The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1911-08-05
SIGN PEACE PACTS
Arbitration Treaties With
England and France.
WAS SIGNED FIRST IN PARIS
World Peace Brought Near by Agree
ment to Submit All Disputes
Between Three Nations to
Arbitration.
WAS SIGNED FIRST IN PARIS

of Great Britain, exchanged signatures
upon the arbitration treaty between
the United States and Great Britain
which. for the first time IN history
provides for the arbitration OF conlro-
yersies involving questions oil natiohai
honor and vital interest
At the same time Secretary Knox
placed his signature upon the treaty
with France. and Nicomte Saent
phalle. French vice consul at New
York. witnessed the signature for the
Frcnth government. Earlier Ambassa-
dor Jusserand, of France. had signed
the French copy of the Franco-Ameri-
can treaty in the foreign Office al
Paris. so that both treaties became ac-
cepted and are ready now for submits
sion to the senate.
The treaties will be sent at once to
the senate for ratification. As soon as
the copies OF the two treaties had been
signed President Taft affixed his sig
nature to two messages OF transmittal
to the senate.
Il was thought at first that an ex-
change on the FrancoAmerican treaty
would be necessary. because it was
signed In the two capitals, before It
could be sent to the senate. Later on
Official notification from Paris Of the
signature there President Taft decided
to rush the treaties at once TO the
senate in the hope Of obtaining ratlll-
cation at this session.
These treaties provide for the peace
full settlement Of all Disputes that
may be locked In the mystery OF the
future. even though they concern the
national honor or vital interests OF the
sienatorles. subjects invariably except
Cd in existing arbitration treaties.
To Jean Jules Jusserand. the French
ambassador to the United States. came
the signal honor OF signing an arbiira-
ton treaty between the United States
and France six hours ahead Of the
signing OF the treaty between the
United states and Great Britain.
Ambassador Jusserand has been &C
credited TO Washington since 1902.
During the Roosevelt administration
he was a member Of the so-called
tennis cabinet"
Provisions Of Treaties.
The general features Of the new
treaties are:
Al international differences jusiici-
able shall be submitted to The Hague
Peace Court. unless by special agree
ment some other tribunal is created or
selected.
Differences that either country
thinks are not justiciable shall be re-
ferred to a commission of inquiry.
composed OF nationals Of the two gov
ernments, empowered to make recon-
mendatlons for their settlement
Should the commission decide that
the dispute should be arbltrated, such
decision will be binding.
Before arbitration is resorted to.
even in cases where both countries
agree that the difference is susceptible
OF arbitration. the commission OF IN
quiry shall investigate the dispute with
n view of recommending a settlement
without arbitration.
The commission. at the request OF
either government. shall delay It's find
lngs one year to give an opportunity
b for diplomatic settlemeW
The senate will raiify the terms OF
submission OF each dispute to arhi,ra-
/ ton.
The creation OF the Commission OF
Inqnlry" Is a novel feature of the
treaties. This commission Is TO be
made up OF representative. who are
members Of Tie Hague court This
commission is. fist OF all. 10 prevent
an arbitration. If possible.
70 save the cons iiutional treaty
making mowers OF the United states
senate It is especially provided thai
the terms Of submission Of the issue to
arbitration shall be subject to the al
vice and consent OF that BODY In other
words. while the senate cannot ieie Il
tie purposes Of the general treaty by
refusing arbitration. II can exercise
great control over the outcome by reg
ulating the conditions Of the adjust
ment