The thirteenth Inter-Parliamentary Conference for pro- moting arbitration between nations
began its session on Monday. at Brussels. Its main purpose was to give effect to President Roosevelt's suggestion of another Hague Con- ference to complete the work of the last, and it was attended by over three hundred delegates from the chief countries of the world. The chief business of the Conference was the discussion of certain proposals of the American representa- tives, especially one for drafting a model Arbitration Treaty for general use, and another for creating an International Congress, to which certain questions of international politics should be habitually referred, and which should have authori- tative jurisdiction within the terms of such reference. These proposals, in which it is not unreasonable to see the hand of President Roosevelt, were referred to a Committee of Inquiry,
and, though it is impossible to expect that they will be accepted as they stand by any Power, somer.„workable com- promise may be hammered out. The tone of the Conference was much more modest and practical than in former years. It was concerned more with practical ways and means than with vague ideals. Arbitration, 'indeed, as a general principle is unattainable, for no nation will ever consent to arbitrate about things that vitally touch it ; but something may be done to provide a " cooling-time " before war becomes inevitable.
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