The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-08-11
LAW reform WAVE
REACHES VIRGINIA
CONTINUED From First rago.)

Continued From First rage.)
rules. he may take who has the pow
err" and "he may Keep who can," have
been the guiding principles in inter-
national disputes Might. not right
has prevailed
To Eliminate wnr.
Tracing the history Of international
arbitrament from the peace OF West
phalia down to The Hague confer
ences. Dir. Bruce pointed out that there
has been steadily increasing dispo-
sition to eliminate the horrors OF war,
and to formulate an International tu-
risprudence. Rapid transportation is
bringing the nations closer together
So are the morning newspapers, where
at the breakfast table one reads In pa
railel columns OF the proceedings of
the lawmaking bodies of all nations.
For instance. the people OF the United
states are almost as familiar with AS
quith and Lord Lansdowne as with
Cannon. Clark and Underwood.
The newspapers and other Influences
are bringing the nations into close
contact and intercourse. and CORE
spondingly are Increasing International
differences In various matters. Just
as sure as the sun shines" said Mr..
Bruce, there will be a court TO decide
the disputes OF nations. modelled after
the courts which settle controversies
between man and man"
Dir. Bruce detailed fully the origin
and acts of The Hague Peace Con-
ferences. the first of which was called
by the Gear of Russia for the real
purpose OF chec. ng the increase of
national ornaments. Russia later
abided by the decision of The Hague
tribunal, when that body decided
against Russia in a case which came
up in the Russo-Japanese war, when
Russian cruiser fred on English
ships. Thus 1.-The power Of truth
among men" was recognized.
In the permanent court OF arbitra-
ton. said Mr.. Bruce, there arc the
defects which always accompany such
mode of settlement of disputes. This
body. which Is really not court. but
o panel, has made good. 1t has been
valuable In composing controversies to
some of which the United States has
been a party.
President TAFT was described by the
speaker as having gone further in
the advocacy and advancement of ar
bitration OF international difficulties
than any other President. In his ad-
nnistration two treaties of arbitra-
ton have been signed, one between
France and the United States, one
between the latter and Great Britain
These are pending the senate's rati-
fcation. and Mr. Bruce expressed the
earnest hope that these treaties will
be ratified
Defects Criticized.
The international court of arbitra-
ton was criticized for its defects by
Mr.. Bruce, who pointed out that the
judges are not permanent. Serving
but once. they do little toward estab-
fishing principles for the future. They
regard themselves as representatives
OF the nations from which they come.
II believe the opinion OF the world
Is advancing toward permanent
court" he said.
Referring TO the second Hague peace
conference. he said that 1t established
only acting In time of war in cases
OF the capture OF vessels on the seas.
The courts OF England and the United
States have different conceptions OF
international law from those enter
tanned in the continental countries.
to what law shall govern. and II has
been decided that the International
court of arbitration shall determine
controversies by the natural principles
OF right and justice. which seems
proper in each case. The court thus
practically formulates its own law.
This establishes a precedent for tho
future. The sole obstacle preventing
the establishment OF permanent in
ternational court OF plenary power
tory method has been found for the
selection OF the judges for such u
court.
"As certainly as sap rises in tha
spring time" said Mr.. Bruce. 80 sure
ly will the people demand the creation