Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1849-03-30
Address 20 the Public,


CAN Commits ron CoNoREss OF Ma
rIoSs," being joint Committee representing
three Associations for the cause OF Peace de
afro 10 present 10 the Public q view Of the value
and practicability Of the object for which they
are associated and its claims on the attention
and aid of their fellow citizens.
The Peace Societies in Great Britain and the
United States early perceived that most Of the
wars of modern civilized nations were occasion
cd BY disputes, for the settlement Of which there
was needed, either q COMMON AnBfTER or
PRINCIPLES OF LAW, not supplied by The un'
certain and unauthorized prccedents called "lhe
Law of Nations and in the belief that the es-
Enlistment of this Arbter or these principles,
on sufficient authority, would be the means of
preventing all wars, they proposed CoNonrss
10 be composed Of Delegates from all the Sow
eregn Powers acccdng to this arrangement,
whose duty il should be to form such a code OF
international law as would receive the assent Of
all and become basis on which an impartial
Court could determine future disputes.
We will not delsin you with relation Of
the successive discussions and measures through
which this proposal has passed TO its present ma
turity; we will only say in brief, that memorials
in its favor to the British Parliament and to the
Congress of the United States, at different times
have met with friendly reception; that the Leg
islaturc of Massachusetts has twice passed Reso-
buttons recommending IL and that large vol
ume Of Essays on the subject issued by the
American Peace Society, has been presented TO
many Of the leading Sovereigns and eminent
Statesmen Of Europe and America, by whom It
has been acknowledged with appreciation.
We ere now encouraged to renewed exertion
in this enterprise under the happiesi auspices
A Convention for this object was held at Brus-
sells, in Belgium, last September, composed Of
Delegates from Great Britain, France, Belgium,
Prussia, Holland, SPAIN Italy and the United
States of Americas persons generally eminent
in station and talent; aud some Of whom were
connected with the Governments of the nations
they represented. In this Convention there was
luminous discussion of the principles OF
Congress of Nations, and urgent recommends
tons Of its speedy establishment. We quote one
of the Resolutions passed there, with only one
dissenting voice;
THAT il is the settled conviction Of this body,
that the convocalion Of Congress of Nations,
composed Of duly appointed representatives, is
Of the highest Importance inasmuch il would
secure the establishment Of well dgesled code
of laws for the regulation of intern tional inter-
course and by constituting High Court of
Nations, woyid provide an cffcctual guaranty for
the preservation Of permanent and universal
Peace"
The Convention was followed by large meet
ings in England, at which several members OF
Parliament and other eminent men were pres
ent, and where the sentiments and proceedings
of that body were enthusiastically approved
A deputaiion from the Convention with an Ad.
dress 10 the British Government was iavoraby
received by the Premier, and an intination was
given that his Government would readily meet
advances from others en- the subject II is pro-
posed 10 hold another Convention at Paris in the
ensuing month of August, TO which delegations
are invited from all civilized nations.
We would now appeal to American citizens
of every class, party and Denomination, TO en-.
courage and aid us, zcaonsy and unitedlv in
this truly beneficial work We believe we offer
scheme by which the burdens, horrors aud
crimes Of war may be forever precluded, and a
state of universal friendship and prosperity be
introduced, correspondent to the advance Of the
age in science and civilization. We appeal to
the humanity of Philanthropists; for the prac-
tice Of war is more destructive of life, comfort,
liberty and virtue than all the other corrupt Gus
toms Of the world combined, We epD5eal N
of the love of God and man enjoined in the
Gospel, finds lis greatest obstruction in war and
martial preparations. We appeal to the patriot
ism OF Citizens for we would that our country
should have the glory, in an future ages, of lead
ing in this enterprise of universal pacifcalion,
to which it is pledged by its past agency in the
cause, its constant pacific professions, and the
freedom of its institutions. We also appeal to
the Interests Of commerce aud the policy Of
Political Economists; that the enormous sums Of
money hitherto wasted in war may be employed
IN iertilizing the earth and securing competence
10 its inhabitants.
1t Is asked, how can uuoonneoted individuals
give US the aid We solcity We reply by cir
culaing this and our other communications by
social conversation and persuasion; by partici
patton in public meetings for this purpose; by
petitions to Government and by acquainting US
with persons who are qualified and willing to
proceed as our Delegates to Europe. And we
would intimate to the friends of peace who may
be blessed with wealth, but not with the leisure
for personal service, that pecuniary contribu-
tons to detray expenses, are necessary in this,
as in other benevolent movements. Believing
that our labors are for the good Of the whole
community, We trust that the inagnanimity OF
the aflluent will not permit them to be given at
great sacrifices to ourselves; and that We shall
receive from them cheerful and sufficient volun-
tary contributions.
In any of the modes now pointed out, all who
aid or cooperate with us, will become truly and
efficiently "Peace makers" and as such, will
receive from the Prince of Peace the appellation
of "The Children of God"
Robert Waterson, Ezra S. Gannett,
Bradford Sumner, Amasa Walker,
Walter Charming Joshua p. Blanchard,
George &. Beckwith, Charles Sumner,
VIM. ii. Charming, Warren Burton,
Samuel G. Howe, +. w. Holland,
George Merrill, VIM. G. Brown,
Asa Fitz, James roiman
Charles B. Fairbanks, Albert Tolmnn,
Thomas Drew, DR.. l.. w. jackson,
Lewis L. Stoddard.
american Committee for a Congress Of Nations.
REVIEW OF THE MEXICAN Wharf.-The
American Peace Society, some months ago, of
fered prize of 5000 for the best essay on the
IA 1 ...s.. 4.