Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 39, Number 89, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 July 1907 — American Pence Proposal. [ARTICLE]

American Pence Proposal.

The American delegation at The Hagua conference, headed by Gen. Horace Porter, has presented the proposition that the bombardment of unfortified and undefended towns or buildings be forbidden, but that such places are liable to damages incidental to the destruction of military or naval establishments, and are liable tn bombardment when they refuse reasonable requisitions for provisions and supplies. It is also proposed that the bombardment of unfortified towns for tho non-payment of ransom be forbidden. Tho Germans propose that hospital ships cannot be captured, not being considered an warsbipe, and that private hospital shipn may enjoy the same privilege as thoee authorised by governments, providing that they assist tbe wounded without distinction of nationality. The British propoM an international court of appeals in regard to prises captured at sea. Franca proposes that the powers may appoiat aa international commission of inquiry in case of disputes of an International character, tbe investigation to be conducted secretly, and the reporta to be made public only if both sides agree; the decision, however, not to be mandatory.