The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1871-04-27
A HIGH COURT OF NATIONS.

A HIGH COURT OF NATIONS
Philantropists, and in fact mankind in
general, are pretty well agreed that wars
| md bloodshed are great evils, and should
be done away with If possible. But how
to get rid Of them is a very puzzling
question. Very many attempts have been
made, but no practical solution of the
difficulty has thus far been discovered. A
lew years, ago q peace society met at
Washington and unanimously decided
chat giving woman the ballot would 90
away with war, but as the female masses
are still without the ballot, the correct
nes of this assertion is yet to be tested
Mrs, Julia Ward Howe recently summon
ed her sisters to a grand and united eff
tort on behalf Of peace. Yet it was not
the victory Of the Germans and not the
appeals of women which closed the war
between France and Prussia Mr.. Sum
ner the other day presented memorial
TO the Senate, asking the adoption of such
means as will secure the establishment OF
IN international court of nations. The
Pennsylvania Peace Society, also, not de-
string to be behindhand in good work,
and entertaining a somewhat remarkable
idea of the functions of the Joint High
Commission, has invoked its sid in the
interest Of universal peace. At a meeting
Of this peace society, held on the second
day of March, resolution was passed
respectfully recommending the stimuli
taneous disarmament OF England and the
United States" with suggestion that the
High Joint Commission take the matter
in hand. 1t is the opinion of the society
hat sholld the English speaking nations
resolve upon such peaceful measure,
France would also adopt it, and Prussia.
Russia, and other Powers would be leo
to the same reform" AS TIE meeting of
the Pennsylvania society took place pre-
vi9us to Mr. Summers memorial, it may
have some influence in producing its in
production; but highly desirable as is the
result aimed at, both by the society and
he statesman, the prospects Of affecting
such a reform as is proposed does not just
developed by Prussia while speedily
crushing her formidable antagonist, the
European stateman seems to see great
cause for alarm. They find the pains tax
ing Teutons have developed most COM
prehensive military system by which a
peaceful people can in a few weeks be
transformed into nation of soldiers.
England is alarmed, and considerable
dissatisfaction is expressed in Parliament,
and elsewhere, because the army reforms
proposed by the Government are not
likely TO increase the number of soldiers
who can be called into active service at
short notice Our own military and naval
establishment has been considerably re-
duced, but troubles on the Indian frontier,
disputes about fishing rights, and internal
disorders seem to forbid any further
diminutioE Of the army and navy.
A good time is doubtless coming, when
the lamb shall lie down with the lion,
without lying inside of him. and when
| the sword is to be beaten into d plow-
| share but that time seems now scarcely
less distant than it wasG Thousand years
ago; and when it does come, courts of
nations will be as unnecessary as they
now are unsatisfactory. Conferences ne
tween great nations often determine up.
on wise and benefcent measures but as at
present organized, they can no more dc
away with the wars and standing armies
than courts ofjustice can put an end to all
fusGre quarrels, or dispense with the need
for an efficient police system A tribunal
before which disputants can refuse to ap
pear, and which has no power either tc
compel their attendance or TO enforce It's
| judgments, can WELD but little power as
society is constituted; yet this is just the
condition in which court OF nations
would, if unarmed and regulated strictly
according to the principles of the peace
societies. The old idea that might makes
right is not as publicly advocated as il
was in the feudal times, but it is scarcely
less potent with individuals, and has Ger.
tainly not disappeared in the management
Of nations.
Far be it from us ever to decry any
measures which tend to promote har-
mony and justice among men; but it is
useless to attempt to cleanse the stream SO
long as the fountain head is polluted.
When individuals, families, and societies
are governed by the royal law of land
when Justice and fair dealing have sway
| in most communities, we may look for
| the decadence of war, and the establish
ment of peaceful tribunals for the ad
liudication of differences between nations
There can be no question as to the wis
dom Of settling disputes by conference,
instead of by an appeal to arms; but the
world must make considerable progress
before the powerful usurper will consent
without struggle to cease to Cypress his
weaker neighbor, or will be willing to
rclinquish any thing simply because his
fellow potentatcs may decide that he hai
unlawfully acquired it.
There is beautiful legend illustrating
the blessedness of performing our duty
at whatever cost to our own inclinations.