ARBITRATION

adjudication of matters in dispute by one or more private persons, called arbitrators, and specially appointed for the purpose, may be voluntary, when parties freely consent to the proce ; or compulsory, when they are compelled to do so by statute. Whole law on this subject codified in Arbitration Act, ‘ Industrial, as between employers and employed, is of comparatively recent growth. 3 International, settlement of differences between independent states by referring matter in dispute to selected persons or to a court; after evidence being tendered, decision is given in accordance with international law. Up to 1901 the number of cases thus dealt with was: Great Britain, 70; U.S., 56; France, 26; and Chile, 26. In 1899 the Tzar proposed a peace conference; held at the Hague (nineteen states sent delegates), and permanent court of arbitration at the Hague set up. Impulse thus given to the cause resulted in adoption by several European states of general treaties of arbitration with one or move of _ their neighbors. Among such arbitration — treaties are those between Chile and Argentina (1902), #rance and Italy (1903), Britain and Germany (1904), Britain and Portugal (1904), Britain and Austria-Hungary (1905). In 1910 the long dispute between Britain and France as to fishing rights off coast of Brit. N. America was referred to Hague Tribunal and amicably settled. Treaties between U.S., Britain, France, and Spain (1914) provided that in any dispute no action should be taken for twelve months, during which time an _ international commi ion should investigate causes of dispute. Progre towards peaceable solution of international disputes suffered a rude shock at outbreak of the World War; but League of Nations forming part of the Peace Treaty, affords the most hopeful method yet propounded for securing ends aimed at by earlier experiments.