The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1896-08-21
Force Not the Only Power.

EoEce <>SS tie ohiy FONebs
But force is not the only power that
rules the world. Public opinion is g
force which is bound to be a great fac
tor in the adjustment of difficulties of
all kinds. 1t is force which makes
itself felt in every corner and Granny of
the world, and is most powerful in the
communities most civilized In the
public press and in the telegraph it pos
sesses agents by which its power is con-
centrated and speedily brought to bear
where there is any public wrong to be
exposed and reprobated. 1t year by
year gathers strength as general en-
llghtenment extends its empire, and
higher moral attitude is attained by
mankind. 1t has no ships of war upon
the seas or armies in the field, and yet
great potentates tremble before it and
hnmbly bow to its rule.
Trade is another great paciticator.
Opposed to a Permanent Board.
A1ord Russell opposed the establish.
ment of permanent tribunal of arbi-
tration. He doubted whether one could
be so constituted that it would for any
great length of time retain the conf
dence OF the people of all nations. But
there is also danger from another quar-
ter. SO long as war remains the sole
court wherein to TT, %international quar-
rels, the risks of failure are so tremen-
dous and the mere rumor of wax so
paral yses commercial and industrial
| lie that pretensfons wholly unfOunded
VIII rarely be advanced by any nation,
and the strenuous efforts of statesmen.
whether Immediately concerned or not,
will be directed to prevent war But if
| there be standing court of nations, to
| which any power may resort, with little
| cost and no risk, the temptation may
| be strong to put forward pretensions
and unfounded claims, in support of
which there may readily be found in
most countries (can we except even
| Great Britain and the United States ,
busy jingoes only too ready to air their
spurious and infiammatory patriotism.
There is one influence which by the
law Of nations may be legitimately ex-
erclsed by the powers in the interest of
peace mean mediation.
Responsibilities Equal Power
Mr.. President, began by speaking of
the two great divisi.As-American and
British-ofthat English speaking world
which You and represent today, and
with one more reference to them / end
Who can doubt the influence they pos
sess for insuring the healthy progress
and the peace of mankind? But if this
influence is to be fully felt they must
work together In cordial friendship,
each people in its own sphere of action.
If they have great power they have also
responsibility. No cause they es-
pouse can fail; no cause they op-
pose can triumph. The future is, in
large part, theirs. They have the max
ing of history in the times that are to
como. The greatest calamity that
could befall would be strife which
should divide them. Let US pray that
this shall never be. Let us pray that
they, always self-respecting, each in
honor upholding its own flag, safe
guarding its own heritage of right and
respecting the rights of others, each in
its own way fulfilling its high national
destiny, shall yet work in harmony for
the progress and peace of the world.
A Great Demonstration.
At the close of Lord Russell's address
the vast audience rose to its feet and
applauded and cheered him to the echo.
The demonstration lasted fully Is min
utes.
On motion of Edward J. Phelps of
Vermont, seconded by James G. Carter
of New York, the thanks Of the associa.
tiOn were extended to Lord Russell.
General E. F. Bullard of New York
offered the following, which was
adopted.
Resolved, That the American Ba,
association concurs with the principles
enunciated in the eloquent address OF
Lord Russell, and be it further
Resolved, That it be referred to the
committee on international law to rec.
ommend such further action as shall be
deemed proper to forward the great
cause of international arbitration.
The association then took up routine
business.