Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1911-07-06

New York, July 2, 1911.
Editor Virginia Free Press.
Dear Sir:-As q reader of your
paper | ask the courtesy Of the publ
cation Of the enclosed petition.
Believing in the doctrine Of educsting
the people, the United German and
Irish Societies, invites the fullest dis
cussion on the most important issue
now before the great American people.
When the arguments are all in. it
will be found that George Washing tons
warning against "entangling alliances"
applies as aptly to-day as it did over q
century ago.
Very sincerely yours,
PATRICK A. GAYNoR.
Secretary. United German and Irish
Societies.
To the Honorable the Senate of the
United States:
Honorable Sirs On behalf of the
United German-American and United
Irish American Societies of New York.
representing the largest bodies OF or
gained citizens in the State. and know
ing that we voice the opinions Of the
vast majority Of both races through
out the country, we respectfully urge
the rejection Of the proposed new Ar
bitration with Great Britain.
Although the actual text Of the
Treaty is unknown to US, the authorized
public description Of its scope, charac-
ter and objects, and the published dec
larations of its chief sponsors at both
sides of the Atlantic as to what they
hope to accomplish by means Of ityare.
lin our opinion amply sufficient to JUS
tify its rejection.
These declarations cover, first, the
main object and purpose of the Treaty
and secondly, the indirect, or inciden-
tai results which they hope will follow
its ratification. The main purpose is
the peaceful settlement of all possible
disputes that may arise between the
United States and Great Britain, and
the indirect or incidental, effects hoped
for are the promotion of universal
peace through the adoption of similar
Treaties between all the great nations
OF the world.
We submit that for the accomplish
ment Of the main purpose the peace.
full settlement Of all disputes likely to
arise between the United States and
Great Britain, except those involving
the vital interests OF this country
there ~ absolutely no need Of 2 new
Treaty. and that the vital interests Of
this Republic should not be made 2
subject Of Arbitration.
The existing Arbitration Treaty with
Great Britain provides for the peaceful
adjustment Of all differences not in
volving vital interests, and no more
can be conceded with safety to any ma
tion having territorial and commercial
motives for the demand. Allquestions
connected with the military defence Of
the country, our control 81 the Panama
Canal and the Monroe Doctrine should
10 our judgment, be excluded from Ar
bitration.
It is . fact beyond question that Eng
land viii not consent to arbitrate her
right to occupy Egypt, her control Of
the Persian Gulf; her right to hold IN
lia, Ireland, Malta, Gibraltar, Bermuda,
Jamaica. and the former South African
Republics, all Of which are filled with
possibilities Of war in tire future. Nor
will England consent to submit TO Ar
bitration her right to determine for.
herself the strength Of her navy Of the
provision Of naval bases and coalipU
stations at every available point
throughout the world. And YET in this
question Of the predominAnce Of the
British Navy lies the greatest menace
% The peace Of the world to-day.
Peace between the United States and
England so far as human iudgment and