The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1922-10-19
S12,OOO,OOO FOR
NORWAY'S SHIPS
Hague Tribunal Renders Decision
on Claims for United States
Seizures During War.
ANDERSON REPUDIATES 1T
American Member of Court Absents
Himself and Declares Jurisdiction
Xceeded-President VaIoton Re-
Dukes Objector.

The Hague.-What was considered
TO amount to a diplomatic incident Oc-
Cured in the small courtroom Of the
Carnegie Peace Palace when the per-
manent Hague Court of Arbitration is
sued an award in the case between the
United States and Norway in favor
of Norway.
Claim 5 presented by Norway
amounted to $13,0O0,OOO plus interest
since August, 1917 for ships requisi-
toned in the World War, and the tri-
bunal awarded approximately $12,OOe,-
900. The United States government
recognized liability for sum approx
mating $2,5OOOOO
The absence of the American arbi-
traitor, Chandler p. Anderson, at the
session caused some mystification at
first. After the terms of the award
had been read, consuming nearly two
hours, by the general secretary Of the
court, Baron Michiels, and President
VallotOn, of Switzerland, was declar-
ing the session closed, the American
agent, William c. Denis, rose and
amid considerable stir asked for a
hearing. He then read a protest on
behalf Of Anderson thus explaining the
latter's absence.
Denis proceeded to explain that he
had had no opportunity to consult the
United States government in regard to
the award just ~ronOunced but 81
deem it my duty on behalf of the
United States to reserve all rights Of
the United States arising out of the
plain and manifest departure of the
award from the terms of submission
and, in the language Of authorities,
from the essential error by which 1t
is invalidated
Denis then read the letter received
from Anderson. as follows:
"Sir: In making the award signed
today. October 10, by President Vallo-
ton and the general secretary, Nessrs.
VallOton and Vogt (the Norwegian ar
btratOr), in my opinion, have disre-
garded the terms of submission and
exceeded the authority conferred upon
the United States and Norway arbitra
ton tribunal by the special agreement
Of June 80, which imposes definite
limits to its jurisdiction. l therefore
refuse to be present when the award
is announced. I send you this notice
in order that your government may be
informed of the reasons of my absence
and that they may be a matter of rec
ord"
This protest fell like alb ombshell in
the court, where the members were
preparing to return calmly to their
respective countries. It was consider
ed directly opposed to the convention
of 1907, which bars all protests, caus-
ing a very delicate situation.
Not since twenty years ago has
there been a similar incident in the
court, when a Japanese protested"
said the general secretary.
"While there is no indication that
Anderson consulted Washington before
taking his step, there is said to be
reason to believe that this was done.
President Valloton arose after Mr..
Denis protest and while compliment
handling of the case, said he did not
consider the way in which the declara-
ton was presented on behalf of one Of
the members of the tribunal in con-
formity with the general convention Of
The Hague nor with the special agree
ment concerning the case.
1--WE heard nothing of a protest I'M
til this moment" he said. 81 do not
think that the dissenting vote Of a
Judge should be presented by the agent
of one of the parties. I am sorry to
have to state that very clearly, with
all due respect to your government"
The tribunal concluded that the
requisition beca @ effective IN August,
1917. as regards American ship
builders, but that the requisition of
the whole property of the claimants be
came effective only rs after October
6, 1917. 1t also held that there was no
reason for keeping the ships after the
signatures Of the Versailles Treaty.