The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-05-03
Says Professor Before Ameri.
can Peace Congress.
MAY MARK OFF CLOUD ZONES
Frontiers of Countries Not to
Be Crossed by 'PIanes.
Trouble Between France and
Germany Is Cited.

st. Louis, May 3.-Accidents caused
by dropping articles out of airships
were discussed by Prof. r. G. Usher
of Washington university before the
fourth American peace congress today.
He spoke on ''The International Law
of Airships.'' and asserted that the
question of such accidents was one for
international regulation.
These questions are really issues or
considerable moment, and some rules
must be developed for their prompt
settlement unless International COM
plications of a serious nature are not
to occur constantly" the professor
said.
The really difficult question is that
of the accidental landing of foreign
airships in a country's territory near
enough the defences to make it proba-
BILE that the occupants obtained know
ledge of use to the opposing country
while in flight or while landing.
The fact that two German crafts
have landed suspiciously near French
military points of the first Importance
within a few days of each other. even
after the probability of accidents to
the machinery is admitted, might have
been fairly treated by the French gov
ernment as evidence of hostile inten-
ton. This was not, however. the re-
suit.
There can be little doubt that the
French treatment Of the cases has fur
nished precedent for something like
an international law. Evidently they
considered the air above France was
French territory, and that the Ger
mans were therefore trespaSsing. Ev-
identity too they recognized openly
that airships are not entirely in con-
troll of their crews and are liable to
accident, and as well, that in most in
stances the truth about the alleged ac-
l. %
cation.
IF such incident should occur again
there can be little doubt that the air
ship will be confscated and it's crew
imprisoned as spies If not executed.
Suggestions have already been made
by we'll known publicists in Europe
and by prominent journals that a zone
be marked off on either side of the
frontier of each country the air of
which zone shall not be entered by
the craft of either-a be of air, not
neutral like the three mile line at sea
but definitely assumed to be hostile
ground.
Its extent would be regulated by the
distance objects could be distinguished
from an airship in flight. Outside this
would be another zone which air craft
should not enter except in case of ac-
cident regulated in breadth by the dis
tance a disa bled craft prob; bly, woui--
be carried before a safe landing could
be effected"
Century of Peace.
A century of Anglo-American peace
was the general topic for considera-
ton at the congress today. William
Renwick Riddell, justice of the su-
preme court of Ontario, reviewed the
history of British-American relations
for the last hundred years, and said
that questions more difficult of settle
ment, than any settled by war had
been adjusted peacefully between the
United States and Great Britain.
"The determination of the English
speaking people he said, that they
will conclude their disputes by peace
full means is final and irrevocable and
must in the nature of things have a
tremendous influence on the world at
large.
NO one expects or desires a politi-
cal union between the United States
and Great Britain, but there is a grow
ing sense of unity that must guide the
future actions of boht peoples
John Lewis, editor of the Toronto
Star, spoke on The identity of the
interests of the United States and
Canada"
Justice Benjamin Russell, of the su-
preme court of Nova Scotia, said it
was settled understanding among the
English speaking peoples Of the world
that no possible question could arise
between them that was not capable of
without recourse to the
sword.