NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THE Hague Conference held its last sitting on Friday. We cannot attempt here to make any general review of what it has accomplished, but we fear that when the successes and failures are added up and balanced against each other, it will be found that many hopes and aspirations have remained unfulfilled. Again, it is to be feared that many illusions as to the willingness of the Powers as a whole to assume the position of those who hold that war is an unnecessary evil, and need never take place except for the folly or wickedness of mankind, will have been dispelled. We do not wish to speak harshly of the line taken by Germany in regard to the question of submarine mines ; none the less the attitude of the Imperial delegates showed that Germany does not look forward to a period when mankind will be prepared to abandon the arbitrament of the sword. Germany, at any rate, is unwilling, as she would no doubt say, to deceive herself or others on this point. For her blood and iron are as in .e'a realities as ever.
