The opening sitting of the Arbitration Tribunal appointed to try
the Newfoundland dispute between Great Britain and the United States was held at the Hague on Wednesday. The questions at issue mostly turn on the interpretation of the Treaty of 1818. Thus in regard to the liberties con- ferred on " inhabitants " of the United States by the Treaty, Newfoundland maintains that " inhabitants " signifies none but genuine inhabitants residing in the country and shipped at an American port, while the United States holds that the flag covers all who may be on board. Next, while Newfound- land contends that the liberty to take fish "in common" with British subjects imposes on Americans the same obligations as the Colonial fishery laws impose on British subjects, the United States holds that any such regulations must he by joint agreement, dictated solely by the object of preserving the fisheries. Thirdly, Newfoundland claims that vessels of every nationality entering her waters must pay light, harbour, and similar dues, whereas the United States maintains that her fishing vessels are exempt from such obligations. Fourthly comes the question of how the., three-mile limit is to be measured; and lastly, the claim of Americans to take fish in the bays, harbours, and creeks of Newfoundland and the Magdalen Islands, which Newfoundland disputes. Dr. Lammasch, of Vienna, who presided over the Court, observed that no question of such gravity had ever been submitted to arbitration, and congratulated the Powers concerned on the example they had given to the whole community of nations.
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