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senators, and four members of houses of representatives, two of whom were presidents of their respective bodies; two were university presidents, and five professors of eminence. The technical delegates, of whom there were two or more connected with each of the delegations from the larger powers, were among the most distinguished in their countries, and for the most part they were in thorough sympathy with the aims of the conference.

Germany had five delegates and one secretary; the United States six delegates (Mr. F. W. Holls, the secretary, ranking as a delegate) and three secretaries; Austria-Hungary, six delegates; Belgium, three delegates; China, three; Denmark, two delegates and one attaché; Spain, three delegates and one attaché; France, six delegates, four secretaries and two assistant secretaries; Great Britain, five delegates and three secretaries; Greece, one delegate and a

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seeing his picture, is a small, somewhat delicate man. He has a very cultivated and refined face, which reveals both strength and gentleness. His voice is low and soft, and he speaks in a way that indicates perfect self-possession. He has an appreciative, conciliatory disposition, and sees quickly the merits of another's position. He did not seem in the least disposed to dictate to the conference, though feeling fully the position which Russia held in it. Some of the correspondents considered this evidence of a lack of strength. lt

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him. He is approachable anywhere, and sociable in the best sense of the word. His nature goes out in sincere and sympathetic interest toward every one whom he meets. His spirit and manner, therefore, did much to create in the conference the admirable spirit of concord which pervaded. it almost without exception from beginning to end. His prominence was further increased by his profound personal interest in the object for which the conference met, and by the fact that the scheme of arbitration which he presented was adopted as the basis of the plan to be worked out. He and Mr. de Staal were much together, and reminded one sometimes of affectionate twin brothers—an example which Englishmen and Russians would all do well to follow. Though of nearly the same age, they are very unlike physically, Sir Julian being tall and stout, Mr. de Staal small of stature and of frame. In geniality and goodness of heart they are much alike.

Andrew D. White, chairman of the American commission, was one of the best equipped and most influential men in the conference. His ripe scholarship and wide diplomatic experience, coupled with an exceptionally clear and critical intellect and a thoroughly humane and honest heart, eminently fitted him for his position. He is small physically, and not very robust in health. Socially he was. less seen than Mr. de Staal or Mr. Pauncefote, partly on account of his health, but also, I judged, from natural disposition. But in straightforward and intelligent devotion to duty

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he had no superior. He went to the conference, like many others, very sceptical as to its success. He hesitated long on this account about accepting the appointment. But once at The Hague, he threw the whole weight of his position as chief of the American commission on the side of serious and honest effort to solve in a practical way the problems set for solution. It was due to him as much as to any one else that scepticism soon disappeared, and that the members entered upon their work with the determination to accomplish all that could reasonably be expected. In this he was loyally supported by his American colleagues. It has often been said that American diplomats have little weight in councils along with Europeans. But of this I saw no sign at The Hague. If the American commission was not absolutely first, it was not surpassed in weight by any other; and I did not once hear the Spanish war alluded to as having anything to do with it. The fact is that ability, good sense and devotion to duty always tell in any serious council of men, and it does not take a war to make an opening for them.

Mr. Léon Bourgeois, chief of the

Copyrighted by Rockwood.

HON. SETH LOW,
Of the American Commission.

French deputation, now recognized as the foremost public man in France, was one of the most practical and businesslike of the first delegates. I was told that at the very opening of

THE OLD DOELEN HOTEL, Quarters of the American Commission.

the deliberations he was determined that things should "march," as the French say,—that there should be as little red tape as possible about the proceedings. This reputation he sustained throughout as chairman of the Section on Arbitration. No man had a deeper appreciation than he of the importance of the task intrusted to the conference. When the crisis in France produced by the

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