Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1849-02-01

Congress, require no arguments to enforce them
for it is evident that if they be adopted aud ap-
piled, that terrible scourge of humanity will
cease to atfllct and degrade the nations.
Few. if any. of the wars which lor centuries
past have desola,ed the earth can we jlsuly on
the ground of equity, utility or neceSiy nor
can any one of them be cited whose fearfu re-
suits are not loudly condemned by the voice of
Humanity and religion. The war-:piri,s OF
past generations has loaded most, if NOT all
civilized Ra.iars, with enormous debts, para-
lyzed their industry, interrupted their com
merce, retarded The progress of science, iera-
ture, and art, and created spirit of Jealousy
and animosly among the nations which long
years Of peace have not been able completely
10 subdue. .,
Europe al this moment, presents the melan-
choly spectacle of an "armed peace" lier
mighty legions are ready TO take, The field and
it is feared, tha, under these melancholy cur
cumsances, world in flames: may God avert
SO terrible catastrophe
The great questions of Peace and War are
confded 10 The hands of those 10 whom the gov
ernment of the nations has been entrusted
Their responsibility is as great as their pow
er; and while the Congress would earnestly
pray that "The God of Peace may deign 20
preside over their councils, it would improve
them, in The name of the dearest interests of
humanity, civilization, and religion, promptly to
adopt the most effective measures for presen-
ting a return of the horrors of war, and Tor Sc
curing to all nations the blessings Of solid
and lasting peace.
The substitution OF arbitration for war would
be an immense step towards this object the
principle and the means for giving II effect
nigh, be embodied in special treaties bot The
progress of sound political opinions leads siil
father The convenng of Congress COM
posed of the most enhg htened and eminen,
men of all countries, for the purpose of framing
an International code which shall place The re-
Iations between The different nations on a solid
and intelligent basis; and The institution of a
! High Court of Nations, for the final adjudica.
ton Of questions in accordance with The great
and comprehensive principles of such a code,
would not only remove the causes of war, bu,
cement noble and holy alliance between both
government and people.
In anticipation of so great a,result. ii is de-
sirabe ,ha, The necessity of a general aud sim
ulaneous disarmament should take place as
such an act would compromise the dignity OF
impairing the strength of governments, would
be the surest guarantee for the preservation ot
general peace; and advancement of public pros.
perity.
The Congress is fully aware that the force
Of circumstances, the progress Of modern in-
dustry and commerce, the greater facility and
frequency of communication between the ma
lions, the diffusion Of knowledge, and he more
elevated sentiments of humanity and religion
all tend TO prevent the recurrence of war ; bu
il is not less assured that it remains with the
governments of the civilized world to put al
end TO that fatal aud sanguinary custom by
adopting those wise and necessary measures
which shall lead 10 so happy result.
! In submitting 10 statesmen The recommends
lions embodied in he resolutions, the Congress
eneriains just, legitimate confidence that
they will not be disregarded and that the gov
ernmenis of Europe and America animated by
an ardent and sincere desire TO promote the
welfare of the great commonwealth of nations
will determine, as in the performance of a
sacred duty TO give them practical appca-
ZION, and thus aid in securing the peace OF The
world.
AUGUSTUS VIsscHERs, BELGIUM, President.
| WILLIAM EwART, England,
ELIHU BURRITT, u. States,
FRANcIsoUE BouNER, France,
M. SURINGER, Holland.
| Vice Presidents