Arbitra'tion, the hearing and determination of a cause between parties in controversy, by a person or persons chosen by the parties. This may be done by one person, but it is common to choose more than one. Frequently two are nominated, one by each party, with a third, the umpire, often chosen by these two, to decide in case of the primary arbitrators differing. The determination of arbitrators is called the award. The disputes of nations were in ancient times settled only by war, but from the Middle Ages on, arbitration has constantly gained a stronger hold among nations, until to-day it is the recognized means of settling controversies. In this regard the United States has set a high example by repeatedly inviting arbitration in her own affairs and urging it upon other nations. Her notable triumphs in this respect include the Alabama, Bering Sea and Venezuela boundary disputes. See PEACE CONFERENCE, INTERNATIONAL. Industrial arbitration is also gaining ground, the most notable instance in recent years being the settlement of the coal strike in 1902.