I TERNATIONAL CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8165, 26 July 1906, Page 4

I TERNATIONAL CONFERENCE.

« GATHERING OF PABLIAMENTABY DELEGATES. THE DISABMAMENX QUESTION LONDON, July 24Lord Wardale is presiding at the conference of international parlialiamentary delegates. Sir Henry Campbell-Banncrman, Lords Tweedmouth, Carrington, Crewe, and Avebury are among the British representatives. Six members of the Duma received an impressive welcome, the whole conference rising and cheering enthusiastically. Sir Hy. Campbell-Bannennan read a stirring address in French, welcoming the conference in the name of the British Government and the King. The latter especially desired 1 to express the interest be felt in the ( historic gathering. The Government unreservedly associated themselves ' .with the objects of the conference and hoped that the deliberations would promote a closer understanding between the nations. Already 38 arbitration agreements had been concluded between the different Powers, 10 on behalf of Great Britain. This was a solid and a splendid achievement, and he hoped that ere long the principle of arbitration would be extended to the wider field of international difference. It was deplorable that there was no corresponding reduction in the world's armaments, and that the nations were still racing one another after a phantom security which continually vanishes as wc approach. The democracy must soon recognise that they are the victims of war and militarism. Welcoming the Duma members, Sir H. Campbell-Banner man declined to comment on the dissolution except to say that the new institutions often have a stormy ' youth. The Duma will revive in one form or another, and we can 1 say with all sincerity: "The Duma is not dead, long live the Duma.'' (Loud cheers.) He hoped the nations attending the Hague Confer- . ence would go like the British, . pledgd to diminish the charges in ■, respect to armaments. He eulogised the Czar as the convener, of the Hague.

On the motion of Count Apponyi. the Conference thanked Ring EdWard for his message . Professor Kovalesky said he regretted the mission of the Duma's delegates was brought abruptly to an end. The delegates intended to re turn to Russia with an unshakeable resolve to continue the great fight for freedom, and a place in the world. The conference resolved that it would be advantageous to give the Hague Conference a more permanent influence in the work of pacification. Mr W. J. Bryan proposed that a model treaty of arbitration should provide investigation by an impartial international tribunal before war in all cases, the disputants reserving the right to act independently afterwards. IMPORTANT RESOLUTION' ADOPTJSD. INQUIRY BEFORE DECLARE TIONS OF WAR. Received 24, 9.59 p.m. ™~" Lo.vnos, July 25. ; Mr Bryan delivered an eloquent appejj to th* l?arliamentp-y Congress, on ilia resolution dealing with a model Arbitration Treaty, which was ultimately adapted.