The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-14
TREATYPLAN
Is CALLED A MISFIT
Declared Futile for Such Emer-
gcncies as the Issue With
Germany.
NOT An ARBITRATION

Bryan's numerous statements since he
became once more a private citizen with
the privileges OF unlimited communica-
ton with the public Washington con-
siders that the ex-secretary of state has
demonstrated how much In earnest he
was In his purpose of negotiating peace
treaties.
During the two years that the idea Of
these treaties and the treaties themselves
lave been before the public there has
been a manifest disposition in many
quarters not only In Washington but
elsewhere to look Upon the treaties as
something not to be taken seriously.
The treaties have often been spoken OF
as having no harmful effects on this
country. wSile giving Mr.. Bryan much
satisfaction In his occupancy OF the Office
OF Secretary Of State.
OF course there was also another
opinion. which regarded the treaties as
MIR. Bryan did. the means OF making war
almost impossible. while the opposite
extreme held that some day the treaties
would probably prove a source Of consid-
cradle embarrassment to the United
| States.
His statements about the German
situation. however. have left no doubt
here that Mr.. Bryan felt that the OPP
portunity a come to apply the prin-
ciple Of his peace treaties. The opinion
has been generally held here that the
President obtained the ratification OF
these treaties not because OF any per-
sonal faith In them but to satisfy Mr..
Bryan.
MI. Bryan's View.
In the last few days the latter has
showed that he regarded the reaties and
their Endorsement by the President and
ratification by the Senate as most vital
he has stated repeatedly hat he con-
sidered the United states absolutely
pledged In honor to this principle and
the refusal of the President to offer the
plan to Germany in the present situation
appears to have been one of the chief
reasons why Mr.. Bryan parted company
with him.
Though these treaties have been al
most continuously before the public for
two years. a gross Misunderstanding as
TO their exact character continues TO
manifest itself. Col. Roosevelt gives ex-
preston to the comman misunderstand-
ing In his repeated references to them
as arbitration treaties"
The Bryan treaties are most decidedly
not arbitration treaties Mr.. Bryan con-
s.ders them distinctly superior to arbi-
tration treaties. His treaties provide
only for joint investigation OF disputes
between the contracting Governments. at
conclusion OF which both parties are
free to do whatever they please.
II Is Mr.. Bryan's idea tina parties TO
a controversy often fear to accept arbi-
%tration. especially OF disputes involving
national honor. whereas. he holds. no
one could well object to an investiga-
ffnn ~ tkA fa-t. "
OF his faith in the investigation treaties
is that no Government. after having
had a year to cool of and after the
world had been placed in possession OF
all the facts by an impartial commission
Of inquiry, would either care or dare to
go 20 war about the dispute.
The Chief Feature.
tn chief feature OF the treaties is
contained in the first article, which is as
follows:
The high contracting parties agree
that all disputes between them, OF
every nature whatsoever. TO the settle
ment of which previous arbitration
treaties or agreements do not apply
in their terms or are not applied in
fact. shall. when diplomatic methods
of adjustment have failed, be referred
for Investigation and for report to n
permanent International commission
TO be constituted in the manner pre-
scribed in the next succeeding article
and they agree mo- TO declare war or
begin hostilities during such investi-
CATION and before the report is SUBJ
mitted.
The departure Of Mr.. Bryan from the
Cabinet is taken to indicate clearly
enough the opinion the President enter
tained OF this proceeding in relation to
the United States's complaints against
the German submarine attacks.
II has been pointed out here that the
inherent weakness of the Bryan treaty
plan is demonstrated by its inapplica-
bility To the present situation. namely
that II does not provide for cases In
which the offence is continuing.
Were Mr.. Bryan's plan offered to
Germany and accepted by her. she
would be free to continue her subma-
rine operations Just as she pleased for
the period Of a year. secure in the
pledge of the United States not to de-
clare war or begin hostilities until the
Investigation was completed and a re-
port submitted.
For this reason the Bryan treaties
have lately been characterize as worse
than worthless Great Britain, who has
such a treaty with this country, might
suuutNIy determine on a pOlcy OF con-
fiscating all American ships and car
goes entering British waters and then,
by invoking the Investigation treaty,
tie the hands of the United States
for a year and continue her practices
at will.
Premature Step Charged.
Attention is also being called here
10 the fact that Mr.. Bryan has sought
to invoke the principle of his treaty
plan before the treaties themselves pro-
vide that such action shall be taken.
Article i. states that when diplomatic
methods OF adjustment have failed
the investigation commission shall step
In.
In official quarters II In pointed out
that there Is far from being any war
rant for the assumption that diplomatic
methods ave failed In the German is
sue Germany has not yet even given
her answer to the initial demands of the
United states.
Mr., Bryan's ha ste to invoke the prin-
ciple OF his treaties, even though the
controversy Ia still very much in the
diplomatic stage. Is explained on the
same grounds as some OF the statements
In his recent announcements. namely
that he was obsessed with the fear that
Germany would get angry at the United
states because Of it's demands and
break of diplomatic relations.
In diplomatic quarters II has for some
time been commented on that Mr..
Bryan had absolutely no fears OF seri-
Gus trouble with Great Britain, but was
most ~apprehensive about relations with