THE HERALD OF PEACE AND INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION. "Put up thy sword into his place for all they who take the sword shall perish with the sword."-MATT. xxvi. 52. They shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning-hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."-ISAIAH ii. 4. CURRENT NOTES. THE EUROPEAN OUTLOOK. OCTOBER 1ST, 1896. 1 [PRICE 1d. Such scheme is, therefore, impracticable. It would produce an anarchy under which the Christians would be the first sufferers, and it might very possibly end in a European conflagration. What, then, would I have ns do? To recognise the geographical position of During the past month, the political atmosphere hasarkey in respect to Russia, and to make it clear that rapidly become cloudy and ominous. The possibilities The possibilities we shall not interfere with her direct action. Were of a war, of the most awful character, have entered Russia paramount on the Bosphorus, she would see that more into the range of possibility, or even probability, the Christians throughout the Turkish Empire are not than at any period for a quarter of a century, or more. oppressed. It is our objection to her being paramount Indeed, myriads of voices, usually pacific, have been there, that has led to their oppression." vociferously clamouring for war with Turkey, even, if necessary, single-handed, on behalf of the Armenians. But, on the other hand, some of the persons and journals, not hitherto characterised by pacific tendencies, have now been wisely urging the interests of Peace and the terrible perils of rushing to arms. "SHORT OF WAR." It would have been well, if the hundreds of meetings recently held, in protest against the slaughter of Armenians, had all been as wise as the Leeds people, who, at a meeting, resolved to petition the Government to use every endeavour, "short of war," to secure the safety of the Armenians. A war by England, single-handed with Turkey, would speedily involve massacres, both of Armenians and other Christians, so terrible as to throw all previous ones into the shade. MR. LABOUCHERE'S VIEW. I Mr. Henry Labouchere, M.P., has written a sensible letter to his constituents, on the Armenian crisis, in which he says: "It is suggested that we should act alone, and force the Sultan into good government. doubt whether this would be possible; indeed, I fear that the attempt would only aggravate present evils. We could, it is true, force a passage through the Dardanelles. But what next? Should we bombard Constantinople? If so, the entire town, which consists in Το the main of wooden houses, would be burnt. occupy the town would require an army of 100,000 men, for it must not be forgotten that the Turks have a large, well-armed, and brave army. The bombardment would not only let loose against the Christians all the Turkish riff-raff of the capital, but it would serve as a signal for their massacre in all parts of the Empire. Nor is it likely that Russia would assent to this armed intervention on our part; and in her opposition she would be supported by the other Continental Powers. LORD GEORGE HAMILTON, M.P. The Secretary of State for India writes of the bellicose alvocates of English war, single-handed, with Turkey: "I do not for a moment doubt the sincerity and power of self-sacrifice of those who support this idea, but I never met any one supporting this theory of single-handed action who has in any way gauged its consequences, or the combination of allied force with which this country might have to fight. I fear, therefore, on this point, I must be allowed to retain my liberty of view, and not rashly assent, under the strain of righteous indignation, to a course which might endanger liberties and rights quite as precious and much nearer home than those we now desire to save from extinction." LORD CHARLES BERESFORD, M.P. This officer, of naval fame, in a speech at Southampton, last month, strongly deprecated war with Turkey. He said: "England is isolated in Europe, and you must be careful to do nothing that would run the country into war; for never in history would it be so terrible, so horrible, so shocking as it would be now, with a combination of Powers against us; and therefore I ask you to fully trust the man at the helm; for the Prime Minister must know what is wanted better than anybody else, and must know that half a spoke of the wheel may involve the country in war. Britain, if she went to war and won, would never be the same Empire again, for our credit would be irretrievably disturbed, while if Germany went to war and won, she would never stand the tax in men and money that the war would involve." A WISE BISHOP. Great Christian heart must be stirred beyond words by the Armenian massacres, and feel the stain they cast upon Christian Europe; but, after all, the plain question, not to be lost sight of, amid the indignant utterances of a righteous anger, is this: Are we prepared to demand that England alone, and in the face of a threatened coalition of other Powers against her, should go forward, at the risk of a European war? My feeling is that to the horrors of such a war, even the Armenian massacres would be but as shadow to substance. Lord Salisbury has shown boldly his deep sympathy with the indignation, and he knows, as no one else does, the whole facts of the case personally. I, who know nothing of the inner facts, am not prepared to dictate a policy to one who knows them all." A SUGGESTION FOR BELLICOSE AGITATORS. A writer in the St. James's Gazette says:- "The Admiralty regulations are probably very strict as to the presence of non-combatants on board her Majesty's ships in time of war; but perhaps they might be relaxed in favour of certain individuals who, though probably distinguished members of the Peace Society, are so anxious for prompt action in the East. Could not My Lords be induced to allow certain reverend gentlemen and editors the privilege of being accorded standing-room in the conning-tower of the flagship, and to assign similar coigns of vantage in other vessels of our Mediterranean fleet to some of their enthusiastic followers? Those among them who might happen to survive would thus be enabled to send us a graphic account of the forcing of the Dardanelles, of the bombardment of Constantinople, and of the subsequent general engagement against a combination of the Russian Black Sea fleet and the French Toulon squadron, which would have followed unharmed across the Sea of Marmora in the wake of our somewhat battered and exhausted ships. I feel sure that such an invitation would be gratefully accepted by the gentlemen in question." THE PEACE CONGRESS. The Peace Congress, at Buda-Pesth, met last month under the special disadvantage that the interest and attention of Europe were almost entirely concentrated upon the Turko-Armenian crisis. The Congress, however, addressed itself perseveringly to its work, and discussed a number of subjects. One of the most important of these was a proposal to appoint a permanent International Commission for Africa, with a view to prevent the usurpation of native rights by Chartered Companies, or other invading bodies, and also to constitute a Tribunal for the adjustment of disputes amongst settlers. It was agreed to advocate such a Commission. It was also recommended that Parliamentary Candidates should be, in each country, systematically questioned as to their intentions respecting the support of Peace and Arbitration, and not voted for, if failing to reply satisfactorily. The practice of duelling was condemned by the Congress, and also the use of school books of a martial tendency. THE PARLIAMENTARY PEACE CONFERENCE. This Conference, which followed the Congress at Buda-Pesth, was very well attended; in fact, better than ever. It reiterated its former recommendations in favour of a permanent Court of International Arbitration, and expressed gratification at the progress made in pacific negotiations between Great Britain and the United States. THE JAMESON RAID. The Pall Mall Gazette says that no atonement that justice has yet made, or can make, can avert the terrible consequences of that mad march towards Johannesburg. The two European races in South Africa mutually embittered; the past massacres of whites by the revolted blacks of Matabeleland and Mashonaland, and the loss of yet more valuable lives in the future; the devastation of those once promising countries; the menacing shadow of the possibility of a great racial war raging from the Zambesi to the Cape; and the set-back of civilisation and of British influence all over South Africa-these are the direct consequences of the Jameson raid. We may thank Heaven that it has not also involved us in war with a great and friendly European Power, as at one time it seemed as though it might and would. PARLIAMENTARY MANNERS IN NEW SOUTH WALES. The Sydney Sunday Times says:-In the House Mr.- drew attention to the fact that the Premier was "sitting down sucking imported jujubes." Mr. Reid replied: "There is only one answer that I can give, and it is this: Unlike the imported shoddy clothes worn by the honourable member for —, I bought these jujubes at a colonial manufacturer's shop." THE POINTS AGREED UPON BY BRITAIN AND During the negotiations still proceeding between the British and United States Governments, the following points have already been agreed to by both parties. The two Governments are agreed that there is to be a Permanent Staff of Judicial Officers in readiness to act as Arbitrators; that the Arbitral Tribunal shall consist of one Englishman and one American, who shall select an Umpire; and that this Court shall finally settle all questions, except those involving territorial rights, or a sum of more than £100,000. In those reserved cases there shall be a right of appeal to a Court of Review, within three months after judgment. Questions involving honour and integrity of territory shall be referred to Arbitration only by special agreement. It is further agreed that the Court of Review shall consist of Three Judges of the Supreme Court of each country. So far all is agreed-and this is an incalculable gain to civilisation and Christianity. Only two points of difference remain. Mr. Olney wants the Legislature to be vested with the right to declare that any particular controversy involves honour and for the Executive. Again, Mr. Olney wishes that the integrity. Lord Salisbury wishes to reserve that power award of the court below shall stand, unless set aside by a majority of five to one. Lord Salisbury, on the other hand, suggests that the award shall be set aside, unless the appellate court confirms it by five to one. Still, these two points of difference are capable of compromise. BRITISH ACQUISITIONS IN RECENT YEARS. A correspondent mentions the following more or less recent acquisitions by Great Britain :-"We have (1) advanced our frontier on the north-west of India; (2) assimilated Upper Burmah; (3) taken in the Fiji Archipelago; (4) got Cyprus under our wing; (5) established a Protectorate in Egypt, which we are now extending up the Nile; (6) bought the Protectorate of Zanzibar at the price of the steadily diminishing island of Heligoland, which we took from Denmark, and which never was of any use except as a depôt for smuggled goods in the times of the Berlin decrees, now as dead as Napoleon who pronounced them; (7) become. the possessors, by actual occupation, of more of the really useful soil of Africa than has fallen to all the other Powers in the general scramble. In the meantime, we have had no Sadowa, no Sedan; we have not exhausted ourselves in a great war, as Russia has done, only to be deprived of the desired fruits of our labours. We have borne no such burden as Germany." THE LARGEST VESSEL AFLOAT. The "Pennsylvania," twin-screw steamer, 30,000 tons displacement, 20,000 tons carrying capacity, 585 feet long, 62 beam, 42 deep, was successfully launched last month by Messrs. Harland & Wolff, Belfast, for the Hamburg-American line. The normal speed of the vessel, the measurements of which make her out to be the largest vessel afloat, will be 14 knots. She is fitted up for 200 first, 150 second, and 1,000 steerage pas sengers. THE NATIONAL DEBT-1896. A return relating to the National Debt just issued, shows that the gross liabilities of the State have been reduced from £660,160,607 to £652,540,105 since March 31st, 1895. AN INJURY TO BRITISH SHIPPING. Mr. William Leatham Bright writes to the Times:It is a well-known fact that, owing to the doubtless well-meaning, but to my mind altogether unnecessary, restrictions of the Board of Trade, a British steamer is not allowed to carry as much as a foreign steamer, by 200 to 300 tons. At the same time, Lloyds insure a foreign steamer and class her without putting on any restrictive load-line. There are to-day, I should say, 150 to 200 steamers under the Norwegian flag, built by British capital, manned by Norwegian sailors, exempt from paying income-tax, shipping fees, and discharging fees on crews, and Board of Trade fees, which are heavy, for inspection, &c. Now, under the Norwegian flag, none but Norwegian sailors can serve, hence the British sailor is excluded from British-owned boats. Is it not time that Parliament should make some little attempt to foster the greatest interest in the country, instead of loading it with absurd and sentimental restrictions? There would be no difficulty in providing a seamen's nursery in the mercantile marine. Steamship owners would, I am sure, be glad to take two apprentices on each steamer, and by so doing train up a reserve of good and trustworthy men, but this ought not to be expected to be done at their own expense. I should suggest that this arrangement should be made compulsory, on the owners being relieved of the burden of the Trinity Light dues. GREAT BRITAIN AND PORTUGAL IN AFRICA. No difficulty is expected to arise in the matter of the two boundary questions pending between Great Britain and Portugal. Both questions-that dealing with the Barotse frontier and that referring to the Manica boun dary dary are of secondary importance, and are in a fair way of settlement. In the case of the Barotse delimitation, Major Gould, the British Commissioner, ist now on the ground with the Portuguese Commissioner, and in the event of a disagreement arising in reference to the line fixed by the modus vivendi, the matter will be referred to Arbitration. Such a necessity is, however, not regarded as likely to present itself. The Manica question is in the hands of Signor Vigliani, the Italian Senator, who has been appointed Arbitrator. Major Leverson, the British Commissioner, and Senhor Ennes, the Portuguese Commissioner, have placed their reports in the hands of Signor Vigliani, and his decision may be looked for at an early date. DR. WALLACE ON PASSIVE RESISTANCE. Dr. Alfred R. Wallace has written an interesting letter to Socialists at home and abroad. He says:-"To bring about the era of peace and fraternity, something more than speeches and resolutions are required. The time for action has now arrived, and the best and most effective form of action against the existing systems of militarism and dynastic wars is that of passive resistance. The whole power of the aristocratic Government of England in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries was unable to overcome the passive resistance of the small and insignificant body of the Quakers, who not only refused to perform military service in any form, but also to take oaths, to pay tithes or church rates, or to conform to those ceremonial observances by which all other classes recognised those who were their rulers and claimed to be their superiors. It is not, however, necessary or advisable to refuse military training. That will some day be useful in defending your own liberties. What is needed is that all organised workers should combine in a solemn promise, in the first place, never to use their arms against such of their fellow-workers who may be peacefully striving to gain their political or social rights; and, in the second place, never to use their arms against any other nation, the workers of which have joined the international movement, except within and in defence of their own country, or in cases where the workers of any country appeal for help against oppressors and tyrants.” DR. REUEN THOMAS ON ARBITRATION. The Rev. Dr. Reuen Thomas, of Boston, U.S., recently occupied the pulpit of the City Temple, and delivered a lecture on International Arbitration and the union of the English-speaking peoples. He began by describing the message of President Cleveland in December last to the United States Congress. The message was interpreted as meaning war with Britain. But for the voice of the American pulpit, it was impossible to say where we might have been by this time. The case was far more serious than the British people had any idea of. The calm, quiet dignity of Britain saved the situation, but the danger still was more real than the peaceful elements in society there and here were willing to assume. It, therefore, became all Christian people to use their utmost efforts to take the wind out of the sails of the "jingoes," crafty selfish. politicians, the worst enemies of any country, by supporting the British Government and all those who were working for a permanent Court of Arbitration between the two nations. Dr. Thomas proceeded to give an account of the Arbitration Conference which had been held recently in Washington. Its unanimity was remarkable, the enthusiasm was contagious, and it seemed as if a new era had begun to dawn on this warcursed earth. Dr. Thomas pleaded for a union of the English-speaking peoples, and related how the British and American Consuls had, in some semi-barbarous State, saved a man from being executed, by wrapping round him the Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes. So let America and Great Britain hold together for God and righteousness, and put down barbarism within and without their own borders. THE ORIGIN OF INTERPARLIAMENTARY PEACE CONFERENCES. The Paris paper Le Petit Journal, in an article on the Interparliamentary Congress at Buda-Pesth, speaks very highly of the services of the late Henry Richard, M.P. He, for years before the origin of the Interparliamentary Conferences, had corresponded with various Statesmen with a view to bring about such meetings. At length M. Passy and M. Jules Simon, with others, such as Mr. Philip Stanhope, M.P., and Mr. Cremer, M.P., were able to carry Mr. Richard's ideas into action, and these Conferences have since been held repeatedly and with increasing attendances. But the pioneering labours of Mr. Richard should never be forgotten. AUTUMNAL MEETING OF THE PEACE SOCIETY. The Annual Autumnal Meeting of the Peace Society will be held this year at Manchester, on November 3rd. The Lord Mayor of Manchester has kindly offered the "Mayor's Parlour" for the preliminary Conferences, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. In the evening the Public Meeting will be held. Dr. W. E. Darby and Mr. A. H. Montgomery will read papers at the Conferences. Further details will be given in the Herald of November 1st. THE EARL OF ROSEBERY. Lord Rosebery writes:-"A European war would be a scene of universal carnage and ruin, and preceded or accompanied by the extermination of the Armenians. I am not willing to invite that risk. I trust to diplomatic action, strenuous, self-denying, and supported by an unanimous nation, to bring the Powers, or some of them, into line. If that fails, nothing will succeed." WARS IN QUEEN VICTORIA'S REIGN. The following wars have taken place during the sixty years of Queen Victoria's reign-already the longest in English history : 1838-40-Afghan War. 1841-First China War. 1845-46-Sikh War. 1846-Kaffir War. Second War with China. 1849 Second Afghan War. 1848-49-Second Sikh War. 1850-Burmese War. 1851-52-Second Kaffir War. 1852-53-Second Burmese War. 1854-Crimean War. 1856-58-Third War with China. 1857-Indian Mutiny. 1860-61--Maori War. 1860 & 1862-Wars with China. 1853-66-Second Maori War. 1864-Ashantee War. 1834-War in Bhootan. 1867-68-Abyssinian War. 1838-War with the Bazotees. 1868-69-Third Maori War. 1871-War with Looshais. 1873-74-Second Ashantee War. 1877-Third Kaffir War. 1878-79-Zulu War. 1878-80-Third Afghan War. 1879-81-War in Basutoland. 18:9-81-Transvaal War. 1882-Egyptian War. 1884-85-89-Soudan War. 1885-92-Third Burma War. 1890-Zanzibar War. 1890-Indian War. 1894 and 1896-Matabele Wars. 1895-Chitral Campaign. 1896-Third Ashantee Cam paign. 1896-Second Soudan Campaign, THE UNIVERSAL PEACE CONGRESS AT BUDAPESTH. OPENING RECEPTION. On the evening of Wednesday, the 16th September, a recep tion banquet was given by the Hungarian Peace Society to the Delegates of the various Peace Societies, who had come from nearly all quarters of the globe, in the "Grand Hotel Royal," Buda-Pesth. About 300 ladies and gentlemen were present. The head of the table was occupied by General Stefan Türr, President of the Hungarian Peace Society, and the place of honour by the Baroness Bertha Von Suttner, who were supported by Herr Stefan Rakovsky, President of the State Finance Department, the Deputies Count Zichy, Leo Lanczy, Julius Horvath, D. Pázmándy, and other prominent Hungarians. After a toast in honour of the King and the Hungarian Rulers had been proposed by General Türr, and drunk standing, the Baroness Von Suttner, in the name of the Austrian Peace Society, returned thanks for the hospitable reception which had greeted the Delegates in Hungary, and especially in Buda-Pesth, where she was glad to find the idea of Peace had so many ardent apostles. Speeches followed by Mr. Felix Moscheles, who represented England; Dr. Adolf Richter, Germany; Mr. Fred. Bajer, Denmark; Signor Moneta, Italy; Doctor Sternberg, the Vienna Academic Peace Union; M. Fred. Passy, France. Professor Stein, of Bern, followed with the toast of the Peace Leaders, Madame Pognon (Paris), the Hungarian Ladies, M. Felix Lacaze, the spread of Peace ideas, Count Zichy and Senator Pierantoni, the Absent. A Hungarian Band discoursed gypsy music; Hungarian dances followed, and under the exhilarating influence of both, the entertainment was prolonged until long after midnight. OPENING SESSION, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH. The opening sitting of the Congress took place on 17th September, in the grand Council Chamber of the Municipal Palace, Buda-Pesth. There were present a large number of Delegates, estimated at about 250, from the various Peace Societies in Europe and America, the Peace Society being represented by Miss P. H. Peckover, Miss Ellen Robinson, Dr. W. Evans Darby, Mr. Felix Moscheles, Mr. J. G. Alexander, Mr. C. Dalrymple Hall, Mr. A. F. Morgan, Mr. Thomas Wright, Mr. John Mather, Mr. Thomas Snape, and Mr. Mark Howarth. The platform was occupied by the President, General Türr, and by Baron Perczel, Minister of the Interior, and Burgomeister Charles von Rath. General Türr, who spoke in French, formally opened the Congress with these words: "Ladies and Gentlemen.-The assembling of the International Peace Congress in Buda-Pesth is highly appreciated. I am persuaded that I speak in the name of all my fellow-citizens, without difference of opinion, when I thank you for your presence, and give to all the Delegates a very hearty welcome. We hope to succeed in finding some legal form of procedure, which may be adapted to determine the differences arising between nations without an appeal to arms. It is often said that this is Utopian. Well, have we not already, forsooth, many Utopias? Not very long ago, princes and nobles exercised over their subjects and serfs an actual jurisdiction. If any one, at that time, had said that the day would come when they would agree to submit their differences to a judge, he would have been deemed by his surprised neighbours as an enthusiast, an Utopian, or even worse. Yet, now, these great lords are compelled to appear before the Judicial Tribunal, where they stand with their former serfs on an equal footing. "A similar change might also be accomplished in the relations of the Powers, and the more easily that here we have not to do with two or three hundred princes and thousands of their companions belonging to various ranks of nobility. We have to-day six great Powers, and these have united themselves, the one section in a Triple Alliance, the other in a league of friendship, or alliance, avowedly for the maintenance of Peace. Really, only a step is necessary to secure the establishment of Peace. If these two groups were to combine, all the smaller States would follow suit, and the free union of the European Powers would be accomplished. We shall then be able to spend less upon armed peace, or, say rather, war preparation, and more for social interests. For centuries, war has had to be waged and revolutions OCTOBER 1ST, 1896.] THE HERALD OF PEACE. have broken out, in order to break down the barriers to progress and Liberty. To-day we have only a single task to accomplish. We must wisely secure the acquisitions of progress instead of perverting them to our own destruction; we must persuade governments and peoples that it is reasonable, right, and prudent to arbitrate the differences of nations before an International Tribunal, or Senate-this is the main object of the Peace Societies. Ladies and gentlemen, God speed! The Seventh International Peace Congress is declared open." General Türr announced that the Hungarian Government, through its Minister of the Interior, Baron Desider Perczel, wished to address a few words to the Assembly. Baron Perczel, speaking in Hungarian, greeted the Congress in the name of the Hungarian Government, and then continued in French, as the Ladies and Gentlemen,recognised language of the Congress : With an expression of the utmost gladness do I fulfil the task The Burgomaster of Buda-Pesth, Herr Charles von Rath, joined in the greetings of the Minister on behalf of the City of Buda-Pesth, and expressed the hope that this important Congress would strengthen the bonds between the Hungarian people and the great civilised nations-a result for which the metropolis of Buda-Pesth would be exceedingly grateful. M. Frederic Passy expressed the thanks of the Congress to the Government, and the Baroness von Suttner, to the Municipality. An interval of ten minutes followed the speeches, during which the members of the Congress were invited to inscribe their names on the rolls of the various Commissions which had been appointed to study the subjects on the programmes, and prepare them for presentation to the Congress. When the Congress was called to order, the President requested the Congress, by formal resolution, to empower him to send a message of homage to the King of Hungary, the Emperor Francis Joseph I. This was responded to with acclamation. The members of the Press were thanked for attending in such large numbers, and a suitable acknowledgment was made by Herr Eugen Rakosi, who added the welcome of the Hungarian Press to those already expressed. The President thereupon announced that the time had arrived for their departure to the Exhibition. VISIT TO THE EXHIBITION. Thereupon the members of the Congress adjourned to the street, where they found a number of carriages, provided by the Municipality, in which they were conveyed to the grounds of the Millennial Exhibition. At the principal entrance, the guests were received by Councillor Emerich Szalay, Councillor Béla Müller, Secretary Moriz Gelléri, and Dr. Béla Czobor, who were awaiting Councillor Szalay gave an address in French, in their arrival. which he greeted the members of the Congress on behalf of the Directors of the Exhibition; and the Brouess Von Suttner replied on their behalf. The members then 1oceeded to make a tour of the historical portion of the Exhibition, under the guidance of Councillor Szalay and Dr. Béla Czobor. This tour ended in the French Restaurant, where the Directors had provided a sumptuous déjeuner for their guests. Here Councillor Szalay proposed the toast of the Ladies who had come to Buda-Pesth as Apostles of AFTERNOON AND EVENING. The various Committees met at 3 o'clock in the afternoon for the preparation of the work of subsequent sittings, and continued their labours until 6 o'clock, or later. In the evening there were invitations for any members of the Congress who wished to visit and dine at Os Budavára (old Buda-Pesth), and the various panoramas in the vicinity of the Exhibition. At one of these the Secretary of the Panorama Company, Mr. Alexander Adorjan, gave a warm greeting to the members of the Congress, and the Baroness von Suttner replied. SECOND SESSION, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH. The first working assembly of the Congress was opened at 10 o'clock on the 18th September, in the Great Hall of the New Municipal Buildings, by the President, General Türr; who was accompanied on the platform by the Secretary M. Elie Ducommun, Dr. Richter, the Baroness von Suttner, and Miss Peckover. The President announced that the Bureau of the Congress had been constituted as follows: President General Türr, Secretary, M. Elie Ducommun; Vice-Presidents, Austria, Baroness von Suttner; Germany, Dr. Adolph Richter; Belgium, M. Houzeau de la Haie; Denmark, M. F. Bajer; France, M. F. Passy; America, Miss Brinton; Great Britain, Miss P. H. Peckover; Hungary, M. Howatch and M. Vambéry; Italy, Signor Pierantoni Holland, Dr. Baart de la Faille; Sweden, M. Wavrinsky; and Switzland, Mr. K. Gsell, Before proceeding to the order of the day, Mr. J. Fred. Green expressed the regrets of Mr. Hodgson Pratt at his inability to be present, and was requested to convey to him the cordial greetings of the Congress. The first order of the day was the reading, by M. Ducommun, of the report of the Berne Bureau, on the events of the past year, relative to Peace and War. The first part of the Report discussed the political situation, and expressed congratulation that the peace of Europe had nowhere been disturbed, in spite of a number of events which had occasioned anxiety. Notwithstanding the pacific declarations which had been made, the equipment of armies had proceeded at an accelerating pace, and corresponding war budgets had been voted. The Report then reviewed the work of the Peace Societies during the year. The foundation of new Peace Societies in Hungary and elsewhere, and the movements in favour of Peace among women, were noted as encouraging incidents. Mention was especially made of the demonstration in February last, and of the work of the Arbitration Alliance and of the Peace Society among the Protestant Churches and their Ministers in connection with Arbitration and the observance of Peace Sunday, and of the sympathy expressed by the Catholic Cardinals, and by the Pope himself, with the movement in favour of an Anglo-American treaty. The necessity for the submission of international questions to Arbitration had been increasingly recognised, and especial reference was made to the efforts to promote a permanent treaty between Warlike occurrences were then Great Britain and America. passed in review, in the Transvaal, Egypt, Abyssinia, Madagascar, Cuba, and Zanzibar. Respecting the more recent of these events, in Turkey, the remark was received with enthusiasm that both The Report the originator of the cruelties and those who permitted them concluded with the words: "Let us continue our work in the deserved the reprobation of every educated man. name of righteousness and of the love of Peace." On the conclusion of the Report, Mr. S. J. Capper made a very thirteen millions warm speech in German, in which he asked what was the use of Europe's six millions of soldiers under in reserve, what was the use of her Y if she was idered it these |