The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-09-18
From the Herald of Peace, UOndon)
THE PEACE CONGRESS.

The fourth Tor, reckoning that in 1913 as
one of the series, we might say the fifth Peace
Congress has come and gone; months of ankle
tv and toll on the part of the few engaged in
lis preparation, have been rewarded by degree
of success which must have satisfied the expect
atoms of the most sanguine. We must restrain
for the present the full utterance Of many
thoughts and feelings which crowd upon us in
the retrospect of these memorable meetings
Ofno public movement ever originated in this
country could it be said with more emphatic
truth Tires dcQuiret euad0. Greeted at its out
set by many an explosion of scorn, and many
dismal prophecy of speedy and ignominious
failure it has nevertheless gained every success
sive year, not only accessions of number, but
great increase Of influence, earnestness, and
power. So far as the British part of the delega-
ton was concerned, it may be safely said that
there was never gathered in this metropolis an
assembly which embodied 50 large an amount
of the highest elements of English society, its
Intelligence its moral and religious worth, and
that resOlute fxedness Of purpose, which has
enabled the same classes as were represented
GA this occasion to achieve 50 many triumphs
before in the cause of liberty, philanthropy,
and religion More than q thousand men,
from every district of the United Kingdom, rep
resenting all the large towns and cities of the
Empire, and selected for the most part on ac-
count of the honorable distinction they had
locally acquired among their fellow citizens
including official delegates from important
municipal and religious bodies, the chief magis-
trates of many towns the Parliamentary repre-
sentatives of not few influential constituencies
more than 200 ministers of the gospel of various
denominations appointed by their respective
congregations; eminent professors in our col
leglate establishments, and considerable body
of men inferior to none in this country for their
scientific, literary, and theological attainments
1t was noble array, not unworthy of the great
cause which they came forward to espouse.
The very circumstance which caused the only
serious perplexity to those who had to conduct
the proceedings-the extraordinary affiuence of
persons willing and competent to address so
vast and imposing an audience-was of itself
the most gratifying proof that could be adduced
OF the large amount of moral and intellectual
power which the assembly comprised. 1t is
impossible not TO feel somepain and regret, that
80 many distinguished and eloquent men, so
well qualified to shed the light Of superior in
teilect on the great questions which the Con-
gress discussed, had no opportunity OF express
ing their thoughts But B confess, that even
now, we do not see how me selection Of speak
ers that was actually made could be much
amended, however strongly we might desire
that the time could have admitted of its being
enlarged
We cannot disguise cur exultation at having
secured such President We verify believe
that the three kingdoms could have hardly
supplied another 80 eminently qualified for the
position. His high moral and religious charac-
Ter, ms worldwide and brilliant scientific repu-
tahon, his eloquence and power as writer,
and the lofty moral courage which he has so
often displayed, all combine to render Sir David
Brewster one Of the most illustrious and veneer
able names which our country can produce.
The following resolutions were adopted
l. RESOLVED, That it is the special and solemn
duty of all ministers of religion, instructors Of
youth, and conductors of the public press. 10
employ their great influence in the diffusion Of
pacific principles and sentiments and in eradi-
eating from the minds OF men those hereditary
enimosltles and political and commercial
Jeaiousles which have been 80 often the cause
Of disastrous wars
. heSo''ed' That as an appeal to the sword
o"n seVtie no question, ON any principle of equity
ana rlgh5 IT is the duty of Governments to refer
|" u'e decision of competent and impartial
~, alp'era'ors snch differences arising between
'"eil Us cannot be otherwise amicably diusted
D. resolved, That the standing armaments
"lh winch the Governments of Europe menace
90. o'ler, amid professions Of mutual friend
ana confidence, being a prolific source of
," immortality, financial embarrassment, and
ha'ionM suffering while they excite constant
u1sqlletnde and irritation among the nations,
,iiS congress would earnestly urge upon the
Governments the imperative necessity Of enter
"s upon system OF International disarmament
=, y RESOLVED, That this Congress, believing
H's 'ne Intervention, by threatened or actual
,S OF one country in the internal politics
another, is frequent cause of bitter and
s,ung wars, maintains that the right of
\, state TO regulate it's own affairs should
"el absolute and inyiolate
q, .. hesolred, That this Congress expresses It's
lug adherence Of the system of aggression
r1 Violence practiced by civilized nations upon
;olg'nal and uncvilzed tribes. as leading 10
""f eSsant and discriminating wars eminently
o favorable To the true progress of religion.
N''nlatlon. and commerce
a o. hssOtued, That tins Congress- regardins
49,. Ss.en OF negotiating loans for the prosecu.
on OF war, or the maintenance of warlike
,. ,ina'nents a. immoral in principle and dis,s-
d N IN operation, renews It's amnbalic con.
ha,lon OF all such loans
,bs :. heso'vsd That the Congress recommends
,;a members OF Peace Societies In ali eonsk.,.
,s,,' countries to use their infiueneel In
resa-.s 70 their respective Parl;amenss rs,-
h ~ who are friends Of peace VINO N,
prepared to support by their votes rness,,rss
I