The Washington times., 1909-04-23
Senator Roots Opinion Ex-
pressed to American Inter-
national Law Society.
BODY is MEETING
AT NEW WILLARD
Former Secretary of State John w.
Foster Also Makes
Address.

Disputes involving the rights of ma
tions can be settled with justice and
, equity far better through an inter
#ational court Of arbitration than
through the fine hand OF diplomacy, is
the opinion of Senator Elihu Root, ex-
pressed in his opening address to the
members Of the third annual meeting of
the American Society Of International
law, at the New Willard this morning.
Senator Root, who is president of the
society, made a strong plea for the
recognition of a permanent International
tribunal, composed Of men whose judg-
msnts would be guided solely by judicial
reasoning, justice and equity, and not
by narrow and biased local or national
prejudice
Such a court. in the opinion of Sena-
tor Root, whose address awakened large
interest and enthusiasm among nearly
one hundred members present, should
be regarded by the nations as the court
OF last appeal, and should be resoTted
TO in all International disputes wherein
II Is to be admitted that only disinuer-
ested bystanders and not internal courts
are qualified to determine the merits of
a controversy.
Diplomats Attend.
Today's meeting, which attracted a
large number Of members Of the Diplo-
matte Corps, was essentially carrying
out the inspiration Of The Hague Peace
Tribunal, for tho spirit and principles
laid down in that epoch-making assem-
bly, pervaded this gathering in the
red room Of the Willard.
Former Secretary of State John w.
Foster, himself an eminent arbitrator
and diplomaust, who followed Senator
Root, also made a plea for the estab-
hshment and adoption by the nations
OF rules of arbitration. upon which. ne
40, the justice and reasOEableness of
ernational disputes might be based.
AS a preface to his address, Senator
Root referred to the satisfactory out
come OF questions involving our rela-
lions IN the Far Fast with japan.
boundary disputes with the Dominion Of
Canada, our neighbor on the north, and
the long-disputed controversy with
Great Britain over the status of the
Newfoundland fisheries. All Of these.
critical cases, he pointed cut had been
adjusted by recourse 70 pacific arbitra-
uon, each nation recognizing the rights
of the other.
Tribute to Constitution.
In his contention for an international
court OF arbitration. Senator Root pair
high tribute 10 the Constitution of the
United States. declaring that the princi-
pies of arbitration can be found in this
remarkable instrument-the cornerstone
of American liberties.
The whole world owes too much re-
spect to the Constitution of the United
States TO think little Of its principles. -
declared Senator Root. Especially the
American nations, which have drawn
from that great instrument their forms
OF government and the spirit Of their
free institutions, must regard with re-
spect the lesson which il teaches Ma
tons should lcok to the Constitution for
nigh example Of constructive states
manship."
Referring to the great need. IN JUS
tice to those whose interests are at
stake, of adjusting before an interna-
tional court, such cases as those which
involved citizens Of this country with
venezuela, Senator Root dealt a Sian
at the high-handed methods employed
b1 former President Castro. His char
aeerization Of the former dictator of
venezuela as that singular individual
who occupied the presidency of Ven
Zuela-' evoked considerable laughter
among the delegates.