Lord Lansdowne's speech also contained the welcome news that the
American Government had approached him with a view of establishing a Treaty of Arbitration. This is indeed good tidings. We have always felt it something of a disgrace that the two branches of our race should not be bound by an Agreement which would make them realise that war between them, if it ever came, would be civil war. As to Treaties of Arbitration with foreign States we have never felt very sanguine, though we have always welcomed them as at any rate steps, however small, in the right direction. A Treaty with our own kindred is on a very different footing. We deeply regretted the loss of the Treaty prepared by Mr. Olney and Lord Salisbury. While on the question of arbitra- tion, we may note that Mr. Roosevelt's specific suggestions for a new Hague Conference seem eminently practical and sound. If he can get an exact definition of contraband and make Prize Courts international tribunals, he will have accomplished a great service to the world.
