Autobiography of Andrew Dickson White, vol 2 | Page 8

in the Conference. Progress in favor of an arbitration
plan notwithstanding. Striking attitude of French socialists toward the
Conference. My earnest talk with Count Munster in favor of arbitration;
gradual change in his attitude. My suggestion to Baroness von Suttner.
CHAPTER XLVIII
. AS PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN DELEGATION AT THE
PEACE CONFERENCE OF THE HAGUE: IV--1899
Declaration against an arbitration tribunal received from their
Government by the German delegation; their consternation; Professor
Zorn and Secretary Holls sent to Berlin; my personal letter to Baron
von Bulow. Means by which the Conference was kept from meeting
until the return of these two gentlemen. Festival given by the
Netherlands Government to the Conference. Tableaux and dances
representing art and life in the Dutch provinces. Splendid music. Visit
to Leyden. Arrival of Speaker Reed of the American House of
Representatives. The Secretary of State authorizes our placing a wreath
of silver and gold on the tomb of Grotius. Session regarding the
extension of the Geneva Rules. Return of Zorn and Holls from Berlin.
Happy change in the attitude of Germany. Henceforward American and
German delegates work together in favor of arbitration. Question of
asphyxiating bullets and bombs; view of Captain Mahan and Captain
Crozier on these subjects. Curious speech of the delegate from Persia,
Mirza Riza Khan. Great encouragement given by the new attitude of
Germany. Preparation at Delft for our Grotius celebration. Visit to
Rotterdam and Dort. Thoughts upon the Synod of Dort. Visit to the
house from which John De Witt went to prison and assassination, and
where Motley wrote much of his history. Trouble regarding the relation
of Switzerland to the Red Cross Movement. The Duke of Tetuan. The
Grotius wreath.
CHAPTER XLIX
. AS PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN DELEGATION AT THE
PEACE CONFERENCE OF THE HAGUE: V--1899
Celebration of Independence Day at Delft in the presence of the entire
Conference and of eminent Netherlanders; speeches by the Netherlands
ministers and American delegates; telegram from the King of Sweden.

Impressive character of the service; the wreath placed upon the tomb;
breakfast given by our delegation to the Conference, at the City Hall of
Delft. Presentation of the American Memorial in behalf of the
immunity of private property on the high seas; my speech in its favor:
friendly answer by M. de Martens in behalf of Russia. Visit to M.
Cornets de Groot at Ryswyck; relics of his great ancestor; curious
information regarding the latter. Dinner to the American delegation by
the prime minister of the Netherlands, happy reference to the arbitration
plan. Effects of our Grotius celebration. Great dinner given by the
Queen to the Conference at the palace in Amsterdam, her speech; her
conversations afterward. General satisfaction shown at our Grotius
tribute. My conversation with Mr. Raffalovitch regarding Russian
disarmament. Its difficulties. Unfortunate article in the London
"Spectator" on the work of the Conference. Attack in the Conference
upon the report on disarmament. Discussion of matters subsidiary to
arbitration. Hostile attitude of the Balkan States toward the commission
d'enquette; ill feeling quieted. Field day regarding flattening and
expanding bullets; attitude of the British and American delegates.
Difficulties regarding the Monroe Doctrine; special meeting called by
our delegation to obviate these, apparent impossibility of doing so;
project of an American declaration; private agreement upon it among
leaders of the Conference, agreement of the Conference to it. Final
signing of the conventions; seal used by me; reservation in behalf of the
Monroe Doctrine attached to our signatures. Closing of the Conference.
Speeches of M. de Staal and Count Munster. Drawing up of our report;
difficulties arising from sundry differences of opinion in our delegation.
Final meeting of the Conference. Remarks of the leading representative
of a Catholic power, on the correspondence between the Vatican and
the Netherlands Government which had been presented to the
Conference. Retrospect of the Conference. Summary of its results.
CHAPTER L
. HINTS FOR REFORMS IN THE DIPLOMATIC SERVICE
My connection with the Diplomatic Service at periods during the last
forty-five years. Questions which have been asked me regarding it;
reasons why I have not thought it best to reply fully; reasons why I can
now do so. Improvement in our service since the Civil War; its

condition during various administrations before the Civil War; sundry
examples. Mr. Seward's remark. Improvement in the practice of both
parties during recent years. President Cleveland's worthy effort. Better
public sentiment among the people at large. Unjust charges of
pessimists. Good points in our service at various posts, and especially
at London. Faults of our service at present. My replies to young men
anxious to St themselves for it. Simplicity of the most important
reforms; suggestions. Choice of Ambassadors; of Ministers
Plenipotentiary; of Ministers Resident; of Secretaries of Embassy and
of Legation. Proper preparation of Secretaries; relation of our
Universities to it--part