The San Francisco call., 1913-08-09
A VICTORY FOR PEACE


The terms of the new treaty be-
tween the little republic of Salvador
and the United States define the
greatest advance in the history OF
international relations that has yet
been taken by civilized nations:
| 1t is a triumph for the ideas OF
President Taft and a vindication OF
his purpose. In history the credit
will be his, though the temporary
renown will be President Wilson'S
and Secretary Bryan's.
Up to date the subject has been
before the public only in messages
and addresses. Now it is found in the
definite and hard and fast obligation
of an international contract TO WHICH
the honor of one of the greatest and
one of the least of nations is given
alike.
The statement in the preamble OF
the treaty that it is entered into spe-
cihcally to advance the cause of gen.
eral peace is the first instance of the
sort. Heretofore treaties, which are
no more or less than international
contracts, have been entered into for
one or more specific purposes, but
never before ito advance the cause
of general peace.
That such treaty could be made
between any two nations is great
victory for peace.
Having covered the general pur-
pose of the treaty, the specific details
of this treaty are important, as they will
undoubtedly be identical with those of
| other treaties, and will form the sub
stantial basis of all that may be made,
even though some will, as may be
expected, differ in particulars
In brief, the treaty provides that
"all disputes of every nature what
soever," which, of course, includes
those which touch the national honor,
when diplomacy fails, shall be sub
mitted to a commission of fve-one
from each country, one chosen by
each country from third country,
and the fifth chosen by the. two con-
tracing countries by common agree
ment.
This international commission is, to
be in existence at all times, vacancies
TO be. filled as they occur. In case
diplomacy fails between the two
countries, the disputes are to be re-
ferred to the international COM
mission, or it can act on its own
initiative.
A year is allowed to the commits
sion to make its report, which means,
of course, that war is not to be de-
clared within a year after the two
nations have found diplomacy fail
ure. The time for report may. be
extended by agreement.
Pending the report, both nations
iagree not to increase their naval or
military programs, which means their
preparation for war, unless danger
from third power becomes menacing
to one. In this case, the other shall
be notified and both left free to pre-
pare.
This treaty is TO be in effect FIVE
years and thereafter until II months
notice is given.
/ As Salvador's total population is
not much more than that of the cities
around San Francisco bay, and its
standing army consists of 5000 men
and its navy is nonexistent, this par
ticular treaty is important only in its
moral effect and because it shows that
the United States is willing to put
itself on the level of the least of
nations to aid in the general advance
ment of peace.
| The moral effect of the Salvador
treaty is as great as if it were made
with Spain, Italy or any of the pow
ers, for the national idea means as
much to this country and to Salvador
as it does to any nations on earth.
Now that the first treaty has been
made and its contents are public, many
other nations may be expected to
adhere to similar treaties Ultimately
all must do SO, for no nation is likely
to refrain from making treaties which
will make war more difficult to begin.
How simple and easy the whole
matter becomes is seen now that an
actual treaty is at hand The theo-
retical objections will fall to the
ground in face of the actual facts.
Nations are too apt to become
Ipanicky and to rush into war without
adequate provocation Such treaties
as the Salvadoran will simply make it
harder for nation to be stampeded
and will save blood and treasure.
The treaties will not put an end to
war; but any war that can be delayed
a year is not very sure to be fought.
They do not lower the dignity
of any nation. They will truly ad-
vance the general cause of peace.
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