The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-11-06
@M@Gs4

OF a treaty which conrers the power
to determine whether a given state OF
things falls within the operating pro-
visions of the treaty. II is the latter
and not the former Of these alter
na.ives which, in my judgment. the
provision in question effectuates.
Neither can 1 agree with the con-
tention that this provision is unwise
or attended with any circumstances OF
peril. in view Of the fact that the
personnel of the, joint high commits
Sion Is sufficiently under our control
; to practically guarantee fair de-
cision. and. in view OF the further
fact that the special agreement pro-
vidlns for the tribunal defining the
scope of the powers of the arbitrators
the questions at issue, the terms VI
reference and the procedure, which
must be made in all cases, is sub
jcct finally to the advice and consent
of the Senate.
while I do not think that questions
concerning the Monroe Doctrine or any
purely governmental policy. such as
the exclusion or admission OF aliens,
are embraced within the terms of
article /. still I should have no OBJ
lection to putting the matter beyond
all doubt by including In the resolu-
ton of ratification a clause declaring
that the Senate advises and consents
to the ratification with the under
standing that such questions are not
included within the meaning of the
treaty.
With the general scope and purpose
OF these arbitration treaties 1 am In
No.,
They mark long step forward In
the direction of universal interna-
tional peace. The claim that the
treaties may involve the submission
TO arbitration of questions involving
the national honor does not appeal
very strongly to my mind, and yet
think l am as patriotic and as Jealous
OF the national honor as any one.
whenever the question Is presented
III It's sharp. naked form TO any cour-
ageous and patriotic man his first i'm
pulse is always to demand that ven
geance shall swiftly follow an affront.
or what he regards as an affront, to
the national honor This feeling IS
natural and manly, but after all
honor is very flexible as we'll as
much abused term. definition Of
which often depends upon the point
OF view. and the meaning and applI-
SalioH Oh Whlcn is broadened or mar
rowed by temperamental or racial diff
ferences OF by the influences of the
moment.
History discloses many cases where
one nation in the first heat of resent
ment has regarded its honor as hay-
ing been assailed by the action OF an
other nation, but has concluded after
period of reflection that the national
honor was not involved. These treaties
aHord this period OF reflection.
II is true that there may occasion
ally come that extreme case when the
aHront to tho national honor will he
SO grave that the Indignation of the
people VIII sweep aside every artificial
restraint that stands in the way Of an
appeal TO the final and dreadful arbi
trament OF war. but the tendency Of
these treaties will be to render such
occasion less and less frequent The
onello as means of redressinr nrI-
Fate grievances Is no longer fashion
able among self-contained people. Some
day we shall recognize the fouv and
wickedness of two nations engaging
In the mutual slaughter OF their re-
spectivc citizens as means of redress
ing public grievances. p II McC;