The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1845-10-21
crimes and consequences of war.

crimes and consequences OF war.
The maxlm-'.ln peace prepare for
war;" is, moreover standing excitement
to war,-performing the double office of
provoking aggression, and prompting in
eousiderate and rash resistance to it. The
State of society in the Southern and South
Western portions Of our Union is an Illus
tration, in private life, OF the practical re-
suits of this maxim--so apparently Just,
and yet so really questionable.
There is, however, aprep aration, Tor war
which does not invite it. tits the prepar-
alton of simple, open hearted, uniform fair
ness and justice,-,he exhibition of stron-
ger solicitude to do right, than to exact it
from others; and sensibility, which hab-
itualy feels that the stain of dishsnor is
inflicted, not by suffering wrong, but by
doing it. The nation who shall cultivate
this spirit-who shall fairly gain the repu-
tation Of The Just, will possess defence,
in an age ruled, as this is beginning to be,
by enlightened public sentiment, more
sure and effective than the power of forti-
fcations, and armies and navies, combined,
can give.
But while the spirit ofpeace and scru-
puloul regard to Justice, will, by their ST.
lent influence, check, if they do not ell
tirely subdue, the spirit Of aggression,
they will not, necessarily, prevent the oc-
currence of international differences, nor
in the present, if any future state of the
world, supersede the necessity of some
formal provision for their Adjustment
This necessity suggests resort to the
principle of Arbitration, and the in troduc-
ton into treaties between nations. of stip-
ulations to that effect.
1t is to the furtherance of this object,
by acting on the public sentiment of our
own country and the world, that the A
merican Peace Society, solicits the action
Of the General Assembly of this State :;
and | could hardly be invited to the per-
formance ola more grateful duty than to
become the medium of asking your atten-
ton to 1t, and recommending, as do, such
action as may in your wisdom, most effec-
tually lend the influence of this State in
furtherance of this great movement of
peace on earth and good will towards men.
The government of the United States has
already, III three memorable instances,
submitted matters of difference with other
nations to the arbitrament of friendly pow
ers-in two Of them, with results which
have been effectual to the settlement of
the differences submitted.
L must be permitted to add an express
sion of the sense | entertain of the great
value of the efforts ofthe friends OF peace,
through the organization of peace socie-
ties, IN dispelling the delusion so long
prevalent in regard to war,-exposing the
anti-christian principles on which if has
so long rested. and showing the extent to
which 1t has paralyzed the industry, vast
ed the wealth, corrupted the morals, bru-
talized the passions, blasted the hopes,
and vitality injured the highest interests of
men. The results, thus far, of the quiet
and persevering efforts of these associa-
tons, has furnished a most gratifying il
lustration of the silent power of truth. in
the hands of Christian benevolence, to re-
form and save the world.
1t only remains for me to tender to the
General 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 the
wisdom that comes from above, to enable
us to comprehend the true character of
that good, and direct us to the adoption of
measures best. adapted to ensure its sue
cessful Accomplishment.
WILLIAM SLADE.
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,
Oct. III 1915.