The Lyttelton Times. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1908. ANGLO-SAXON ARBITRATION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIX, Issue 14610, 18 February 1908, Page 6

The Lyttelton Times. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1908. ANGLO-SAXON ARBITRATION.

Accobdijtg to a Renter's telegram, negotiations have again, been opened between Britain and the United States with a view to tho arrangement of a general arbitration treaty. There is already in existence a treaty under which the two Powers agree to submit minor disputes to arbitration, tho 'wellknown treaty concluded between Britain and France in 1903 being taken as the model. But the previous attempts to arrange a comprehensive treaty have failed through tho unwillingness of the United States Senate to tie the .hands of the country. Eleven years ago such a document was actually signed by the responsible representatives of tho Anglo-Saxon-Powers. The question had been discussed on various occasions, when such subjects as the Alaskan boundary and the lake fisheries were under consideration, and in 1895 Mr Gresham, American Secretary of State, broached the matter more formally in a communication to the British Government. During 1896 the whole subject was fully discussed by Mr Olney and Lord Salisbury, with tho result that a solemn compact was framed and signed at Washington on January 11, 1897. The two Powers agreed to submit to arbitration " all questions in difference between them which they may fail to adjust by diplomatic negotiation." The treaty provided for tho settlement of disputes of all kinds, provisions being included for the creation of special tribunals for minor disputes, major claims and territorial claims, and the King of Sweden was nominated to oppoint the umpire in each case. The treaty was subject to ratification, and was to be finally signed in six months' time. There seemed to be no reason why the agreement should not be ratifield forthwith. On the British side, the fact that Lord Salisbury had signed it provisionally meant that tho Government approved and that ratification would follow as a matter of course. The American Cabinet was equally favourable. Public sentiment was almost unanimous in welcoming the prospect of permanent peace between the two great nations. There were only two prominent journals in the United States that were critical. The House of Representatives carried a resolution endorsing tho agreement by 141 votes to 11. But the Senate had still to express its opinion, and unfortunately, as ono historian says, " the meaner temper and narrower and more ignorant opinion had been getting so strong a representation in tho United States Senate as to prove capable of much mischief. When the great covenant of 'peace went to that body for approval there were senators who' found it offensive because it came from the hands of President Cleveland and Secretary Olney; and there wero other senators whose dignity was hurt by tho eager impatience with which the public voice cried out for thoir ratifying vote; and still others there were who looked with official jealousy at the project of an arbitral tribunal which might sometimes take something from senatorial functions in foreign affairs. And the combination of pitiful motives had strength enough to baffle the high hopes and defeat the will of tho American people." Tho committee on foreign relations reported tho draft favourably with certain amendments on February 1, but tho ensuing debate showed that a vote of ratification could not be obtained within a month, and the Bill was dropped. When the now Congrefi6 met the committee of the Senate again recommended the endorsement of the draft, adding certain amendments. The debate lasted a fortnight, and material amendments were made, requiring a special agreement for arbitration on matters affecting the honour of either Power, resolving to the Senate the power of veto on any proceedings, and prohibiting arbitration on any claim of a British subject against an American State. There wore other important modifications, but even when the Senate had thus changed the whole character of the treaty tho opposition was still vigorous, and in the final decisiou the Government secured only 43 votes out of 09. The treaty could not bo ratified without tho consent ofotwo-thirds of tho senators, and tho treaty was thus defeated by three votes. We have, unfortunately, no guide to the temper of the Senate now. Public opinion on both sides .of the Atlantic would welcome a treaty of general arbitration as warmly as ever, and it may bo that American politicians will bo disposed to take a broader view of their responsibilities than, was the ease in 1897. TJie earlier treaty was recommended by a Democratic Administration to a Republican Senate, and in 190 S tho Senate majy be more willing to accept the proposals of an Administration with which it is in general sympathy.