Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-11-05
BELGIUM.
THE PEACE CONGRESS

THE PEACE CONGRESS IN SESSION AT BRUSSELS.
LONDON, November 4-The first sitting of
the Peace and Arbitration Conference was
held in Brussels, with perfect order and
decorum. A great majority of the men of
high Distinction "shone by their absence"
says the London Times, but the hall in the
palace OF the Bourse was we'll attened, and
constituted a well behaved, respectable and
intelligent assemblage. Most of the orators
spoke sensiOly and to the purpose. some elo-
.quen1y. All proceedings were held in the
French language.
The burgom aster of Brussels and Count
Goblet d'Alviella, both Bslgians, reminded
the audience that arbitration had already
been found both practicable and beneficial
by their King, Leopold II, who in four dis
tine. recent instances had been referred TO
by some of the American republics, and had
solved their difficulties" by his award.
These orators forgot how unfortunate it was
that his Belgian majesty had failed to patch
up the guano and saltpetre quarrel between
Peru and Chill and to prevent war, at the
end of which the vapquished republic lies
utterly destroyed and its conquerers hardly
less ruined and exhausted.
Mr.. Hodgson Pratt, NJ. de Laveleye, M.
Prrriolat and others then proceeded to the
development of the resolutions of the day,
the gist Of which, in one word, was that
peace should be promoted by pesceful agita-
tiou. Tney all agreed that the object OF The
association could not be thoroughly at
tanned; that universal and permanent peace
could not be expected 10 be established for
many years to come; but much could be
done toward making war less frequeut-an
object which in good sooth had already been
reached to a great extent, with or without
the Intervention of peace societies, for wars
in our days have occurred at rare intervals,
and have, in Europe at least, only lasted a
few months or weeks, thanks probably to
the improvement Of our method of warfare.
The n1odlls operandi of the Peace Associa-
ton is 10 consist in enlightening public
opinion by a propagandism through the
press and education, and by strong appeals
to the working classes, on whom fall the
most grievous burdens of the wars, and
whose influence is SO 10 be exercised in Par
li2mentary elections to sway through
large peace majorities the policy of the gov
erpment. NJ. de Laveleye urged with great
force and equal truth that PArlisments, and
even ths most popular assemblies, have
hitherto shown themselves more warlike than
zven the most despotic governments, but at
tributed this phenomenon to want of educa-
lion and of moderating influences among the
lower orders. There is in this matter a con-
iict between reason and passion, and the
great point is to insure to the former a wide |
'pFedu ascenoeucy over tne lAtlef. IN coiu
blood aud in ordinary times sll nations are |
paci6cally inclined; but they are all easily |
.oaded into madness upon the slightest |
Wars in ouH day, NJ. de |
Laveleye urged, do not arise from |
hirst for dominion or lust of GEN.
quest. Germany, for instance, holds part of
Lorr 4ine { a bone of contention) necessary
or her safety. England has invaded Egypt |
o recover her prestige, which she fancied
he Was grsdually losing by abstaiuing from
Interference in other peoples qusrrels. This
prestige, this desire TO maintain legitimate
influence, propsr position amopg the great
,owers, is more apt to lead to collision than
my wirh to uphold sacred rights or promote !