The Middlebury galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1848-1850, 1850-01-08
PEACE PETITIONS TO CONGRESS.
Revival of the Vermont Peace Society.
To Tie Editor Of the 5h4dleSury Gularv.

~ "te ]@""" q He OIlsuteouTy GWdTy.
Through the kindness of the Secretary of
the American Peace Society, &C. c. Beckwith
of Busten,) and the resuli of an application 10
him, have lately received tract on the sub.
ject of Peace Petitions TO Congress. | had
thought of making some extracts from il.
thinking they would be acceptable TO tie read.
ers of thy paper,but on endeavcring to make
the selection, | could not see what part could
properly be spared, the whole tract being so
well adapted the cause it advocate. have ac-
cordlngly enclosed it with n roques; that it
may be published in an early paper, lift meets
with the appreciation the Editor The Petition.
so far as it has been shown in this neightor
hood, has met with almost unqualified appro-
baton, and is obtaining a respectable lisf Of
signatures. But should it obtain the signature
OF very inhabitant in one or two towns il must
be bvlous 10 every one, flat no great tffor
could be expected therefrom, unaccompanied
by many others of similar kind. A difiereut
result may be looked for in case the pctltieas
are numerous
1t is understood, that petitions of similar i'm
port have been circulated and signed in other
States, and probably many are waiting for pre-
senialon 10 Congress on the first opportunity
that Cffers. And why should Vermont be be-
hind her sister States in this work of benevo-
lence
A close scrutiny of the petition can hardly
lead any one, who has the slightest claim to the
character of Friend Of Peace, to refuse his
signature on the ground of lis HltTGiSm; neither
i, it expected that the most ultra can consis.
icntly withhold has on the ground Cf its tame
ncs or short-comirg 1t is understood 10 lie,
simply, request that Congress will use its in
flucnce, in that way that it may deem best, to-
wards establishing some other mode of settling
differences between nations than IN appeal to
rhccruel, uncertain. and toe often unjust decis-
ion of the sword; to respond to the senimt mt
which has met with so much acceptance in Eu-
rope, the sentiment which favors the abolition
Of War. and the promotion Of universal and
permanent peace.
But why should any one erdeavor to smooth
the way for the discharge of an obvious duty {?
Is there not something really ennobling in our
endeavors TO regard principle above erredfency,
when they dppea. TO conflict? How much less
excuse can he have for Withholding his influ
cncc WHO claims TO be regarded as Christian
rs well as an economist when both moral prim-
ciple and poll icai economy point in the same
direction-saying TO Nations, as well as to in
diyiduals, 20, love one anoiher,be a: peace with
one another, and reap the reward secured to
the faithful and obcdcmtl
Ii is believed that there are very many in
Vermont who can chcerfully subscribe 10 the
sentiment advanced by the American Peace
Society, and when opportunity offers, cooper
ate with that Society in its efforts. It's princi-
pal article says, " Regarding War as inconsis-
tent with Christianity. and the true interests Of
mankind, the soeohject of the Society shall be
to seek its abolition and promote universal anu
permanent peace"
II that belief is we'll founded, allow me TO en-
quire where are the old. tried friends of the
cause what stands in the way of their re-or-
ganizaIion, and Of giving an invitation TO their
new friends TO luin them Would not rigor-
Gus Peace Society for this State help the cause;
would it not tend to concentrate and confirm.
as well as disseminate the principles of Peace
And would it not afford the most fca.ihle way
# providing for the representation Of Vermont
at the next Peace Congress in Europe, ito he
holden at Frankfort, in Germany 1t seems
to me, that, if the above queries are worthy OF
an answer, the approaching Temperance Con
vention, at Windsor, and preliminary meetings
in Towns, will afford favorable opportunities
for many peace men TO exchange sentiments up
on the subject: for believe that il will hold
true all the world over, that the majority If
'cold-wnter men are also 'anti-war men,
Trusting the Suggestions will meet with IA
vorabc reception from the readers of the Gal
axy, and Of aid from us and other Editors, /
leave il for the present in their hands, and TO
make room for the Circular alluded to-
HENRY MILES.
Monkton. y Mo. 81, ls49,