The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-12-12
Christianity and War.
BY THOMAS c. BATTEY.
In the american advocate OF Peace and Arbi-
trdti0n.
A BETTER WAY PRACTICABLE.

n w
Instead of enforcing such immense
armaments at such an enormous out
Law of treasure, were the rulers and
statesmen of the civilized world to lay
aside their national prejudices and
their national pride, and cast about
fora less expensive as we'll as more
rational, humane, aye, a more Chris
tian method of settling international
differences, with determination that
30, anti-christian a system as war
should be superseded by one more in
accordance with the feelings of all
good men, and with the profession OF
our holy religion, making Christian
principles the basis of the system, 1t
might he easily affected. 1t would be
found that arbitration even would be
preferable, far more honorable than
war, and that the name of an arbitra-
tor will shine upon the page of history
with purer lustre than that of con-
auerer. Yet it may be seen that arbi-
tration, from the very nature Of the
case, being but a temporary adjust
ment of difficulties, and new arbitra-
tors to be chosen in every emergency
that may arise, cannot fill all the con-
ditioHs of an international Arbiter.
Something more permanent, more
universal in its application is needed.
An International Congress" in which
all civilized nations are represented,
whe rules should be based upon an
'tInterrational Constitution" recog-
nizing the supreme Rulership of the
Son Of God and the Brotherhood OF
Nations" and enforced by High
Court Of Nations" would be more in
conformity with the spirit of the age,
more dignified and in accordance with
the principles of Christianity.
The adoption of such Constitution
and the election of members to such
q Congress would be of itself suffi-
eiens pledge or guarantee, on the part
of the nations so doing for the author
fly and power of such Constitution,
the Congress and High Court it might
provide, and thus render the settle
naeRt of international differences,
binding and perpetual, without the
effusion of blood and the horror OF
war.
RETALIATION INHUMANE.
How much more honorable and hu-
name. would such a course between
nations be than the present system OF
jealousy, injury, retaliation and re-
venge. How much more dignifed
for nationssoccupying the highest po-
sittons in power, wisdom and learning
to make arrangements, compatible
with their positions, for the ending OF
all international differences by refer
ringlthem to a "Higher Tribunal"
composed of the most eminent jurists,
not only of their own but Of all
nations, than the vast destructive mil
itary preparations now being made by
them.
TO further this end an International
Convention should be called, to which
all civilized nations and people, what
ever the form of government they
may have adopted, and by whatever
internal laws they may be governed,
should be invited to send delegates
and have q voice in resolutions and
decisions to which it may arrive.
This Convention should have author
ity conferred upon it to consider and
prepare an international Constitu-
tion" to be submitted to the different
nations represented for their adop-
tion.
This Constitution should provide
for the establishment of an Interna-
tional Congress, by which a Code of
International Law should be prepared
andla High Court set up to execute
them. These International Laws and
this High Court thus enacted and set
uppshould supersede the immense ar
maments of the nations thus confed-
Grated which should be Immediately
disbanded as being useless and cum
berseme.
PEACE IS ECONOMY.
Such system as here delineated
could but be attended with expense,
but when we consider the enormous
treasures sunk in the present system,
1t would be but insignificant, while
the accruing benefits would be incal-
culable.
Hundreds of thousands of men now
,,,oipfo IN od I'm ,,so1oss ipaofiy;tv ro