46 TRANSACTIONS OF THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE. (Vox. VIII. 
The constitution of this now historical conference is extremely in- 
teresting. The work was done mainly by three committees; the first dealing 
with the question of limitation of armaments, the second with what is 
called the humanizing of war. In this paper we have only to do, however, 
with the work of the third committee which dealt with the subject of good 
offices, mediation and international commissions of enquiry, and arbitra- 
tion. The deliberations of this third committee resulted in what was 
described as a convention for the peaceful adjustment of international 
differences. This convention recited that the high contracting parties 
were animated by a strong desire to concert for the maintenance of the 
general peace and that they were resolved to second by their best efforts 
the friendly settlement of international disputes. They also profess to 
recognize the solidarity which unites the members of the society of civi- 
lized nations, and the desire of extending the empire of law and of strength- 
ening the appreciation of international justice. The conviction is re- 
cited that the permanent institution of a court of arbitration, accessible 
to all in the midst of independent powers, will contribute effectively to 
this result. The convention further recites the advantages attending 
the general and regular organization of arbitral procedure, and that they 
share the opinion of the Czar, that it is expedient to solemnly establish 
by an international agreement the principles of equity and right on which 
repose the security of states and the welfare of peoples. 
The first article of this convention provides that, with a view to ob- 
viating as far as possible recourse to force in the relations between states, 
the signatory powers agree to use their best efforts to insure the pacific 
settlement of international differences. The second title (comprising 
articles II to VIII inclusive) deal with good offices and mediation. 
The third title (comprising articles IX to XIV inclusive) deals with inter- 
national commissions of enquiry. The fourth title (articles XV to LVI) 
with international arbitration. Article XV states that international arbi- 
tration has for its object the determination of controversies between states 
by judges of their own choice upon the basis of respect forlaw. The effect 
of this provision plainly makes the submission to arbitration purely 
voluntary. 
Article XVI recites that in questions of judicial character, and especial- 
ly in questions regarding the interpretation or application of international 
treaties or conventions, arbitration is recognized by the signatory powers 
as the most efficacious, and at the same time the most equitable method 
of deciding controversies which have not been settled by diplomatic 
methods. 
Article XVII provides that an agreement of arbitration may be made 
with reference to disputes already existing, or to those which may hereafter 
