387 INTERNATIONAL AMERICAN CONFERENCE. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS 76 CONCERNING A PLAN OF ARBITRATION FOR THE SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES BETWEEN THE WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1890. Reports adopted by the Conference of American Nations recently in session at Washington relating to the subject of international arbitration. SEPTEMBER 3, 1890.-Read, referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, and ordered to be printed. To the Senate and House of Representatives: I transmit herewith a letter from the Secretary of State, which is accompanied by three reports adopted by the Conference of American Nations recently in session at Washington relating to the subject of international arbitration. The ratification of the treaties contemplated by these reports will constitute one of the happiest and most hopeful incidents in the history of the Western Hemisphere. EXECUTIVE MANSION, BENJ. HARRISON, 1 DEPARTMENT OF STATE, The PRESIDENT: The act of Congress approved May 24, 1888, authorized the Presi dent to invite. the several other governments of America to join the the United States in a conference "for the purpose of discussing and recommending for adoption some plan of arbitration for the settlement of disagreements and disputes that may hereafter arise between them." In pursuance of this invitation the Conference recently in session at this capital adopted three reports: 1. Recommending a definite plan of arbitration for the settlement of differences between the American nations. 2. Recommending the adoption of a similar plan by the nations of Europe. 3. Declaring that the right of conquest could not be recognized by the American nations. I have the honor to inclose herewith copies of these reports for the information of Congress. Respectfully submitted, JAMES G. BLAINE. INTERNATIONAL AMERICAN CONFERENCE. CONFERENCIA INTERNACIONAL AMERICANA. REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON GENERAL WELFARE. As adopted by the Conterence.] 1.-PLAN OF ARBITRATION. The Delegates from North, Central, and South America in Conference assembled: Believing that war is the most cruel, the most fruitless, and the most dangerous expedient for the settlement of international differences; Recognizing that the growth of the moral principles which govern political societies has created an earnest desire in favor of the amicable adjustment of such differences; Animated by the conviction of the great moral and material benefits that peace offers to mankind, and trusting that the existing conditions of the respective nations are especially propitious for the adoption of arbitration as a substitute for armed struggles; Convinced by reason of their friendly and cordial meeting in the present Conference, that the American Republics, controlled alike by the principles, duties, and responsibilities of popular Government, and bound together by vast and increasing mutual interests, can, within the sphere of their own action, maintain the peace of the continent, and the good-will of all its inhabitants; And considering it their duty to lend their assent to the lofty principles of peace which the most enlightened public sentiment of the world approves; Do solemnly recommend all the Governments by which they are accredited to conclude a uniform treaty of arbitration in the articles following: ARTICLE I. The republics of North, Central, and South America hereby adopt arbitration as a principle of American international law for the settlement of the differences, disputes, or controversies that may arise between two or more of them. ARTICLE II. Arbitration shall be obligatory in all controversies concerning diplomatic and consular privileges, boundaries, territories, indemnities, the right of navigation, and the validity, construction, and enforcement of treaties. INFORMES DE LA COMISIÓN DE BIENESTAR GENERAL. [Como quedaron adoptados por la Conferencia.} L-PLAN DE ARBITARJE. Las Delegaciones de Norte, Centro y Sud América, reunidas en Conferencia Internacional Americana, Creyendo que la guerra es el medio más cruel, el más incierto, el más ineficaz el más peligroso para decidir las diferencias internacionales; Reconociendo que el desenvolvimiento de los principios morales que gobiornan las sociedades políticas, ha creado una verdadera aspiración en favor de la solución pacífica de aquellas disidencias; Auimadas por la idea de los grandes beneficios morales y materiales que la paz ofrece á la humanidad, y confiando en que la condición actual de sus respectivos paises es especialmente propicia para la consagración del arbitraje en oposición á las luchas armadas: Convencidas, por su amistosa y cordial reunión en la presente Conferencia, de que las naciones americanas, regidas por los principios, deberes y responsabilidades del Gobierno democrático, y ligadas por comunes, vastos y crecientes intereses. pueden, dentro de la esfera de su propia acción, afirmar la paz del Continente y la buena voluntad de todos sus habitantes; Y reputando de su deber prestar asentimiento á los altos principios de paz que proclama el sentimiento ilustrado de la opinión universal; Encarecen á los Gobiernos que representan la celebración de un tratado uniforme de arbitraje sobre las bases siguien tes: ARTÍCULO I. Las Repúblicas del Norte, Centro y Sud América, adoptan el arbitraje como principio de Derecho Internacional Americano para la solución de las diferencias, disputas 6 contiendas entre dos ó más de ellas. ARTÍCULO II. El arbitraje es obligatorio en todas las cuestiones sobre privilegios diplomáticos y consulares, límites, territorios, indemnizaciones, derechos de navegación, y validez, inteligencia y cumplimiento de tratados. |