The Sun.
London, England, 1849-08-24 00:00:00

S y AUG UST 24, 1849.

on any proposition before the chair, must send up their
names to the president to be inscribed on his list, and
will be heard in the order in which they stand on such list.
" 5. No speaker will be allowed more than fifteen
minutes, except by special leave of the Congress; when
that period is passed, the president will intimate the same
to the speaker.

" 6. No speaker will be allowed to speak more than
once on any proposition, unless in the way of explana-
tion. The opener of the discussion will, however, have
the right of reply.
" 7. The object of the Congress being one of general
and permanent interest,. no speaker can be allowed to
make any direct allusion to the political events of the
day, or to discuss any questions of local interest. In
case of any infraction of this rule, the speaker will be
called to order, and should he persist, the president will
withdraw from him the right to speak.
" 8. At the close of each session, the committee will
meet for consultation on all matters that may require
their attention.

"9. The resolutions proposed for the adoption of the
Congres; shall be decided by a majority of vote=.
" 10. The resolutions adopted shall be signed by the
president and the secretaries of the Congress.
" 11. The several resolutions adopted shall form the
basis of an address or addresses that may be agreed to
by the Congress; such address or addresses to be
signed, on behalf of the Congress, by the president, vice-
presidents, and secretaries.
" Note. The members of the Congress are respectfully,
and urgently requested to be in their places at the com-
mencement of the proceedings of each session; and in
case any question on a point of order should arise dur-
inc, the proceedings, to keep perfect silence, leaving it to
the president and committee to take the necessary steps
for dispwing the same."
The CItAIRMADT-I proceed to put these resolutions to
the vote. Whoever is opposed to them can express his
opinion.—(No, no, we all agree to them). The regula-
tions are agreed to.
M. GARNIER then read the following letter from the
Archbishop of Purls:—

"Paris, August 17, 1849.
" To the Members of the Congress of Universal Peace.
" Gentlemen—l have been profoundly touched by the
visits which Messrs. De la Rochefoucauld Liancourt,
Victor Hugo, Coquerel, and Elihu Burritt were good
enough to pay me, and by the letter you have just written
to me to offer me the Presidency of the Congress of
Universal Peace.
" This, gentlemen, is an honour the full value of which
I feel, and for which I should never be able adequately
to express my gratitude.
"I think with you, gentlemen, that war is a remnant
of ancient barbarism; that it is accordant with Chris-
tianity to desire the disappearance of this formidable
scourge from the face of the earth, and to make strenu-
ous efforts to attain this noble and generous end.
" Perhaps, alas ! the time has not yet come when it
will be completely possible for the nations to enter upon
this path. Perhaps war will continue for many years to
be a cruel necessity.
" But it is proper, it is praiseworthy, it is excellent to
labour to make the people understand that they, like in-
dividuals, ought to endeavour, with the least possible de-
lay, to terminate their differences by pacific means, and
that humanity and civilization will have made immense
progressthese
fratricidal on the daycontests. when an end shall have been put to

" I beg you, therefore, gentlemen, to inscribe my name
amongst the friends of the Congress of Peace, but it is
to me a source of deep regret that I cannot, on account
of my. health, accept the honour, which you have so
generously offered me, of presiding over you.
"If my physician, who urges me to a journey to avoid
a dangerous state of health, would, nevertheless, consent
to let me put it off for somo days, and if my neuralgic
pains are not too violent, it will afford me real pleasure to
be present at one of your sessions.
" Receive, gentlemen, together with the expression of
these sentiments, the assurance of my most distinguished
consideration.

" )01 MAINE DOMINIQUE AUGusTE,
" Archbishop of Paris."
A number of other letters were also read from per-
sons of note, declaring their adhesion to the objects of
the meeting.
A gentleman here rose in the body of the meeting,
and expressed a wish to have the letter of the Arch-
bishop of Paris read in English, as it had been given to
the meeting in the original French.
Mr. CoIIDEN, then rose, and was received with
immense cheering. He declared that the request just
made appeared to them a reasonable one, end he would
himself read the letter of the Archbishop of Canter-
bury—(Tremendous laughter, which lasted some time)
—he meant the Archbishop of Paris.—(ltenewect
laughter.) The Honourable Gentleman then read the
letter, of which the translation is given above, I have
now (continued the Honourable Gentleman) to propose
to tile meeting that the Archbishop of Paris be nominated
an honorary vice-president of the society.—(tJheers.)
Th;= ',imposition was carried by aeclawation.
M. VIEIXIIERS, who had been president of the Peace
Congress held some months back at Brussels, then rose
and rand a report of the proceedings and results of the
sittings. then held. As ;the Congress at Brussels took
place so recently, it is not necessary to go back on the
account given by the lion. Gentleman, but the result of
the contest for certain priz:s offered on that occasion by
the permanent Peace Congress is not without interest.
The Academy Royal of Brussels, being asked to decide
on the prizes, willingly acceded to the request. Two and
twenty papers were sent in previously to June 1,
1549, the appointed time, and two afterwards, which
could not be admitted. The committee of the Academy
gave in their report on Aug. 6, and at great length analysed
the various papers. It stated that the members were
unanimous in according the prize of I,ooof. to the paper
which bore the following motto:—" C'est de la maniere
dont on s'y prend pour faire one chose que derive le succes
de l'enterprise que l'on a faite." The sealed note which
accompanied this essay declared it to have been written
by M. Barra, advocate, residing at Mons, in Belgium.
The second place was assigned to an essay bearing the
motto, " Arrnez yeas les uns les autres ;" and the third to
No. 22, with the motto, " L'ideal n'est que la write a dis-
tance." The Academy found that the first of these two
had been written by M. Clochereux, law student at the
University of Liege, and the second by M. Monange,
attache to the department of foreign affairs at Brussels.
These results, it had been announced, would be pro-
claimed at the Paris Congress.
When the Honourable Gentleman had concluded,
The CHAIRMAN called on the three gentlemen named
above, and briefly informed them that their works having
been selected as the best on the subject proposed,
namely, the advantages of peace, he felt the greatest
satisfaction in being the organ of thus publicly presenting
them with the proposed prizes.
Mr. Barra then came forward, and was presented with
the prize. The others were absent.
The CHAIRMAN then announced that M. do to Roche-
foucauld Liancourt, in the name of the Social de la
Morale Chretienne, proposed as a prize for next year a
sum of 500 f. for the best essay on the advantages of
peace, and another of 500 f. for the best collection of opi-
nions, from all authors, ancient and modern, sacred and
profane, showing that war is alike contrary to humanity
and morality. These prizes are altogether independent
of any which the Peace Society, properly so called, might
think fit to propose.
This announcement was received with loud applause.
The CHAIRMAN then said that, the preliminary busi-
ness having been disposed of, the resolutions would be
brought forward in order. He would now read the first
to the meeting:—" The recourse to arms being a custom
condemned by religion, morality, reason, and humanity,
it is the duty of all men, and a means of safety, to seek
out and adopt measures calculated to bring about the
abolition of war; and the friends of universal peace, as-
sembled in congress at Paris on tho 22d, 23d, and 24th
of August, have issued :the following resolutions:-
1. Peace alone being able to guarantee the moral and
physical interests of nations, it is the duty of all Go-
vernments to submit to arbitration the differences arising
amongst them, and to respect the decisions of the arbi-
trators whom they may have chosen."

M. BONNETIER read a paper in support of the re-
solution.

The SECRETARY then read a paper pointing out the
objects of international arbitration. War, it said, was
attended with a fearful magnitude. Appeals, it said,
had been made to the sword by all nations, from the
earliest ages; the habit had originated in barbarism, and
had been continued through every stage of civilization.
The vast aggregate of the mischiefs produced by all the
earthquakes and other calamities was insignificant com-
pared with that produced by war, and the grand object
to bo desired was, to find a means which might be re-
sorted to whenever differences should arise between
nations of a nature to endanger their friendly intercourse.
Tho principal proposed, of arbitration, is recognised in
modern jurisprudence, and recommended in the Scrip-
tures. Nations have not been found wanting to adopt
this principle. War is of modes the worst there can
be used in the settlement of disputes. How can a
question of right be decided by the employment of
brute force. The only question that war can solve is,
which is the strongest. With regard to difficulties
which mi;.,,ht arise to the selection of arbitrators no
thing could be more easily got over, for the real interest
of such a course would point out those most proper to be
selected.

The Rev. JOHN BURNETT next rose, and was received
with loud applause. He commenced by expressing the
satisfaction he felt at seeing so large an assembly before
him; it was a practical refutation of the assertion that
France and England were natural enemies.—(Loud
applause.) He maintained that they oug;ht rather to be
considered natural friends.—(Cheers.) Why should they
be otherwise? Why should any one have his next-door
neighbour his enemy? No one would do so unless be
was a fool.—(Laughter.) For his part, he rejoiced to
see his smoothfaced friends and his bearded friends
mixing amicably together.—(Laughter.) The more they
so mixed together the better decidedly would be their
views. But it was asked, what were the advocates of
peace to do? Were they to take away arms from others
and keep them for themselves? No; they were against
the use of arms in any case. Ile and hist friends were
altogether against war in any shape—with fists as much
as with firearms, svrord3, or other murderous weapons.
What, then, did the society propose to do? It proposed
to have all disputes settled by arbitration. They did
not, in making this proposition, intend asking the belli-
gerent parties to submit their disputes to person* Of an

unfriendly character—to persons naturally opposed to
them. No; but to well-instructed arbitrators—to persons
whose knowledge of the subjects under dispute would
only be surpassed by their desire to settle matters ami-
cably—(Hear, hear.) But look at wars in general; did
they always terminate according to the justice of the
cause involved? Did not the skill of the captains, and the
strength of the troops, and even the force, and speed of
the force, do more in deciding warlike affairs than the
justice of the cause for which the contest was entered
on ? How often did not it come to pass that the con-
querors were in the wrong ? How often had not
England been beaten when she was in the right, and
have the best of it when she was certainly wrong? It
way, consequently, logical to suppose that arbitration
would be a fairer mode of deciding differences than any
recourse to arms. But let it not be supposed that
arbitration was a novel mode of deciding matters in
dispute. All nations ha I made use of it in their time,
and even the most barbarous thought of war only wfun
amicable means had failed. What were the decisions of
lfbeoenngso
tawhveeoddf
tnh
eeTvhe
doctrineser
ye wo
sesri were
possible
case,t the
certainly
1
the. courts of law but methods of arbitration ? He
maintained that by such a plan as arbitration men's in-
terests, their treasures, and their blood could most surely
jecting differences to arbitration some delicate questions.
idemitdya.tntoerHt oleifkseutbo-
Many persons were of opinion that peace ought to be
place themselves forward as the opponents of war in
every imaginable case. For his part, he went the full
con-
sidered that no one ought to fight, even if sure of con-
quest; ought not to support war, however just might be
their cause. Many persons did not go that length, but
conceived that by allowing public opinion to work, in the
end ideas of peace would gain ground, and they would
be spared the necessity of setting themselves forward as
the ultra-supporters ofpeace in every case. He believed
that if Men of information in Belgium, France, the United
ye
Peace
ctne they tshs
States, and England joined together firmly, to carry out
the principles of the Peace Society, the result would not
long be doubtful. The Rev. Gentleman dwelt on
this point for some time, and went on to say that Eng-
land had shown the greatest readiness to participate in
this great work, and he entertained the most fervent hopes
that other nations would join with equal readiness in the
pleasing task. He rejoiced to see the numerous assem-
blage of Frenchnadn now present, and he much re-
gretted his inability to address them in their native lan-
guage. The ornaments of the salle also gave him great
pleasure, for he there saw the flags of England together,
not arrayed in hostile array against each other, but en-
twined together in token of peace, and as ornaments to
a room in which the inhabitants of the respective coun-
tries were assembled to devise and propagate the means
of promoting universal peace amongst them. The time
would come when nations would only be regarded as
great in proportion to their advancement in the arts of
peace and in civilization.—(Loud applause.)
The sitting was then suspended for about ten minutes,
to allow the air in the hall to be changed.
M. DE GUERALT next addressed tho meeting. He
alluded at some length to the miseries which had fol-
lowed the appeals to war among nations for the settle-
ment of their differences, and then proceeded to point out
the advantages which would result from the adoption of
the principles put forth by the present Congress. War
was, he said, now being carried out, but it was no longer
for the purposes of conquest; it was for the restoration
of nationality. No Government could now have an
idea of encroaching on the rights and liberties of the
people. But hero a question, he said, arose. Out of the
five great powers of Europe, there were three who pro-
fessed the doctrine that the people belonged to the Go-
vernments—a doctrine contrary to that which was now
professed by France. There were thus, he said, two
principles placed in presence, and it was necessary that
one must overpower the other. The Honouroble Gen-
tleman then made the following proposition—" That the
Congress of Peace would lay down as a principle the na-
tionality of people, and proposed that Governments
should maintain it by force, :for it is impossible to re-
main in a state of vain neutrality and sterile counsels."
M. FREUX observed that he was apprehensive that
the proceedings of the society were not sufficiently prac-
tical. On that account he had proposed a series of reso-
lutions to amend that defect. The Hon. Gentleman then
read the resolutions, declaring that a Universal Peace
Congress should be formed, to meet every year, the
central committee for the ensuing year being appointed
at the end of tho.sittings; that every country should be
included in the Cpgress, and that the members should
bind themselves 'to forward the objects of the Peace So-
ciety as much as they possibly could; that a universal
language shnuld be decided on, as an important means
of forwarding the principles of peace; and that a sub-
scription of five cents. per week should be paid to defray
expenses.

The CHAIRMAN said that the propositions should be
taken into consideration by the committee, who would
decide if they were of a nature to be discussed. Notice
should be given to the Honourable Gentlemen of the de-
cision come to.

Th. 12 v_ Mr. ),lATTxbr.,..)£.the Atitt. of
dressed the meeting, dwelling on the necessity of choos
ing as arbitrators men actuated by ideas of justice and
benevolence. He should therefore propose that all
points in dispute should be referred to one great peace
committee or congress, chosen by universal suffrage,
which should, independently of the executive power,
decide all questions in a manner most in accordance with
justice and benevolence.

- 11. JEAN JOURNET, in a wild strain, addressed the
meeting in favour of a vast system of arbitration, of
which God should be the head, and democratic princi-
ples the foundation.—(This speaker wes frequently re-
called to the question by the chairman.)
M. VINCENT wished to call the attention of the
Congress to the necessity of avoiding at present all dis-
cussion on matters of detail: such matters could be
better entered on in a smaller meeting. He de-
sired, however, to answer the doubt which had
been expressed of arbitration not being a practical
matter, He would ask if it was not arbitra-
tion which eventually decided all questions in dispute ?
Battles might be fought and enemies conquered, but in
the end the articles of peace were of necessity settled by
diplomatic means. What he desired to see was arbitra-
tion before hostilities, in place of after. The Hon.
Gentleman then went on to declare that there was no
question which was gaining ground so rapidly in the
public mind as that of the necessity and advantages of
peace. How could it be otherwise when such men as
Richard Cobden—(Cheers)—and so many eminent
members of the Legislative Assembly were engaged in
advocating such principles? He then spoke strongly
against the evils of war, and concluded by recommend-
ing the Congress to avoid all subjects of detail, and to
refuse to discuss any resolutions which could in any way
offend the public feeling of the people of Paris.
[Cries hero arose for Mr. Cobden, which being per-
sisted in]
The CHAIRMAN declared that after the next speaker
the meeting would come to a vote on the first resolu-
tion. The next day Mr. Cobden, M. Emile de Girardin,
M. Bastiat, and others, would speak.
M. GUYARD then read a speech in favour of the re-
solution.

The CHAIRMAN—Mr. Cobden wishes to make a simple
observation.—(Great marks of curiosity.)
Mr. COBDEN, M.l'., then came forward, and was re-
ceived with immense cheering. Ile said, in French,
that he wished to make a single remark on the objection
of Mr. Mahan, the American gentleman, who had ad-
dressed the assembly. Ho should, however, reply in
English, as he was most anxious thtaot
a. The Hon,
the Americans
3
present should hear what he had
Gentleman then went on to say, in s
English, that the
objection made by Mr. Mahan to arbitration was on ac-
count of the difficulty of the details, but that ho was of
opinion that a great arbitration society, as it were,
should be formed beforehand, to decide whatever ques-
tions of dispute might arise—the Hon. Gentleman did
not object to arbitration itself, he fully admitted that it
was preferable to war. No objection to arbitration in the
abstract was therefore made by the lion. Gentleman.
Now he (Mr. Cobden) was of opinion that it would be
better not to have an arbitration congress or society
formed beforehand. It would be better, he thought, that
the occasion should be waited for, so that if a dispute
arose on a point of military etiquette it might be a ge-
neral or admiral selected, and if a commercial matter a
merchant. For his part, he saw no difficulty whatever
in arbitration, and he was anxious to give this short re-
ply to his American friend, that when the report of the
proceedings were published it might not be thought that
any want of respect was offered to the objection which
had been brought forward.—(Hear, hear.)
Some disappointment seemed to prevail amongst the
French at the unimpassioned delivery of Mr. Cobden.
The first resolution was then voted unanimously, and
the meeting separated.

THE BANK FORGERIES AT MANCHESTER.—On
Tuesday last we stated that two men named Robinson
and Macaulay had been charged at the Manchester
Borough Court with a series of forgeries on the Man-
chester and Liverpool District Back. Yesterday the
prisoners were again examined; but the only additional
evidence adduced was that of a Mr. Hunt, cash_ieeirngto
the
bank, who spoke confidently to Macaulay
person who tendered, on the 27th of July,
Is b
cheque for
3751. 10s., purporting to be drawn by Messrs. Collinson
and Simpson, and which Mr.
Simpson,when the cheque
was shown to him, pronouncedt to be aforgery. Several
papers have also been dseovered in the houses of both
Robinson and Afa.caul y_ in Liverpool, which will after-
wardsvaidence against them. At present
be brought
has been ordered uAnt4.ilfniextThurs'day.
a further remand bit_,hual
PRIZE MUTER.— Middlesex
THEFT BY A
Sessions
yesterday David Hayes, a person of some cele-
brity as a pugilist, was indicted for stealing two pounds
of cigars, the property of Isaac Solomon. The prose•
cuter deposed that he kept a coffee and cigar shop in
Icing-street, Covent garden. About one o'clock on Mon-
day morning last the prisoner and another man entered
his shop, and whilst his back was turned they made off
with two bundles of cigars. Would swear to the pri-
soner. The prisoner said they had got the wrong man.
He was in bed at the time stated, and his mother could
prove it; but having been committed on the previous
evening,
,be had not had an opportunity to send for her.
The jury found the prisoner guilty, and Mr. Witham
sentenced him to three months hard labour.
CHESTER AND HOLYHEAD RAILWAY.--Traffic for
the week ending August 19, 1849:—Coaching traffic,
2,324/. 10s. 10d.; parcels, &c., 561. I Is. 4d.; goods,
cattle, &c., 240/. 7s. 3d.; steam-boAts, 2584 I Is. 6d.—.
Total, 2,8801. Os. lid.