The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. SATURDAY FEBRUARY 24th. 1912 ARBITRATION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 51, 24 February 1912, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. SATURDAY FEBRUARY 24th. 1912 ARBITRATION.

President Taft is not allowing the attacks made by Mr Roosevelt and other of his countrymen on the proposed Anglo-American and, . j JfraucoAhierican arbitration ' treaties to go unanswered. In' the January number of the “Century” magazine he' makes a detailed reply to the arguments raised by the opponents of the treaties and then states the purpose which he had in mind when hb brought the subject of international arbitration forward. President Taft regards the treaties as merely a step towards a much higher- goal, namely,, an international Court of Arbitration. “The 'ideal,” ‘he ’ writes,; “for which sincere advocates' of . universal peace arc striving is ah international Court of Arbitration, before which a weak nation may summon a more powerful ope when the weaker believes its x;ights are being violated. . . In the case of Tripoli, as of Turkey generally, such a tribunal would have served to ensure to Turkey its rights whenever they were in danger of violation. It is precisely the absence of such a tribunal to which a weak nation can appeal which makes possible the violation of its rights by one more powerful; which makes possible the violation of the provisions of general treaties guaranteeing the integrity of nations unable to protect themselves.” Mr Taft admits that the two treaties awaiting ratification by the American Senate do not provide for such a tribunal, but he contends that they are a step, and an important step, in that direction. These treaties provide for the reference of all questions determinable by the principles of law and equity to arbitration. 'There is only one alternative method for settling disputes, that of force, which, as the President contends, proves nothing but that one particular nation has a stronger army and navy than another. There is nothing to guarantee that a nation will secure justice by appealing to the arbitrament of war. Mr Taft’s ideal docs not seem easy of attainment.

LIBERIA. I A very interesting survey of the past history and present condition of the Republic of Liberia is given by MiFrank Braham in tbe February “Windsoy.” Mr Braham, as one of the few Englishmen residing in Liberia in an official capacity for many years, writes with special authority. Ho states that soon after the creation of the Republic there cropped up difficulties as to frontiers both with Franco and Great Britain. There were arguments, dissensions, and diplomatic pourparlers extending over a number of years, until in 1910 a pact was sealed which settled the frontier question with Great Britain and, through British influence, with France. British influence is very considerable, but complications have arisen and, other nations being interested, it has been agreed that a joint Board under American control shall be appointed to deal with the administration of Liberian finance. The revenue is derived almost entirely from the Customs, and these arc security for investors—sound security. The President of Liberia, by the way, is a West Indian negro from Barbadoes, Mr Barclay, a cultivated negro of an independent and vigorous mind, a n.an well suited to be the bead of the pat

riarchal government which seems really best to suit the negro in his present stage of development. His office is of four years’ tenure, and President Ha relay is undoubtedly the light man for it—a real personality, a man to whom all the 15,01)0 Liberians turn for sympathy, advice, and guidance. He is not in any easy position. His people are suspicious, but his remarkable understanding of their psychological attitude has, it is stated, enabled him to advance their interests, often in spite of themselves.