The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-06-13
THE BRUSSELS CONGRESS.

THE HRUSSELS CUNGHESS.
What the International Congress Aims
at-Treatmont Of PrisOners-ExplOsive
Bulets-The Geneva Cross.
Ever since the conclusion of the American con-
nict the attention OF humane persons IN every part
Of the civilized world has been directed towards
the adoption Of measures for the mitigation OF the
horrors OF war. The Convention or Congress held
in Geneva in the fall OF 1864 was the first step in
the direction Of extending assistance to the
wounded and dying on the battle field by persons
who, by an international arrangement would be
recognized as neutrals by cOntending armies.
However, during the civil war In this country the
Sanitary Commission accomplished the greatest
amount of good by its exertions and was instru-
mental in aleviating the suferings and saving the
lives Of tens OF thousands OF men, who would
otherwise have suffered fortunes before re-
lievng hand could come. 1t may be said
that the idea OF non-cOm batants appearing on
scenes OF slaughter to perform works OF charity
and mercy Is q new thing in our day, but it has
now gained such strong grasp on the minds of
philanthroplsts that an international convention,
consisting Of authorized agents Is to assemble In
Brussels next month, to consider the draft OF q
treaty to be recognized by the whole world, in
which the rghts and Obligations OF belligerents,
the classes Of arms to be used in case OF hOstlltes
and the manner of treatment OF prisoners are to
be defined The members OF this body. no doubt,
derive encouragement from the benefcent results
of the Geneva Convention which were manifested
In on every occasion during the war between
Prussia and Austria, In 1850, and the Franco
German war; in 1870. II secured from France,
Prussia, Switzerland and Italy a pledge that the
badge and nag,
A RED CROSS ON 4 WHITE GROUND,
ShOuld be DrOtectiOn Mt all times the field. The
United States, though represented at the Conven-
ton in 1864 did not give In It's formal adhesion to
the principles agreed upon; but Americans were
conspicuous In works OF charity towards the
wounded In France tduring the late campaign in
that country, and Contributed most literally and
substantially towards their relief The Brussels
Convention, stated is to consider the classes OF
arms 60 be used by hostile forces 1t Is, perhaps,
not widely known that it was proposed few
years since to introduce explosive bullets missiles
that when discharged and entering the body burst
and tear the unfortunate victim to pieces. A
wound from one OF these balls not only dlsables
fighting but skaters hts frame to the extent of
defylng all the skill Of the surgeon The object or
en- be ony to re no b 70
XIII him with certainty, and that in the
most cruel manner: Efforts were made
explosive bullet, and it is understood tue Emperor
OF Russia was the first 70 declare against It, II the
consent OF civilized governments to soemnly
agree that the explosive ball shall not be en-
the interests OF humanity. The question OF
THE TREATMENT OF PRISONERS OF WAR
is another important subject, According to the
recognized principles OF war the entire people OF
vanauished town, state or nation become the
absolute property of the victors; but civilization
has greatly modified the stern rule, and except
where country is devastated for military pur-
poses it rarely Is made TO suffer beyond levying
and liberties Of contestants who lay doWn tn vfr
arms are at the disposition Of the conquerors, and
even in modern times their lives nave been some.
Pvt a Turkish prisoners to death s
the war OF the Revolution are not forgotten. The
treatment OF Americans held captive III the prison
ships Of New York was SO intoerable in 1882 as TO
were killed and wounded. They were led on
putrid beef and pork, were deprived Of proper
clothing and Of rs for days togstneI ana were 50
ing on each other. The nights we're made terrible
by the groans OF the sick and dying and BY the
wild rawlings Of the dehrious, driven to madness
by their cruel treatment. But times have
changed SINCE Rules have been established for
the treatment OF prisoners OF war founded upon
principles OF humanity, due to the advance OF
civilization, the violation Of which cannot fail to
stigmatize the captor as barbarian or criminal
power Of his antagonist may be able to intict,
while it also renders him amenable TO the censure
sells Congress can hardly claim that the conqueror
has NO right
after capture If the safety of his own forces shall
necessarily demand it. In other words, quarter
can only De refused the enemy when 1t Is necessary
to the protection OF the victor. While we may
lawfully kill those who are actually IN arms and
continue to resist, the victor cannot take the lives
or those who are not In arms, or who. being In
arms, cease their resistance and surrender them
selves into his power. No harshness or severity
the safety and security OF the captor. With an
honorable foe the rules Of civilized warfare OBTAIN,
ana when an enemy falls into his power by cap.
ture or surrender he seeks 20 alleviate his suffer
the time MS friend and protector as wen as captor
The treatment OF prisoners OF war is significant
test OF civilization in any people nation. IL is
the one amentty That redresseS q thousand vio-
lences engendered by belligerent relations, 1t Is
the one cruelty that casts Gil others In the back
ground.
CHARACTER OF THE CONGRESS-.
1t must be understood that the Congress to
sembe in Brussels has no connection whatever
with that class OF agitators who have from time TO
time during the past ten years met for the purpose
Of denouncing established governments and the
main tenance OF armies. The former act under
authorization OF several European Powers who
seem TO be actuated by sincere desire to lessen
the horrors OF war. Something has already been
accomplished for the wounded. The hideous pic.
ture Of battle field loses some OF its most repul
sive features. The tens OF thousands Of brave men
VINO but yesterday were full OF life and strength,
and who with crushed limbs, thirsty and restless,
are 5trewn on the ground, are now made hopeful
by the appearance In their midst OF the Geneva
Cross, which ensures 10 It's wearer immunity from
danger and anords him an opportunity OF succof-
ing the suffering. TIE shock that war gives to civil
cation Is somewhat relieved by the merciful care
OF the wounded. and 1t Is TO be hoped that an inter-
national agreement will be reached next month
By which the use Of explosive bullets Will be do
nounced, ana that the treatment OF prisone RS OF
war will be placed on footing in keeping with the
present enlightened age.