A Board Of Arbitrators

A Board of Arbitrators

President would leave Venezuelan question to them.

Calvo doctrine is crucial point in arbitration.

Much opposition in cabinet to the Hague tribunal.

Washington, Doe. 24. - Tuesday's cabinet meeting was prolonged to more than two hours. All the members were present except Secretary Moody, who is out of the city. No response has been received to the president's original suggestion to the powers that they consent to the reference of the Venezuelan controversy to the arbitration of the Hague tribunal, and no formal request had been received that the president act as arbitrator of the difficulty. That such a request will be received formally and officially is now practically assured.

It is understood that the president's plan, if he determines to arbitrate, contemplates the appointment of a board of arbitrators.

It is stated that the crucial point to come before the arbitration is the infamous "Calvo doctrine." This doctrine which was laid down by the greatest of Latin-American international lawyers, denies the right of any nation to intervene diplomatically in behalf of one of its subjects where the courts of the country are open to his application for justice.

This doctrine will be on trial before the arbitration, and because of its vast importance if President Roosevelt appoints a board he will see that the members are men of the highest caliber.

It is known that some of the members of the cabinet are opposed to referring the matter to the Hague tribunal for these reasons.

In the first place they have no desire to submit the Monroe doctrine to the arbitrament of any non-American tribunal, not even excepting the august and eminently fair tribunal of the Hague. They very much prefer that if this doctrine is to be the subject of arbitration, if it is to be even brought in incidentally, that American influences shall pass on it.

Another reason that animates these cabinet offers in this inclination toward acceptance is their conviction that an ordinary length of time is consumed if the issue is taken before the Hague tribunal. The machinery s sufficient but ponderous and difficult to put in motion.

On the other hand, there is strong pressure being brought to bear on the president by those outside the cabinet to decline the invitation to act as arbitrator. This pressure comes from the newspapers, from public man throughout the country and from senators and representatives in Washington.