The Star. MONDAY, APRIL 10, 1893. International Arbitration.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4614, 10 April 1893, Page 2

The Star. MONDAY, APRIL 10, 1893. International Arbitration.

In this connection it is interesting to tote-a development of the pacific instincts of modern times in relation to international differences. The ©anioh Peace Society has preeented a petition to the King, urging a reduction in tire military establishments of all nations^. and an agreement to refer such disputes as now lead to war, to a Court of International Arbitration composed of representatives of the principal Powers. That this is perfectly feasible is proved by the- success o£ the Alabama abitration, the mediation of the Pope in the dispute between Spain and Germany with regard to the GarolineJslands, and other instances,, while the rival claims with regard to the Behring Sea. fisheries seem likely to be amicably settled by conference and mutual concession. King Christian, in reply to the deputation who represented 35jGGO petitioners, waa more politio than logical. He referred to the difficulties in the way 8f carrying out the proposal, and said that any movement in-tthat> direction must be initiated by a leading Power. As Denmark is aofca leading Power, the good old King thus excuses hia own inaction, bat the ezeuse is hardly valid. No leading Power in Uurope can affocd to take the initiative. Would England or would Germany vhh having the stigma of cowardice attachad to her as woald be the caee were she- to make such a proposal ? Tifould a military Powealike Prance brook the idea ? And would Russia get the credit oE sincerity if ehe seriously proposed such a tMsg ? No j the E&ovement in favour of international aabitaration is pre-eminently ona for a secondrate Power, o* for a number of such. Powers to taie in hand.. If the smaller States formed a Pacific. League, its principles might gradually attract tfca larger Powers. The bully of; bhe school must net be expectu>d to be the 2*at to propose to put an end fe» fighting.