The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-12-20
PEACEMAKERS OPPOSE IT.
Rev. DR.. Campbell, Chairman Of NE
Executive Committee, Talks.
SAYS THE WHOLE THING Is ABSURD,
Doesn't Believe This Country Ought to
NEEDLE With England's Affairs-A
Mere Theory After Aii-Military
Officials on the Message.

Rev. W. a. Campbell, ID. H., chair
man Of the Ecclesiastical Peace Confer
ence OF the World. was called upon at
his residence. No 80 west Grace street.
last night, and asked for a statement as
10 ms opinion on the Presidents mes
sage in regard TO the Venezuelan ques-
ton, and the possibilities of war between
the United States and England.
Or. Campbell said in reply: II have not
read the newspapers for several days,
having been out OF the city on important
matters, and L am consequently not
familiar with the present state OF affairs
l cannot say that l have given the sub
jet sufficient consideration To form a
clearly-defined opinion, though, OF course,
l have hearo rumors OF war and the like.
AT the same time, this matter does not
come within thu province of the Eccle-
slasucal Peace Conference, the object Of
which at present Is TO secure hearty CO.
operation and acquiescence in the appeal
made by the society TO the Christian de-
nominations OF the world to bring 10
bear the combined influence OF the re
llglouS bodies Of Christendom upon the
governments OF Christian nations by
means or petitions. with view TO Sc
curing the substitution of arbitration Tor
war In settling International disputes.
A BRITISH BRANCH.
The assembly which first took action
IN thls matter adopted petition TO be
addressed 10 the several government OF
Christian nations, and asked the repre-
sentatives Of other churches to concur
with them. We succeeded in establishing
committees OF correspondence among the
various Christian denominations, and
some others IN many of the cities and
towns Of this country, and subsequently
a British branch was estab'is ned, the
Richmond Executive Committee, which
Is at the head OF the entire movement.
appointing cooperating committee Tor
Great Britain ana Ireland, consisting OF
many prominent clergymen of various
denominations. who have added 10 their
number an executive committee OF thirty
seven members. including number OF
members Of Parliament eminent clergy
men, educators, and others. This COM
mittee secured the cooperation of a
number OF men in Great Britain. who
with themselves constitute the arbitration
alliance, being an association OF British
Christians in behalf of international arbi-
tratiOn. In this are many bishops, mem
bers OF Parliament, professors, and other
prominent men in England, Scotland,
Ireland, and Wales, while on the Cont
nent many others i'm various European
countries have agreed TO act on commit
tees OF cooperation.
THEIR AUTHORITY LIMITED.
Our authority Is limited 10 the original
object Of extending this petition and Sc
curing the cO-operatiOn OF Christians
generally and We have no right 10 over
step these bounds. Consequently | do
not think we are Justified In taking any
action on the present threatening trouble.
| shall however. call a meeting OF the
executive committee at an early date 10
consider the report of W. Evans Darby,
secretary OF the executive committee OF
the British branch. who is travelling on
the Continent I'm the interests or the
movement and il may be that this Nene-
zuelan policy of President Cleveland will
come up for discussion. No action Will
be taken on il. though the sentiments OF
the members Of the committee may find
expression in the meeting should the sub
ject be discussed"
What do you think Of President Cleve-
lands messenger" was asked DR.. Camp
OPPOSED TO WAR.
Il am opposed TO war, OF course said
he. and l sincerely hope that all these
international disputes will be amicably
eettled without going TO such extreme
measures. | cannot see why the United
States should dip into controversies be-
tween England or any other Foreign
country and some Government on this
side the Atlantic when we have no pos
sessions OF interests. This Is no matter
of ours Venezuela is nothing 10 us,
and | DO not see where the United states
is Justified in interfering with matters
OF This kind. The whole controversy
seems 10 be based upon the Monroe doc
trine. a mere theory, that cannot. in
my opinion, be supported by consutu-
tional law. We are in no way obligated
to see that the Monroe doctrine Is car
RED out. II IL a mere sentiment after
all and based upon no part of the con-
stitutiOn.
WOULD BE TERRIBLE.
"A war between these two great ma
tons would be terrible in It's results
and would in no way compensate the
United states for the damage TO property
and human life We could gain nothing
bv il. as we have no property or prlNi-
leges to protect in Venezuela. do not
think there will be any war. The thing
is absurd When cool heads consider
the consequences. and weigh the question
more carefully. ! think they VIII ma
this whole matter Is out OF the question
and is based upon something else IMAM
The Importance of maintaining our Dig
nifty and rights. ,,,.
II am of the opinion that the English
neople have a right 10 consider the United
states presumptious in trying 10 medule
with their affairs. No wonder thel
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