gratifying that Americans
will thus take their share in this extern
sion of these great highways of trade,
and to believe that such activities will
give a real impetus to our commerce and
will prove practical corollary to our
historic policy in the Far East
The Imperial Chinese government in
pursuance of it's decision to devote FUNDS
from the portion OF the indemnity remit
ted by the United States to the sending
of students to this country has already
completed arrangements Tor carrying cut
this purpose. and considerable body
of students have arrived to take up their
work in our schools and universities. No
one can doubt the happy effect that the
associations formed by these representa-
tive young men will have when they re-
turn to take up their work In the
development Of their country.
War on Opium Traffic.
The results of the opium conferences
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07
German Patent Convention.

A convention between the United States
and Germany. under which the non-work-
ing provisions of the German patent law
are made inapplicable to the patents OF
American citizens. was concluded on Feb
ruary q, 1909. and Is now in force. Ne
gotiations for similar conventions looking
to the placing OF American inventors on
the same footing as nationals have re-
Gently been initiated with other European
governments whose laws require the local
working of foreign patents.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07
Reforms in Near East

ministration which might be devised b.
the Conference for the islands.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07

ing the true state of affairs. The Com
mission also had conferences with repre-
sentative citizens, interested foreigners
and the representatives of foreign govern
ments in Monrovia. Visits We're made to
various parts of the Republic and to the
neighboring British colony of Sierra
Leone. where the Commission was receiv-
ed by and conferred with the Governor.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07

country and to deal with the problems of
intercontinental interest which will there
be discussed.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07
American Capital Abroad.

Today, more than ever before, Ameri-
can capital is seeking investment in
foreign countries, and American products
are more and more generally seeking
foreign markets. AS consequence. in
all countries there are American citi-
zens and American interests to be pro-
tected, on occasion, by their government
These movements of men. of capital and
of commodities bring peoples and gov
ernnents closer together and so form
bonds OF peace and mutual dependency
as they must also naturally sometimes
make passing points of friction. The re-
Sultant situation inevitably imposes upon
this government vastly increased respon-
sibilities. This administration, through,
the Department of State and the foreign
service. is lending all proper support to
legitimate and beneficial American enter
of such support being measured by the
national advantages to be expected A
citizen himself can not by contract or
otherwise divest himself of the right, nor
can this government escape the obligation,
or his protection In his personal and prop
erty rights when these are unjustly in
fr1nged in a foreign country. To avoid
ceaseless vexatiOns 1t Is proper that in
considering whether American enterprise
should be encouraged or supported in a
should give full weight not only to the
national, as opposed to the individual
benefits to accrue. but also to the fact
whether not the government of the
country in question is in its administra-
ton and in its diplomacy faithful to the
principles Of moderation, equity and JUS
tice upon which alone depend interna-
tional credit. In diplomacy as well as in
finance
Pan-American Policy Fixed.
The Pan-American policy OF this gov
eminent has long been fixed in it's prin-
ciples and remains unchanged. With
the changed circumstances of the United
States and Of the republics to the south
of us, most Of which have great natural
resources, stable government and pro-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07
The Spitzbergen Conference.

The Norwegian Government, by a note
addressed on January IS, 1909, to the De-
partment Of State, conveyed an invitation
to the Government of the United States
to take part in a conference which II IS
understood will be held in February or
March, 1910, for the purpose of devisins
means to remedy existing conditions III
the SpitZbergen Islands.
This invitation was conveyed under the
reservation that the question of altering
the status of the islands as countries be-
longing 10 no particular state, and as
equally open to the citizens and subjects
of all states. should not be raised
The European Powers invited to this
Conference by the Government of Nor
way were Belgium, Denmark, France.
Germany, Great Britain, Russia, Sweden
and the Netherlands.
Accepted on Condition.
The Department of State, in view of
proofs filed with it in 1906, showing the
American possession. occupation and
working of certain collaborating lands in
Spitzbergen, accepted the invitation under
the reservation above stated. and under
the further reservation that all interests
in those islands already vested should be
protected and that there should be equal
ity of opportunity for the future 1t was
further pointed out that membership in
the Conference on the part of the United
States was qualified by the consideration
that this Government would not become a
signatory to any conventional arrange
ment concluded by the European men,
bers of the Conference which would imply
contributory participation by the United
States in any obligation or responsibility
for the enforcement of any scheme of adj
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07
AFFAIRS IN THE CONGO.

The question arising out of the Belgian
annexation of the Independent State of
the Congo, which has so long and ear
nestly preoocupied the attention of this
Government and enlisted the sympathy
of our best citizens. Is still open but in
more hopeful stage. This Government
was among the foremost in the great
work of uplifting the uncvilized regions
of Africa and urging the extension of the
benefits of civilization, education and
fruitful open commerce to that vast do
main, and Is a party to treaty engage
ments of all the interested powers de-
signed to carry out that great duty to
humanity. The way to better the original
and adventurous conditions. so burden
some to the natives and SO destructive to
their development. has been pointed out
by observation and experience. not alone
of American representatives. but by GU
mulative evidence from all quarters and
by the Investigations of Belgian Agents
The announced programmes of reforms
striking at many of the evils known
to exist. are an augury of better things
The attitude of the United States is one
of benevolent encouragement, coupled
with hopeful trust that the good work,
responSfbly undertaken and Zealously
perfected to the accomplishment of the
results so ardently desired, will soon JUS
tffy the wisdom that inspires them and
satisfy the demands of humane sentiment
throughout the world.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07
Helping Hand Desired.

1t will be remembered that the interest
of the United States in the Republic OF
Liberia springs from the historical fact
of the foundation of the Republic by the
colonization of american citizens OF tho
African race. In. an early treaty with
Liberia, there is provision under which
the United States may be called upon Tor
advice or assistance. Pursuant to thia
provision and in the spirit OF the moran
raIationship of the United States to La
IBERIA, that Republic last year asked this
Government to lend assistance in the so
luton of certain of their national prob
lens, and hence the Commission was
sent
The report of our commissioners mas
Just been completed and is now under eX-
animation by the Department of State. 1t
is hoped that there may result some heip-
full measures. in which case 1t may be
nv duty again to invite your attention TO
this subject
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07

Enterprising and ad-
vertising are almost
synonymous terms.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07

The results OF the opium conferenes