Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 9.djvu/880

 NOTES AND ABSTRACTS.

Business Men and International Arbitration.

Why business men should promote international arbitration. i. Because the industrial, financial, and commercial interests of all nations, and of all sellers, buyers, and producers, are now so closely interwoven, and the prosperity of each is so dependent on the prosperity and on the producing or purchasing power of others, that the loss or injury of one must necessarily become to some extent the loss or injury of all.

2. Because peace and good-will between the nations are essential for the pros- perity of all, and war is as certain to result in disturbance and disaster for business interests as it is in suffering and death for the soldiers who face the horrors of the battlefield. Even the fear of war is sometimes sufficient to check the wheels of industry and commerce, to turn confidence into panic, and to increase greatly the risks and losses, as well as the taxes and expenses of business men.

3. Because there are times when international arbitration is the only means by which war can be avoided without submission to injustice or dishonor.

4. Because international arbitration is a proved success, and hot a mere theory or experiment. As one of the many evidences of this it may be stated that in the last century nearly two hundred cases submitted by thirty-seven nations were settled by arbitration or joint high commissions, and sixty- three of these cases were submitted during the last decade. Since 1898 twenty-six nations, representing more than five-sixths of the territory and population of the globe, have united in establishing at The Hague a permanent court for the pacific settlement of all international disputes that may be submitted to it.

5. Because experience has shown that arbitration is not only a practically infallible means for preventing a war, but that it is also so effective in removing the desire for war and promoting friendship that there is no need for any form of coercion to enforce the decision. This is the natural result of a full presenta- tion of both sides of the case, the carefully considered opinion of disinterested arbitrators, the modifying effect of time on human passions, and the knowledge that there can be no suspicion of weakness or timidity in accepting an adverse decision.

6. Because business men can do more than any others to convince the people that war should be classed with the duel and the old " trial by battel " as some- thing too absurd, too wicked, and too horrible to be tolerated ; and that arbitration should be regarded by all men and all governments as a matter of course in every dispute that cannot be settled by friendly negotiations.

7. Because if it should ever be possible to lighten the burdens of industry and commerce by checking the increase or securing a reduction in the great armies and navies of the world, it will only be when there shall have been such a general development of public opinion in favor of international arbitration as a substitute for war that it will have become the settled policy of all the leading nations.

How business men can promote international arbitration. i. By making use of favorable opportunities to discuss its advantages with others, and especially with editors, officials, and men of influence in public affairs.

2. By having copies of this circular sent to all the members of their business associations with, if practicable, an official note or indorsement recommending its careful consideration.

3. By having in each business association a standing committee authorized to indorse and advocate international arbitration on all suitable occasions, and to urge a reference to The Hague court of every dispute that cannot be settled by diplomatic methods.

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