by which, last spring, the question of indemnity for the seizure of the British vessel "Costa Rica Packet" by the Dutch, in the East Indian Archipelago, on a technical charge of piracy, was submitted to Arbitration, has been ratified, and, acting at the request of both Governments, the Emperor of Russia has named Mr. F. de Martens, Councillor of State, as Arbitrator. The incident between GREAT BRITAIN and NICARAGUA was terminated through the good offices of the Salvadorean Minister, and the submission of the questions at issue between them to Arbitration is reported, the President of the Swiss Confederation being requested to name a third party as Arbitrator. FRANCE and BRAZIL have agreed to refer the Amapa boundary dispute to an Arbiter, who is to be appointed by either Spain, Switzerland, or Sweden. The Governments of PERU and BOLIVIA have accepted Monsignor Machi, Apostolic Delegate to Bolivia, as Arbitrator in the dispute concerning the delimitation of their respective frontiers. The Pamir boundary question between GREAT BRITAIN and RUSSIA has been referred to a Commission, and satisfactorily settled. The Delagoa Bay Railway Arbitration is still in the hands of the Swiss Judges, M. Blaezi and M. Soldau. It is satisfactory to know that it is still in progress, though its progress seems immeasurably slow. It is announced from Rio Janeiro that BRAZIL and ITALY have agreed to refer a question, relating to claims of Italian subjects, to the Arbitration of President Cleveland, and that GREAT BRITAIN and BRAZIL have definitely concluded an Arbitration Treaty with each other. It is further announced that the Queen Regent of Spain has been unanimously chosen by the Governments of ECUADOR, COLUMBIA and PERU to act as Arbitrator in a boundary dispute between them. A SPECIAL CASE. Still more recently, information has been received that CHILI and ARGENTINA have agreed to refer to Arbitration a frontier dispute which threatened serious consequences. In this particular instance the Peace Society is especially interested, having been informed that the result was due to its own interposition; for when it was reported that both Governments were persistently preparing for war, and that this scemed inevitable, although Chili had requested Arbitration, your Committee sent a Memorial to both Governments, and its Memorial, which was courteously acknowledged by the President, "made a deep impression in Argentina," and so brought about the desired agree ment. RESOLUTION OF THE FRENCH PARLIAMENT. A still more significant indication of the growth of sentiment in favour of Arbitration was furnished by the unanimous adoption, in the French Chamber of Deputies, in July last, of a resolution inviting the Government to negotiate, as soon as possible, the conclusion of a permanent treaty of Arbitration between the French Republic and the United States of America. This Resolution met with a most cordial response from the popular sentiment of America, and seeing that it was itself the result of the action of the American Legislature already reported by us, the conclusion of such a treaty may be considered practically an accomplished fact. MILITARY OUTBURSTS. While, however, there is this steady and encouraging progress to chronicle, the general character of the year has been marked by an alarming development of militarism, and a startling outburst of Jingo action and sentiment. In the various movements for resisting and correcting these, the Society has been well represented, and has taken its legitimate share of activity. THE GENERAL ELECTION. Following close upon our last Annual Meeting, the Government of the day was defeated, strangely enough over a question of A strongly-worded ammunition, and a General Election ensued. Address to the Electors was issued, on behalf of the Society, of which 15,000 copies were distributed among the constituencies, together with a number of suggested questions to be addressed to Candidates. In consideration of the urgency of the occasion, telegrams were also addressed to helpers in nearly every constituency. THE NEW PARLIAMENT. friends of Peace lost their seats in Parliament. Several others, THE QUEEN'S SPEECH. It is possibly not wholly due to this fact, but partly a mere coincidence, that although the Queen's Speech, on the opening of the new Assembly, after referring to the assurances of the continuance of the goodwill of foreign Powers, affirmed: "I am happy to say that no international complication has arisen in any quarter which is calculated to endanger the Peace of Europe,' yet in a strikingly short time there arose in many quarters a series of complications endangering Peace; the goodwill of foreign Powers was strangely disturbed, and there was developed in the country a feverish spirit of irritation and unrest, which has not augured well for the continuance of Peace, or the calm consideration of the international questions which have arisen. THE NAVAL BUDGET. Whatever the sequence may be, it is certainly due to the strong body of military opinion and influence in the House of Commons, that a larger Naval Budget than has ever been known in this country was proposed to it, without even an expression of regret at its assumed necessity, and adopted with comparative unanimity, and without any strong opposition, or strenuous protest, either in the House, or in the country. In the slight debate which took place on the estimates, the Peace Society was represented by its President, Sir J. W. Pease, and its Treasurer, Mr. W. Hazell, both of whom took part therein. An Appeal to the People of the United Kingdom was also issued on behalf of the Society, and this was extensively circulated through our Helpers and Auxiliaries, and widely inserted and noticed in the public press. Following the introduction of the Estimates, a meeting was summoned in London, and a Committee formed to issue a protest and promote a national agitation against the increase of naval expenditure. The Peace Society was represented at that meeting by several members of its Executive, and is represented on the Committee by its Secretary and others. INCIDENTS OF THE YEAR.-CHINA. So numerous and varied have been the occurrences of the year, that they hardly admit of detailed statement. One of the first was the horrifying massacre of Christian Missionaries at Ku-cheng, in China, an incident which resulted from the state of anarchy consequent upon the war with Japan, and from the hatred of the foreigner existing among all classes in China. Great indignation and resentment was aroused by this incident, which raised grave questions respecting the whole policy of Missions and the protection of Missionaries. It is gratifying to note, in connection with this, the distinct statement of right policy which it evoked, both from the Church Missionary Society and from the Rev. J. Hudson Taylor, of the China Inland Mission. MADAGASCAR WAR. A similar sad occurrence followed the war in Madagascar, where, also, in the disorders which resulted, a Missionary and his family, well known to many members of this Society, were massacred. In this war, although the French were victorious, as was inevitable, the victory was felt to be so costly and inglorious, that it was received in silence and sorrow by the people of France, and contributed to the fall of its Government. EXPEDITION TO ASHANTI. Equally inglorious was the British expedition to Ashanti, undertaken for the annexation of the country. Fortunately, it was unattended with bloodshed, for the King and the people refused to fight. But the easily-won success only furnished a humiliating instance of the way in which this country, as well as the other great Powers, pursues its quest of Empire, regardless of the rights of the weaker races and the duties of the stronger towards them. The reversal of the Governmental policy as The result of the election was, from our standpoint, very disap regards the retention of Chitral, indicates a similar spirit in that direction-the temptation to retain possessions once obtained being apparently too strong to resist. THE ITALIANS IN ABYSSINIA. In Abyssinia the Italian troops have suffered disastrous reverses-disastrous both as regards the immediate object of the expedition, and the Government at home, which fell in consequence. This result is all the more deplorable because it might have been prevented, the Emperor Menelek having offered to refer the points in dispute between himself and the King of Italy to the arbitration of the King of the Belgians. We congratulate our Peace friends in Italy on the courage and fidelity they have shown in opposing the aggressive policy of their country in Africa. THE INSURRECTION IN CUBA. In Cuba, notwithstanding her strenuous efforts and stern measures, Spain is proving her inability to subdue the insurrection of her colonists, and to perpetuate their submission. The sympathies of the Great American Republic are with the insurgents, and the public mind has been deeply stirred by the continuance of this conflict, so that the result can now only be a question of time. Serious complications between Spain and the United States seem to be imminent, and it is to be hoped that Spain will acknowledge the position, regard the aspirations of her revolted subjects, and conclude a peace which shall gain to her through friendship what she has failed to compel by the sword. THE ARMENIAN HORRORS. Thrill upon thrill of anguish unspeakable has passed through the civilised world at the reports of horrible and inhuman massacres and outrages which have sullied the Turkish rule in Armenia. This Society has fully shared the natural and righteous indignation which has been so generally and deeply stirred. At the same time it has consistently opposed warlike proposals, which could only have the effect of precipitating a European conflict, and so of immeasurably multiplying the evils deplored; it has been unable to admit that Christianity is not final as a law of human intercourse, nor adequate to all demands that human affairs may make upon it, and, therefore, especially considering that neither have Christian methods been resorted to, nor all the resources of civilisation and diplomacy exhausted, they have had no sympathy with proposals to apply force, and with the desires which have been expressed for the interposition of a military dictator. It is such instances as this which try Christian faith, patience and loyalty to principle, while the utter helplessness of Christian Governments in the presence of what they all deplore and condemn, only gives point to the testimony of the Peace Society against the false international policy which has produced this result. Armenia is a striking object lesson as to the utter failure of the military principle as a law of society, that principle which is the dominant one in the Europe of to-day, which it his brought to the verge of absolute disaster and ruin. THE AMIR AND THE KAFIRS. The Armenian horrors have been imitated, though not on the sume scale probably, in Kafiristan, where the Amir had entered on a war of extermination against his Kafir subjects, with, it was sid, the knowledge and consent of the Indian Government. This Society joined in a protest against these proceedings and in endeavouring to influence the Government on the subject. SOUTH AFRICA AND THE SOUDAN. Coming to matters that belong more especially to ourselves as a nation, the proceedings of the Chartered Company in South Africa, and the advance of troops into the Soudan, around which there is still so much mystery, reveal some of the most striking tendencies and dangers of the times. It may be difficult to restrain those who are carried away by the lust of empire and of gold, especially when they belong to the high places of society and are manifestly able to influence the rulers of the land. But it will clearly be the duty of the people to insist that they are not carried into war, or other questionable practices, without their consent, and especially that the dignity, authority and honour of the empire be not entrusted to irresponsible pioneers, proconsuls or commercial companies, whose doings have either to be followed up or repudiated, an alternative, both sides of which may be equally disastrous. The Matabele revolt is only a natural consequence of the Jameson raid. The danger at present arising therefrom will probably soon pass, and discipline, perfected fighting machines, and other resources of civilisation will again triumph. But this Society would urge that the stronger nations are under obligations to the weak which they cannot violate with impunity; that these obligations cannot be fulfilled by the aid of mounted police and Maxim guns, and that it is not practical statesmanship which ignores the higher elements in human life, or the moral laws which govern alike personal and international conduct and interTHE AMERICAN DIFFICULTY. course. This report, it is evident, cannot deal with the details of the greatest of all the questions which have occupied thought and attention during the last few months, and which has absorbed the interest and anxieties of two hemispheres, since the Message to Congress of the President of the United States in relation to the long-standing dispute between Great Britain and Venezuela compelled instant attention to the serious character of that dispute, and created for a time strained feelings between the two countries. Should the result be the formation of a permanent Treaty, or Court, of Arbitration for the settlement of all questions arising between the two countries in the future, as so many desire, good will proceed from the seeming evil, and the incident of the Message will come to be regarded as a disguised blessing. It may be permitted, however, to express regret that the British Government did not long ago respond to the desire of Venezuela to submit the whole question to Arbitration, and still further, at the unaccountable tardiness of the Government in coming to an understanding with Venezuela (so removing a real source of danger), and in responding to the desire of the United States to adopt a satisfactory method of Arbitration, a desire in which all professedly unite, and to the realisation of which both countries are practically pledged. There is safety only in accomplishment, and disappointment may lurk where it is least suspected. Your committee, therefore, are anxious that the opportune moment shall not be neglected, and that there will not be unnecessary delay in calling into existence, and getting into operation, the Arbitral measures, or machinery, which may be agreed upon. ACTION OF THE SOCIETY. In the agitation which has arisen over this question, the Society has contributed its share of labour and effort. By a happy, and we must believe, providential, coincidence, the observance of Peace Sunday followed quickly upon the President's Message, and the occasion was seized by a multitude of ministers, both in this country and America, to protest against the idea of war, and to inculcate sentiments of Peace and goodwill. The influence of this Peace Sunday advocacy was decidedly appreciable. In communicating with ministers, special attention was called to the matter, and suitable literature was at once prepared and circulated. The Society has also shared in the general movement. The Secretary was one of the promoters of the Sion College Meeting, held in January, which was also participated in by the Treasurer, the Secretary further serving on the Committee which was then appointe 1, and assisting in the preparations for the Queen's Hall Demonstration, which was held two months later, and which elicited a large body of influential opinion in favour of the proposed Arbitration Court. In the meantime, the staff at the office co-operated in sending out the Anglo-American Arbitration Memorial for signature, and by means of our Auxiliaries and local Helpers some thousands of signatures have been obtained. Through the International Bureau at Berne, a member of the Executive, Mr. Felix Moscheles, issued an invitation to all the Peace Societies to hold meetings simultaneously on or near the 22nd February-Washington's birthday and to reaffirm their adhesion to the principle of International Arbitration. The idea and the invitation met with general acceptance. Moscheles also, on that day, held a meeting in his studio at Chelsea, which was largely and influentially attended, and at which the Executive wore represented by several of its members. At the various meetings held by the Secretary and others in connection with the Society, the question has been introduced, Mr. and the Anglo-American Arbitration Memorial, or a similar one, signed and forwarded to the heads of the Government and to Mr. W. T. Stead, the Secretary of the movement. THE CHURCHES AND THE MOVEMENT FOR PEACE. One of the most gratifying features of this movement in favour of Peace has been the promptitude, earnestness, unanimity and spontaneity with which the Christian Churches and their ministers, on both sides of the Atlantic, have taken action. It was the Christian sentiment of both countries which saved them from war, and the action taken has been irrespective of sect or creed. The Roman Catholic Church has been represented by the Pope, who sent a striking letter to the Daily Chronicle in favour of the proposed tribunal, and by the American, Irish and English Cardinals, who have issued a joint appeal on its behalf. The Evangelical Free Church Congress, which met at Nottingham in March, and was attended by the Secretary, unanimously adopted a Resolution, which was suggested and moved by him, in It also, as its last and favour of International Arbitration. most solemn business act, sent a cordial and fraternal Address to In the Churches of the United States on the same subject. connection with the various May Anniversaries, the Secretary, in the name of the Society, has addressed the various Church authorities, suggesting the introduction of a Resolution at their Meetings, only to receive the reply that this had already been determined upon, or actually done. OTHER BODIES. Such action has not been confined to the Christian Churches. It is astonishing with what readiness and unanimity all classes in the community and all sorts of organisations and assemblies have co-operated. For instance, in anticipation of the recent Aunual Conference of the National Union of Teachers, at Brighton, Dr. Darby wrote suggesting the introduction of a resolution and a message of goodwill. A courteous reply from the Secretary brought the information that these had been already decided upon, Mr. Yoxall adding, "We feel it our duty to assist, as far as in us lies, in the promotion of the great cause for which your Society exists." An interview for the same object with the Secretary of the Association of Chambers of Commerce elicited a like response, and a resolution was adopted at its Annual Meeting and forwarded to the United States Ambassador. Similar resolutions have been adopted by particular Chambers of Commerce and by other bodies in large numbers. It is surely an augury of success. PEACE SUNDAY. Owing to the feeling created by the message of President Cleveland, the observance of Peace Sunday this year was most unprecedented. Both in the United States and Great Britain, Ministers of religion seem to have spoken with rare unanimity "In almost every conand boldness against the spirit of war. gregation some reference was made, either in prayer or sermon, to the Anglo-American crisis." The Times stated that Peace Sermons were preached in "tens of thousands" of churches. Nearly twenty-five thousand invitations were issued by the Peace Society, 21,398 direct from the Central Office; 2,420 promises and applications for literature were received thereat, and 257,378 papers, tracts, pamphlets, leaflets, &c., sent in response. THE AUTUMNAL MEETING. As the result of a suggestion, made by several members of the Society, with the object of bringing it more into touch with its country supporters, an Autumnal Meeting was held at Birmingham. The success of the experiment showed the wisdom of the proposal, which was taken up heartily by our A Committee was appointed, elaborate Birmingham friends. arrangements were made, and the meetings which followed in the month of October gave a decided and appreciable stimulus to the Society's work in the Midlands. They consisted of a morning and afternoon Conference, presided over by Councillor Martineau and Alderman Baker respectively, and an evening Public Meeting presided over by Mr. George Cadbury. It is proposed that such meetings shall be continued yearly in the large towns of the kingdom. GENERAL WORK OF THE SOCIETY. The usual propagandist work of the Society has been carried on with unabated vigour, and the various matters already recorded have given it unusual interest and importance. The reports furnished by the Auxiliaries show an amount of life and activity Our Agents, two which is most gratifying and encouraging. of whom are no longer with us, have in the North, Midlands, and West, rendered their usual good service; and, in addition to these, a large number of earnest Peace advocates, some belonging to the membership of the Society, and others outside it, have assisted in making the year memorable for the amount of earnest work which has been done. THE BIRMINGHAM AUXILIARY. The For many years, the Rev. Arthur O'Neill, in Birmingham, as the Agent of the Society, had rendered yeoman service to the cause of Peace, and had faithfully and efficiently represented the Society. It was felt, however, that the time had come, especially in view of Mr. O'Neill's advancing age, for a more definite and complete organisation of our membership in Birmingham. occasion of the Autumnal Meeting offered a suitable opportunity; and, the members of the Society being called together, the proposal commended itself to them, and an Auxiliary was formed, with an influential Council, and a good Executive and official staff. Scarcely had the new organisation But it got into working order, when our veteran representative was removed by death. The change has come all too soon. is a matter for consolation that an efficient and representative body exists in that mportant district to take over the work which has fallen from such stalwart hands. THE MANCHESTER AUXILIARY. The work of the Society in Manchester has also been interrupted by death. Mr. Benjamin L. Green, who three years ago succeeded the late Mr. Pollard, and whose useful work in connection with Peace Sunday had just been concluded, died early in the year. Mr. Charles Stevenson has been appointed his successor, on the recommendation of the Manchester Committce, and is applying himself carnestly to the duties of the position. THE PEACE UNION. It would be invidious, without adequate reason, to single out for special notice the work of any of our Branches; but the development of the Peace Union, a very important Auxiliary of the Peace Society, has been so striking, and its work has grown to be so truly international and widely useful, that the Committee cannot refrain from expressing their congratulation and satisfaction with the larger development represented by its new name, and with the work it has accomplished. necessary, WORK AMONG THE YOUNG. Mr. John Gill is still able to present an excellent account of what has been done by him among the young. But the need is greater than a single worker can overtake. Organised activity for the military training of boys and for rendering the conscription unbecause its object is secured by other agencies, grows continually. The Boys' Brigade, the Church Lads' Brigade, and similar organisations, are increasing in numbers and influence. More organised effort to enlist the youths of the nation for the service of the Prince of Peace, and to spread a clearer conception among them of true chivalry, courage and Christian citizenship, is greatly needed. Our veteran colleague would realise the wish of his life in secing the work to which he has consecrated so many of his ripest years assume a wider and more permanent form, and your Committee would welcome such co-operation. THE SECRETARY'S WORK. With the extension of the Society's work and correspondence, office duties and direction have grown more imperative and exacting. Peace questions and political movements have constantly Visits to the Continent, and various parts of the country, and public work at home, on behalf of required more attention. peace, have also occupied time and energy. Less of these, therefore, have been left at the disposal of the Secretary, for ordinary (Continued on page 81.) THE HERALD OF PEACE. B LONDON, JUNE 1ST, 1896. ARTHUR O'NEILL. Y the decease of Arthur O'Neill, the Peace Society has lost a veteran servant and most devoted advocate. He had only been ill a short time, and the end came rather suddenly. But he had accomplished a good life-work, and it may truly be said of him, as of the old Hebrew monarch, that after he had served his own generation by the will of God, he fell asleep. His benevolent countenance, fine figure, and pleasant voice had become familiar to the friends of Peace and other reforms, both in the Metropolis and in the Midlands, for more than half a century. By his decease, Birmingham loses one of her most honoured citizens, and one also who had been actively associated, in former years, with Joseph Sturge, John Angel James, Charles Vince, Dr. Dale, and many others whose memories will long be cherished in the great Midland capital. Mr. O'Neill was born at Chelmsford, in 1819, the same year which witnessed the birth of Queen Victoria, and he died at his residence in Hall Road, Handsworth, on May 14th, 1896, at the age of 77. His father, who was of Irish birth, having died when Arthur was a child, the widow married again, and the lad's step-father, a quartermaster in the army, was for some years stationed at Malta, and subsequently at Corfu, in the Ionian Islands. There the young man saw much of army and barrack life. His step-father wished him to become a soldier, but he had already imbibed a strong dislike to the military profession. In 1835 he was sent to the University of Glasgow, with a view to qualifying himself for a doctor's life. But he believed that he was rather called to the ministry of the Gospel, and accordingly devoted himself to preparation for that sphere of usefulness. At the same time he became deeply interested in social politics, and in efforts to achieve popular liberties. He was thus brought into close association with the Chartists, some of whom sent him with a delegation to welcome the two leaders of the movement, William Lovett and John Collins, on their discharge from Warwick jail. This errand brought Mr. O'Neill to Birmingham, where he speedily became so popular that he was induced to take up his abode there, and to accept the pastorate of a Baptist chapel, in Newhall Street, in 1840. But he also continued to take a prominent part in the Chartist agitations, and in 1842, underwent a year's imprisonment, in Stafford jail, for what was considered, by the authorities, to be incitement to disloyalty and disorder. In prison, he and several other Chartists, including his friend Thomas Cooper, author of "The Purgatory of Suicides," were treated with marked consideration, and on their discharge were regarded as heroes and martyrs by their associates. Mr. O'Neill's life henceforth was less turbulent and more cautious. He settled down to another Baptist pastorate, in Birmingham, that of Zion Chapel, where he laboured faithfully for a period of nearly forty years. As a preacher, he was popular, earnest and successful. And he felt that the Gospel was a very comprehensive thing, and included not merely pastoral theology, but active labour, to make men more sober and more happy. Hence he threw himself with interest into efforts of Temperance, Popular Education, the Abolition of Slavery, and the diminution of Capital Punishment; and from time to time, to the end of his life, he continued to render such service to these as he was able. But a cause which lay still nearer his heart was that of International Peace, and, in this connection, Mr. O'Neill became a hearty colleague of Henry Richard and Joseph Sturge, and received the appointment of Agent and Lecturer for the Peace Society. The Herald of Peace has, for many a long year, contained, month after month, the records of his unwearied and arduous labours. There are few places within a large radius from Birmingham which have not, at one time or other, heard his earnest voice in behalf of Peace. And many towns and villages were visited by him again and again, so that he became a familiar and welcome figure throughout the district. He actively used his pen, also, in writing letters and petitions to Statesmen and Members of Parliament. And, indeed, he was indefatigable in his persevering and varied labours. but all respected him. A Birmingham paper, of difPersons might sometimes smile at his pertinacity; ferent politics from his own, remarked, on his decease: "The aged and heroic figure which passed into the silence yesterday was one of which the country in general, and Birmingham in particular, has reason to be proud. The Rev. Arthur O'Neill's stormy life has closed in that peace which he so ardently longed to see extended over the whole earth." In 1891, on the fiftieth anniversary of his work in Birmingham, a number of his friends assembled at the Council House, to present him with a series of photographs of many of his fellow-workers in various good causes. This was very gratifying to him. The last days of his life were partly devoted to the preparation of his Annual Report for the Peace Society, a document which the progress of his disease compelled him to leave unfinished. A large number of his friends followed him to the grave, including Dr. W. E. Darby, from London, as representing the Peace Society. Dr. Darby also preached a funeral sermon over his departed friend and colleague. YORKSHIRE METHODISTS. The following is a copy of a Resolution passed, last month, at the Methodist New Connexion Halifax District Meeting, representing 36 churches and upwards of 4,000 members :— "That this meeting would again express its devout conviction that amongst the greatest permanent interests of mankind is the interest of peace, and its desire that the breakwater of international arbitration should interpose between the peoples and the unspeakable calamity of war. It believes that arbitration is an end possible and probable between England and the United States, and that in such compacts lies the hope of Christendom and humanity. "GEORGE PARKER, "Chairman of the District." JUNE 1ST, 1896.] THE HERALD OF PEACE. PEACE SOCIETY.-ANNUAL MEETING. The Eightieth Annual Meeting of the Peace Society was held at the Memorial Hall, Farringdon Street, London, E.C., on Tuesday evening, May 19th. The chair was occupied by Sir JOSEPH PEASE, Bart., M.P. Among those on the platform were Mrs. Henry Richard, Miss P. H. Peckover and Miss Pease, the Right Rev. Dr. Percival, Bishop of Hereford, Sir James Reckitt, Bart., Rev. J. C. Grant, M.A. (Nottingham), Messrs. Edward Blake, M.P., Robert Cameron, M.P., Walter Hazell, M.P., H. Fell Pease, M.P., A. E. Fletcher, C. C. Morland, J.P., Dr. W. Evans Darby, William Jones, Richard Cory, J.P., F. G. Cash, H. Sefton Jones, Thomas Crosfield (Liverpool), Charles Stevenson (Manchester), &c., &c. The SECRETARY, on rising to present an Abstract of the Report, said that he had first one or two letters to read to the meeting, which he was sure would interest it. Among those who had been invited to the meeting was His Excellency the Hon. J. F. BAYARD, the AMERICAN AMBASSADOR, who had sent the following reply LETTER FROM THE AMERICAN AMBASSADOR. 83, Eaton Square, S.W., April 3rd, 1896. : very felicitous short speech, which was rendered the more agree- SIR JOSEPH W. PEASE, BART., M.P., the Chairman, said My dear Sir,-Absence from town has delayed my acknowledgment of your invitation to participate in the eightieth anniversary meeting of the Peace Society, at which it is intended to promote measures for Arbitration by permanent Treaty, for the settlement of all differences between the United States and Great Britain. Gladly and gratefully would I lend my aid to such a cause, and I trust that I may fairly refer to my record here in England, and for years in office in the United States, in attestation that my assertions of fidelity are not empty. (Applause.) But I feel in this expression of a desire to substitute the adjust-image. If there was one recent example, more than another, ing power of reason, justice, and ultimately of arbitrament, for the resort to force and pride and passion, in the settlement of international misunderstandings and disputes, the voice of each country should be distinctively and voluntarily heard I am glad to learn that on the 23rd of this month there will be held in my own country a Convention of its citizens, of all professions, and without regard to political party affiliation, for the purpose of impressively appealing to American patriotism, honour, and conscience, to sustain the great cause of peace and goodwill between the two countries-(applause)-and secure its permanent acceptance by international arrangements, by treaty or agree ment. When each branch of the English-speaking people shall, in its own way, have induced the respective Governments to give shape and force to this popular feeling, then the functions of the office I hold here may well be exercised in carrying such plans into execution, and making effective the objects of your Society. In the meantime I believe that I can better serve the cause of international amity and amicable understanding by not taking part in the proceedings of your public meeting, in the object and purpose of which I thoroughly sympathise. Believe me most respectfully yours, W. E. Darby, Esq., LL.D., T. F. BAYARD. LETTER FROM THE DEAN OF DURHAM. One of the Vice-Presidents of the Society, the Very Rev. the DEAN OF DURHAM, had also written : The Deanery, Durham, May 16th, 1896. Dear Dr. Darby,-I am bound down tight to Durham on the 19th, and cannot possibly leave. I am always very sorry, especially in these warlike days, not to be able to join you. Yours ever, G. W. KITCHIN. the iniquity of war, it was the Jameson raid. That raid was, no He would now deal with the encouraging signs. Nothing had THE BISHOP OF HEREFORD. The BISHOP OF HEREFORD moved : "That this Annual Meeting of the Peace Society, recalling the recent period of public disquiet, and more especially the anxiety in relation to the preparations made for anticipated warfare, desires to renew its condemnation of war, and to reaffirm its adhesion to the principle of Arbitration, as an effective and satisfactory method of settling international differences; and it trusts that reformers generally, and especially the friends of Peace, |