Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1845-10-23

render the restless spirit favorable 10 war, while 1t
receives additional impulse from the popular APP
meals incident 10 our system OF Tree suirage,-ap-
neaIs made often, by men who love distinction and
excitement more than their country, while their APP
pesls aci on minds in no condition. from the asso-
citation Of numbcss and other causes, to feel their
,rue individual responsibility for the crimes aud
consequences OF war.
The maxim-Tn peace prepare for war, is,
moreover standing excitement to war-perlorm-
inc the double Office Of provoking aggression, and
nromptinp inconsderaie and rash resistance TO II.
The state of society in the Southern and South
Western portions Of our Union is an illustration,
in priyate life Of the practical results ofh maxim
so apparently Just and yet so really questionable,
There is, however, preparation for war, which
does not invite it, Ii is the preparation OF SIMPLE,
open hearted uniform fairness and justice the ex-
hb,on Of stronger solicitnde to do right, than to
exact il from others; and sensibiliiy, which ha-
btualy feels that the stain of dishonor is inflicted,
not BY suffering wrong, but by doing it. The ma
ton who shall cultivate this spirit-who shall fairly
gain the reputation Of The Just, will possess de-
fence, in an age ruled this is beginning TO be,
BY enlightened public sentiment, more sure aud Ell
fectye than the power Of foriihcatons and armies,
and navcs combined can give.
But while the spirit Of peace and scrupulous re-
gard to Justice, will. by their silent influence,
check # they do not entirely subdue, the spirit OF
aggression they will not necessarily, prevent the
occurrence Of international differences, nor, in the
present if in any future state Of the world, super
sede the necessity Of formal provision for their
adjustment. This necessity suggests resort 10
the principle Of Arbitration, and the introduction
into treaties between nations, Of stpulalons TO that
effect
| 1t is to the furlherance of this object, by acting
on the public sentiment of our own country and
the world that the American Peace Society solicits
the action Of the General Assembly Of this State
and | could hardly be invited to the performance
OF more grateful duty than to become the medium
Of asking your attention to it, aud recommending,
as do such action as may, in your wisdom. most
elfectuay lend the influence Of this State in fur
tberance Of this great movement Of peace on earth
and good will towards men. The government Of
the United States has already in three memorable
instances submitted matters of difference with 9th
er nations to the arbitrament Of friendly powers
in two Of them, with results which have been effect
ual to the settlement OF the differences submitted.
! must be permitted to add expression of the
sense entertain Of the great value of the efforts Of
the friends Of peace. through the organization OF
peace societies, in dispelling the deusion so long
prevalent in regard to war,-exposing the anti
Christian principles on which il has long rested,
aud showing the extent TO which II has paTal yzed
the industry, wasted the wealth. corrupted the NOR
ais. bruialzed the passions, blasted the hopes, and
vitality injured the highest interests Of men. The
results thus far of the quiet and perseyering efforts
Of these associations. has furnished most crafty.
ing illustration OF the silent power Of truth, in the
hands Of Christian benevoence, TO reform and save
the world.
1t only remains for me to tender to the Gener al
Assembly my hearty cooperation in every wise and
well directed effort to promote the public good
trusting that we shall all feel how much we need
that wisdom that comes from above. 10 enable US 10
comprehend the true character Of that good, and d.
rect us to the adoption of measures best adapted To
ensure its successful accomplishment.
WILLIAM SLADE
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, October II ls45.