The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1898-08-29

and lasting peace and terminating pro-
Cresslve increase of armament.
LONDON, August 2s.-The PROPOSE
,Ion for an international conference for
the purpose of securing real and lasting
peace among the powers, and the ter
ninauon OF the progressive increase In
armaments as conveyed in a note from
Coun. Muraviefr, the Russian foreign
minister to the foreign diplomats at st.
Petersburg, is likely to produce a sem
sauon throughout Europe. and, coming
from such a quarter and with such evil
dent sincerity of purpose, It is likely to
have important effects. There is no
doubt that with Russia taking the lead
IN such step, Germany. France and the
other ia,ions will be ready to follow.
Remarkable Document.
The text Of the note follows: "The
maintenance OF general peace and the
possible reduction OF the excessive arm
aments which weigh upon all nations
present themselves in existing conditions
70 the whole world as an ideal toward
which the endcavors Of AL governments
sa5ull BE- directed. The humanitarian
aad magnaaimous idea OF his majesty,
,ae emperor my august master, have
been won over to this view in the con-
vision that tie lofty aim is in conform
iy with the most essential interests and
legitimate Views OF all the powers; and
the Imperial government; thinks the
preseH; moment would be very favor
able to seeking the means.
International discussion is the most
eHtctual means OF ensurlng all peoples
benea;-a real durable peace-above all
putting an end to the progressive de-
velOpment of the present armaments.
Growth or Peace Sentiment.
In the course OF the last twenty years
the longing for general appeasement
has grown especially pronounced In the
conscIences of civilized nations: and the
Preservation Of peace has been put for
ward as an object ot international poll
icy. l; is in Its name that great,states
have concluded among themselves pow
ertul alliances. 1t Is the better to guar
an;ee peace that they have developed,
In proportions hitherto unprecedented,
Gaeir military forces and stIll continue
10 Increase them without shrinking from
any sacrifice. Nevertheless all these
efforts have not yet been able to bring
about the benehcent results desired
pacincation.
The financial charges following the
upward march strike at the very root
Of public prosperity. The Intellectual
and physical strength OF the nations
labor and capital are mostly diverted
from their natural application and are
unproducuvely consumed. Hundreds OF
millions arc devoted to acquiring terri
bic engines OF destruction which. though
to-day regarded as the last work OF SCI
eHee, are destined Tomorrow to lose all
their value in consequence Of some fresh
discovery in the same field. National
culture. economic progress and the pro-
duction OF wealth are either paralyzed
or checked in development. Moreover,
In proportion as the armaments OF each
power increases, they less and less full
NIl 'he object the governments have set
before themselves.
a GrIsvons Harden to Brnr.
The economic crIsIs, due In great part
to tn" system of armament routrance
and The continual danger which lies in
mIs masslnr OF war material are trans
forming the armed peace OF our days
aJ' o rushlaE burden which the peo-
pies have more and more difficulty in
bearing.
Iiappoars evident that II this state OF
'hinFs were 10 be prolonged It would
''''ioIy lead 10 the very cataclysm II
is desired 20 avert. and the horrors
whereof make every thinking being
'nulier 10 advance.
To put an end to these incessant
'Tm'men's and 20 seek the means OF
NaTa.nE oI the calamltles which are
''fel.'n.ng the whole worll-auch is
he ruprnmc duty to-day imposed upon
'L Ha,a1 Fnrd with this idea, HE
majesty has been pleased to command
w" 60 propose 10 all the governments,
"H.'' representatives. are accredited TO
'0' imperial court. the assembling Of II
s.'l.renee which shall occupy itself
With this grave problem.
NsIhlul