INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 8, 28 May 1914, Page 4

INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION.

Tli.; Hood work aceomplished by President Wilson and Mr. Bryan in the cause ii.i'.'i'iial.ioiKi] arbitration in tlm space i>f km r.ionths in a record of «hiu!i the.y may be justly proud. Thirteen treaties have been signed. Another lias been authorise! to be signed, while tliirty--0110 »»tion*, wliieh include more tlisva

three-fourths ot the people of the world, have already endorsed Iho principles upon which these treaties are based. The treaties stipulate that the contracting parties agree not to declare war or begin hostilites during the investigation of the dispute by the arbitrators, nor before the report is given. This wise provision affords time for friendly intervention, for discussion, and for everything that is likely to check hasty action, with its deplorable consequences. Tho process is extremely simple. Each of the parties to a dispute selects one of its own countrymen as a member of the tribunal, and each next selects some person from another country, the fifth member being chosen by the two Goternments in agreement, and as six months is allowed for making the nominations, there is amplo time for the careful selection of tho right men. Unlike most treaties of this nature, in tho past tliero is no reservation as to vital or any other interests, every subject of difference being included, whether of tho highest or smallest importance. Apparently the methods adopted would, ■subject to necessary modifications, bo adaptable to the settlement of Industrial disputes. If international conflicts can be avoided by such simple means, surely labor disputes should be amenable to a similar process.