Herr von Staal introduces the Russian proposals as a basis for the deliberations. It is a document consisting of eighteen articles bearing the title, “Elements for the Elaboration of a Convention to be concluded between the Powers taking Part in the Conference.” These elements are (1) Good offices and mediation, (2) International arbitration, (3) International commissions of inquiry. Before the discussion of the articles begins, Sir Julian Pauncefote rises in the name of his government and moves that a supplementary article be added to the Russian plan, namely, the organization of a permanent court of arbitration. In a brief but very impressive speech the English delegate advocates this motion. He refers to the arguments which are contained in his colleague Descamps’s “Address to the Governments.”[33] The words and the positive action of the chief of the English delegates evidently cause a great sensation. As he ends his speech, a solemn silence reigns. Many of the members look at one another in sheer astonishment—many of them, perhaps, for the first time appreciate that serious matters are to be treated, brought forward by practical statesmen acting with sincerity. Still greater is the surprise when Herr von Staal declares that the Russian government also has in readiness a plan, in twenty-six articles, for the establishment of a permanent court of arbitration. Next comes Dr. White with the American proposition. In the introduction it says: “The proposition shows the earnest desire of the President of the United States that a permanent international tribunal be established for the adjustment, by means of arbitration, of the controversies between nations, and shows the readiness of the President to assist in its establishment.” How radical this proposal was in its intentions can be seen in the third and fourth articles. “Article III. The tribunal is to be permanent, and ready at any moment to undertake all cases that are submitted. “Article IV. All controversies of every kind[34] shall be subject to decision by mutual agreement, and every case submitted must be accompanied by a pledge to abide by the decision of the tribunal.” Indeed a fine stroke of work! So here at the very beginning are positive, concrete plans in the name of four governments, proposed for discussion and settlement. What a pity that such initiatives have not come also from Austria, Germany, and France! What a pity, too, that the reports of this session, together with the exact texts of the propositions, are not instantly telegraphed into all the four quarters of the world and published and discussed in all the newspapers, so that some understanding of the great interests here involved may begin to dawn upon the world, and it may be a witness and a judge as to the way and manner, how and by whom, these interests are here represented!