The Washington herald., 1909-03-07
By Ex-ATTACHE.

three years OF age, and may therefore
be Justly considered as lacking in that
judgment which is born OF long ex-
perience in the affairs OF state, yet he has
been invited by Great Britain and Ger
many 70 act as arbiter in the contro-
versy which has arisen between them
with regard TO the Walfsh Bay territory.
on the West Coas+ Of Africa. 1t is
controversy, the merits OF which, It
will be difficult TO determine without Civ
ing offense TO one or the other of the
parties. or to both; and the verdict is
bound 10 exercise very important bear
ing upon the future economic and politi-
cal welfare OF British South Africa on
the one hand and of Germany's West
African dependencies on the other
Perhaps It would have been wiser on
the part Of the youthful monarch TO de-
cline the invitation. But that it should
have been rendered to him was an ex-
tremely gracious compliment OF an inter-
national character. by which he could
not but feel deeply honored. Moreover.
IL constituted a tribute Of German and
English confidence in the integrity and
loftiness Of principle Of the leading
statesmen Of Spain. upOH whom Don
Alfonso will naturally call to advise him
in the matter.
1t IS for this reason just because It was
a compliment not alone TO himself per-
sonaIly. but TO the Spanish nation. that
Alfonso considers that he had no right
10 decline the request 10 undertake the
role Of arbitrator and peace-maker be
tween those two mighty empires. Great
Britain and Germany, whose differences
have been a source Of so much uneasi-
ness 10 the remainder Of the great powers
for several years past.
Monarchs and chief magistrates Of re-
publics. when they undertake TO act as
umpire in controversies between foreign
nations, as a rule turn over the whole
matter 10 their principal legal and pOliti-
cal advisers. and do not take much fur
tier trouble about the matter, beyond az
fixing a signature to the opinion drawn
up for their approval by people whom
they employ for the purpose, and IN the
selection Of whom the parties to the dis
pute have no voice.
Unsatisfactory as this IS. the case be-
cobes even worse when the nlustrious ar
bitrator insists on taking the matter in
hand himself. under the impression that
his throne or his high Office has invested
him with a profound knowledge OF the
intricacies Of international law without
ever having studied the latter.
The late King William Of Holland, for
instance. when asked many years ago by
the United States and Great Britain 10
determine the northeast boundary line,
on the subject of which there was DIFF
countries, took his umpireship very much
an serieux, insisted on regarding himself
as a very Daniel come 20 judgment. de-
clined to accept either the American or
the English contention. and rendered a
decision in favor OF "A preDosterous from
tier line Of his own devising. which was
not only unacceptable 10 both countries,
but absolutely impossible geographically
as well as politically. Fortunately. the
matter was subsequently settled and set
straight by the Webster Ashburton
treaty.
one Of the wisest acts OF theodore
Roosevelt while President was IN declin-
ing the invitation TO 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 ex-
pressed his appreciation OF the fatter-
ing compliment implied by the invitation.
but suggested that they should refer
their differences TO the international trib-
unal at The Hague for settlement
By so doing he increased the prestige
and Importance Of that court. which, by
reason of its constitution, is wholly free
hot ~ n
subservIence to political considerations.
which. rightly or wrongly. are laid at
the door Of every ruler who undertakes
10 act as umpire
WnIIe monarchs and presidents may be
immune from any such suspicion at the
time when they undertake to act as arbi-
traitors in international controversies.
they will always be burdened Herewith
after they have rendered their decision.
and this has been the experience Of all
Ct them. Thus. there was no more fair
minded, upright, and sensible sovereign
in ali Europe than the late King Oscar Of
Sweden. a great grandson Of that French
village notary at Pau whose boy rose
from the ranks Of a French infantry
regiment Of the line 10 the throne Of
Sweden and Norway.
Invited to arbitrate in the disputes
which arose at one time between Ger
many the United States. and Great Brit
ain. in connection with Samoa. he rem
dcred a verdict in favor Of Germany.
which excited no end Of ill-feeling. both
in this country and IN England Indeed.
some Of the London papers did not hcsi-
tate to assert that Oscar had been. per
haps unintentionally. biased in favor or
Germany by the secret military con-
vention which is understood to exist be-
tween Stockholm and Berlin. with view
to combined military and naval opera
tions in the event Of any German war
with Russia or England
There is no doubt that oscar. gave his
Samoan award in obedience 10 what he
was convinced were the strict merits OF
the case. and I'm Difference to the views
or his most trusted legal and political
advisers; that is 10 say. the leading
statesmen and jurists of Sweden. But
there will always be a large number OF
people on both sides Of the Atlantic vino
will be disposed 10 believe that his intI-
mate relations, political and personal.
with the Kaiser we're not without infu-
ence in prejudicing him. perhaps uncon-
sciously. in favor Of Germany.
One OF the most remarkable episodes
in the history OF international arbitra-
ton was the appeal made by the late
Prince Bismarck to Leo XIII, 10 act as
umpire in a controversy which had arisen
between Germany and Spain with regard
TO the Caroline Islands. in the Northern
Pacific. Il was clever political move
on the part Of the great chancellor. For
he could not have selected an arbitrator
more pleasing to the Spaniards, nor. one
whose decisions were more likely to be
received with respect at Madrid; while