Los Angeles herald., 1910-12-07
tAgsociated Press,

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6--Congress
gave respectful attention to President
Taft's message today, but there were
comparatively few members who were
willing to concede the probability of
favorable action at the present session
on many of the recommendations con-
tanned therein. This was in view OF
tie fact that the sess on will close
March 4.
The message was delivered to both
houses by Secretary Latta soon after
they convened at noon. Mr.. Iatta
made his first appearance in the senate
arriving immedi tely after the an
nouncement of the presidents intention
to communicate his views "in writing"
This announcement was made by
Senator Cullom on behalf of himself
and Senator Money, who constituted
the senatorial committee to inform the
president that the senate was prepared
to receive recommendations from him
Almost Immediately afterward, Mr..
Latta delivered the message to the
house.
The reading of the document, which
was of unusual length, was begun at
1919 p. m. in the senate. At first most
of the senators listened attentively, but
gradually this attention ceased on the
part OF most of them, and those who
remained IN the chamber devoted them
selves to printed copies before them.
This also was the case in the house.
To the Senate and House of Representatives:
During the past year the foreign relations o.
the United States have continued upon bash
Of friendship and good understanding.
Arbitration
The year has been notable as witnessing the
pacific settlement Of the two important inter
national controversies before the pernantnt
court of The Hague.
The arbitration of fisheries dispute between
the United States and Great Britain, VIII
has been the source of nearly continuous DIP e.
matte correspondence since the fisheries CO..
vention of 1878, has given award which "a
satisfactory to both parties. This arbitration
Is particularly noteworthy not only becauAs *
the eminently Just results secured, but also
because it is the first arbitration held under
the general arbitration treaty Of April 4, 49,
by the United States and Great Britain ana
disposes of a controversy the settlement a
which has resisted every other resource e
diplomacy, and which for nearly ninety yea
has been the cause OF friction between tto
countries whose common interest nes In mai
tanning the most friendly ana cordial relations
with each other.
The tribunal constituted at The Hague BY
the governments Of the United States and
venezuela has completed It's deliberations snd
has rendered an award In the case Of the
Orlnoco Steamship company against Venezuela.
The award may be regarded as satisff nlory,
since II has. pursuant to the contenti9ns OF
the United States. recognized q number or tsn-
portant principles making Tor judicial attl-
tude in the determining Of internationnl dis
putes.
In view OF grave doubts which had been
raised as to the constituticnality OF The Hague
convention for the establishment OF an inter
national prize court, now before the senate for
ratification, because OF that provision o. the
convention which provides that there may be
an appeal to the proposed court from the
decisions of national courts this government
proposed In an Identical circular note ad-
dressed to those powers which had takes part
in the London maritime conference, thas the
powers signatory to the convention. corr
fronted with such Difficulty, might insert a
reservation TO the effect that appeals te ths
international PRIZE court in respect to deeisfons
OF Its national tribunals should taks the .orn
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