Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1911-05-26
.ROASTS ROOSEVELT
|. FOR OPPOSITION TO
ARBITRATION PLAN
Former Secretary of State
John w. Foster Severely
CriticiseS the Colonel for Re-
cent Remarks as Published

MOHONK LAKE. N. T., May 25.-Se-
we're criticism Of Theodore Roosevelt's re-
cent public utterances regarding interna-
tionaI arbitration marked the speech of
John W. Foster. former secretary of
state. today before the nth annual meet
ing Of the Lake Mohonk conference on
International arbitration.
At the same time. said Mr.. Foster,
Notwithstanding Mr.. Roosevelts early
declaration in opposing arbitration in
general, he has done more than any
other living man to advance this cause .
Speaking of the Anglo-American treaty
Of arbitration now being negotiated, Mr..
Foster declared that opposition 70 It in
the senate ought not to be entertained
as a serious possibility. The treaty, he
said, would place the two governments on
the same footing as each of them has
placed its citizens and would result in
similar treaties between other ma
tons.
It was plain, he added, that 1t would
have no appreciate effect on the arma-
ments Of the world, and that at present
Germany can hardly be expected to be-
come a party to a like treaty Never
fheless. as unlimited arbitration is ex-
tended among the nations tbs beneficial
effect must become more and more appar-
ent, and even the German government
must eventually find a modus vivendi
with the peaceful nations which win en-
able It to restrict its armament and cease
to be a menace to the world"
FOSTERS SPEECH.
Mr.. Fosters subject was Unlimited
Anglo-Americn Arbitration" The portion
y L. 81 -
follows:
4 had concluded the preparation of
my address at this point when the fui-
mination of Theodore Roosevelt appeared
In the public press. While regret it's
appearance as tending to embarrass the
action of the senate, I recall the fact
that no man in public life today has
shown such an cratic and inconsistent
course in relations to the subject of in
ternational arbitration. His early public
career was marked by a strong hostility
TO arbitration in general. In a magazine
article as late as 1885 he attacked Presi-
dent Harrison for submitting the Bering
sea question to arbitration.
But when he assumed the Responsible
~ Of the presidency. it was he who sent
the first case-to The Hague court of
arbitration and invited the nations in
hostile array against Venezuela to resort
TO the same court In the first instance
he proposed to settle the Alaskan boun-
dairy dispute by sending the American
army to occupy and hold the territory
by force. but finally yielded to the pa
cific advice OF Secretary Hay and in 100;
submitted the question to the London
commission.
In 1904 he sent a number OF arbitra-
ton treaties to the senate and yet, be-
cause the body saw fit to insist upon
the exercise OF its constitutional duty
he denounced this action as "a sham
and q subterfuge. and in a petulant man
ner refused TO put the treaties into force
But four years later. following the ad-
vice of Secretary Root, he sent the same
treaties with the senate's amendment tc
that body, and upon its approval put them
into operation.
EARNED NOBEL PRIZE.
Notwithstanding his early declaration
in opposition TO arbitration in general
he has done more than any other living
man to advance this cause and has well
earned the Nobel peace prize. judging
the future by the past. in the course OF
time. after he has played to his hearts
content with his favorite terms, 'hypocri-
cy.' 'cowardice' bad faith etc, we may
expect this cratic but patriotic citizen
to fall in line with the onward march
towards international peace, and give his
support to the great measure which most
ennobles the administration Of his sue
cessor."