New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-03

of war, IL will enable the qua-rcnihg
peoples TO understand what it is they
arc to fight about and what the atti-
tude of their opponents is. The decl-
sion of impartial tribunals cannot but
have great influence and will form the
public opinion Of the world. Inc
period Of delay itself will abate heat
and induce calmer views. =.
"It is the successful practice OF aroi-
tration that leads to its adoption. The
first half century of our peace WIN
England. after the Treaty 4 Ghent,
was full of strains upon our peacefui
relations, eliminating in those OF the
Civil War. Then, through the JOINT
High Commission of 1871, we had the
two arbitrations, one OF the AlaDama
Claims. in which England was mulcted
for s15,000,000, and the other OF the
Fisheries claims. in which we were
penalized to the extent of S5,OO0.OOo.
Learned Value of Arbitration
these gave us to know the real
utility of arbitration. England dld not
like the Geneva award. We did not
like the Halifax award. But we botn
played the game according TO RUE anu
paid the money. -.
lions with Canada over many ques-
tions, and now we have a. permanent
tribunal for settling disputes over
boundary waters and anolher Ioi
nancy claims. The effect OF these
arbitrations has created a habit pc
tween the two countries. No one I'M.
acines a war between the United
States and Canada. If an issue dehes
nepotiation every one looks to peace
ful settlement. This is because 1T mas
been tried so often and because we
have grown used TO winning and los-
ing. ,.. In
IA willingness to arbitrate only
uben one is sure of winning IS not
the spirit which makes arbitration
useful means of settling disputes. 10
make arbitration useful the state OF
mind of nations in regard to arbltra,
ton should be that of the strict ana
orthodox Puritans-that one must pc
willing TO be damned if he would pc
saved. Practice in arbitratons pro-
duces this state of mind and TINS con-
fidence in the method. The league
onforces this practice, the educational
effect of which upon nations IN snow,
ing the possibility of such peaceiui
settlement of disputes will be invaiu-
able. The procedure will become as
of course and the habit of such set
Element will be formed.
"But the pacilists ask, Why use
force at all? Why is not genera
agreement by all the world to aroi-
trste enough? The belligerent nations
will not regard mere promises an ade-
ouate guarantee. They will insist on
adding as a sanction the fear OF inter-
national police. Every domestic com
munity. however law-abiding It's ciu-
zens. provides a police force to sup
press disturbers of the peace. Many
peop,e would never create disturb
ances. but others would do so unless
they knew that police, representing
the full power of all for the common
Good would restrain them. | don't
SEQ how any pacifst who believes IN
a notice force in domestic com
munity can object to the application
Of the same principle in community
of nations. Nations are not more
moral or peaceable than the average
citizen. and the necessity for restraint
of them TO avoid war certainly is not
less,
"a second reason why the agreement
TO contribute TO an international ponce
force is great improvement over "A
rnere general treaty to arbltrate All
differences between all nations Is thaI
where no force is behind treaty, as
sanction, no one is especially inter
csted in the performance of the treaty
except the two nations who have a oil
ference. ,.,
"Obiection is made that the United
States in Joining such league will vlo-
late the advice and example OF WASH
irqton and Jefferson as TO entangling
alliances. Neither had conception OF
the plan of world league or OF the
present conditions making 1t WISE ana
necessary. | agree that the league VIII
be change Of policy heretofore nam
tanned by us, but 1t will be cnange
BY enlargement and growth to meet
new exigencies, and not a departure III
principle. -,
sban donment of the Monroe Doetrlne'
will aid in its maintenance, because Vlo-
lations of the Monroe Doctrine, begin
ming with threatened bostilities by
European or Asiatic power against one
OF the American republics, would be
halted by the league, with an examina,
ton of the ground of quarrel by court
or commission.
"The success of the Monroe Doctrine
for now ninety-three years without our
firing a shot shows the effect OF
threat Of force upon the conduct OF the
world without the necessity for its ex-
ercise. The great power of the league
of the world and the international po-
lice would afford for the maintenance
Of its policies far greater sanction.
"rhen it is said that the league is
demonstrations in that il will turn
over TO council of representatives OF
all the world the power to plunge us
into war, whereas the Constitution
vests Congress alone with the power TO
declare. This is misconception. We
enter into the treaty through the
treaty-making power of the President
and Senate. The treaty binds US in a
certain event to contribute our share
to a world police force, and thus help
to restrain or suppress the beginning
of war in violation of the terms of the
league. Our nation must perform this
obligation in the way enjoined by the
Constitution