New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1846-05-08
.The hing. that make for Peace.

We take great pleasure II !sy!ES us4oie V1- lesti
ers The following address from the Mayo AID other
Inhabitants OF Leeds Eng. TO the Citizens Of New
York less on account of oar earnes; approval OF
the sentiments j. contains than Of admiration of
the spiri, which led our transatlantic brethren to lift
their voice in favor Of Peace at this important cr
sis. l, is no t-iaing matter for Governments 10
plunge their respective Countries into War. when
Christianity and Patriotism thus plead for forbear
ance:
From tie undsrsigned Iaha5itants Of Lss9s 10 tie
Cni=ens Of Nsc- York
BRETHRES ASD FR1EyDs: I; Is With unfeigned
sataction that we have observed The iTely interest
excited or both sides OF the Atlantic by the inter
change Of friendly addresses deprecatinc war be-
tween two countries, bound TO each Other By the
strongest ties OF consequently and mutual interest
Although the present address may appea. unsea-
sonably late yet would assure you that the IN
habtsn:s Of Leeds have not been regardless specta
tore Of the varying aspects OF the present difference
btween Grea, Britain and the tnl;ed states On
the cd of February last the following Resolution
was unanimously adopted az towns meeting con.
vened and presided over by the Cnei Magistrate OF
the Borough and by direction OF the same meeting,
was embodied in petition 10 both Houses o; Par
lament and in a memorial TO Sir Robert Peel as
head Of tie Executive Government;
That while regarding with deep regre. the present
dispute between this country and the Unitet States IN
reference to Oregon territory we are fully persuaded
thai the Inference that be ana ougnt 10 be,
settled BIZ negotiation or arbitration; aud that var
between the tro countries on this account would
be as criminal X would be ca!anitous and ttss 10
either country Oregon territory would be an acquis
toa utterly worthless IN comparison with the evils and
TIE costa u Wal.
Il affords erea: pleasure to transmit; you this
exDrcssjOD al once deliberate and spontaneous, OF
md
in favor Of peace w would, if possible. reiterae
Them With greater emphasis. and would seek TO In
h1erce public opinion on your side OF the Atlantic
Is well as on own in favor oil line OF conGuct
demanded BY Christian rectltude, and also. As We
firmly believe. by sta,esmanlike policy. In the
spiri; OF kindness and bro;hcrly goodwill, We ask
Won 10 unite YOUR efforts with ours in order 10
sure not only the present continuance. but the per
manence OF peace between TWO nations which are
one people in race and language, though living
under separate governments.
Should the dreadful alternative OF war be resor;ed
to- besides its immediate and obvious results, the
waste of treasurer and the pressure OF taxation the
ruin and the suffering caused By interrupted COM
merce, the destruction OF property the fearful loss
of life and the aronizng severance or domestic ties
there would ensue in the social and political demon
alzation and the corruption OF public opinion,
CONSEQUENT on n state of war, evils OF permanent
and in sid ious nature, that would shed their malig-
nant influence succeeding generations. and would
tend 10 undermine all that most valuable IN the ma
tiona and social character and The cherished institu-
tons of beth nations.
Brethren, we live in an enlightened age, and in
two countries whose boast it is that they lead the
march of advancing civilization. In both lands the
revelation of the Divine will in the holy Scriptures
is more universally diiiused, more diligently stud
led and better understood. than among other ma
tons of Christendom How scandalous in the view
oil the whole world were the spectacle Of Great
Britain and the United States launched into fierce
and hateful conflict by unhallowed passions! Shall
we place ourselves on q level with the most bnrbar
Gus nations, by adopting their MAXIM that Might
is right e. Shall rcqudiate our bu2stcd clvllZa'
lion and renounce glorious mission OF teaching
the nations how 10 live, by sowing broadcast over
ali the lands the seeds OF happiness and knowledge
through the diffusion OF q pure religion and divine
morality We would respectfully remind you 'hat
n distinguished Philanthropist, te!iow-citZen oil
yoVr own. published some years ago an essay on
the best means Of ensurng the pcrmanence Of inter
national peace. in which he proposed that treaties
should be entered into between friendly nations,
mutually binding them 10 refer any dispute that
might arise 10 impartial arbcra, in the event OF the
failure of negotiation. We believe 1t needs only that
nations and governments should be animated by
lust sense of the blessings OF peace and OF the duty
of regulating public as well as private affairs by
Christian principle, TO induce them 10 adopt means
of such obvious efficiency. Ii appears to US also
manifest that negotiation is embarrassed by the al
tentative of war, much ms il wodld be facilitated
If arbitration were the acknowledged last resort for
the settlement of international differences.
Brethren and Friends. permit US. IN conclusion,
10 express our fervent hope that the present cloud
tina, obscures the friendly relations OF our several
Governments will pass away and that the result OF
the discussion tha, has been raised may be TO bind
us together in closer and more enduring bonds OF
amiy and mutual dependence.
Signed LECOCK. Mayor OF Leeds
Yorkshire England and number OF other gentlemen