Evening journal., 1898-08-30
TUESDAY. AUGUST 80. 1898
THE czAR,s sUGGEsrnoN.

tion ON earth to take the initiative in
the matter OF reduction of national
armament. Century by century 1t has
increased the strength Of it's forces un-
til to-day 1t stands second to none in
preparation for conflict on land, and
fairly well equipped for a struggle All
sea. But it has a liberal and sensible
ruler who recognizes what q burden
such gigantic military system is upon
the taxpayers, and how destructive to
the real progress OF a nation It is 10
have millions OF its subjects wholly or
partially withdrawn from engagement
in utilitarian pursuits. The balance OF
power among nations is merely mat
ter of proposition, and uniformity of
reduction on proportionate basis
would leave the nations OF the same
strength, while the expense Of the arm
les and navies would be corresponding
ly lessened. Fear OF one another has
led the great nations Of Europe to or
ganize armies and build navies OF gi-
gantic size and nothing but sound as
surance OF the peaceful intentions OF
those nations can remedy what has ba-
come an overwhelming evil. The czar
OF Russia evidently believes that thsre
can be such a mutual and satisfactory
assurance, for, acting under his orders,
Count Muravieff, the foreign minister,
has handed the foreign diplomats at ST.
Petersburg, this note, which explains
itself fully, and which cannot fail to
have a beneficial effect on the whole CT
Europe.
The maintenance OF general peace
and the possible reduction OF the exces-
sive armaments which weigh upon all
nations present themselves in existing
conditions to the whole world as an
ideal toward which the endeavors Of all
governments should be directed The
humanitarian and magnanimous ideas
of his majesty, the emperor, my august
master, have been won over to this
view in the conviction that this lefty
aim Is in conformity with the most
essential interests and legitimate views
Of all the powers; and the Imperial
government thinks the present moment
would be very favorable to seeking the
meane.
international discussion is the most
effectual means Of insuring all peo-
pies benefit-a real durable peace,
above all, putting an end to the pro-
gressive development OF the present ar
maments.
In the course of the last twenty
years the longing for general appease-
ment has become especially pronounced
in the consciences of civilized nations;
and one preservation of peace has been
put forward as an object OF internation-
al policy. II is in its name that great
states have concluded among them
selves powerful alliances.
II is the better 10 guarantee to peace
that they have developed in proper
tions hitherto unprecedented their
military forces and sull continue to in
crease them, without shrinking from
any sacrifice.
Nevertheless, all these efforts hav,
not yet been able to bring about the
benehoent result desired-paciflcati
The financial charges following the
upward march strike at the very rcO
OF public prosperity. The inteiiectua
and physical strength Of the nations
labor and capital are mostly diverted
from their natural application and ar
unproductively consumed. Hundreds o.
millions are devoted to acquiring terri
bic engines Of destruction, which
though to-day regarded as the las
work of science, are destined to-mor
row TO lose all their value in conse
quence OF some fresh discovery in thl
same field. National culture. economi
progress and the production of wealth
are either paralyzed or checked in de
Telopment. Moreover, in proportion a
the ornaments OF each power increase
they less and less fulfn the object tn
governments have set before them
selves.
The economic crisis, due in grsa
part to the system of armament
foutrance, and the continual DANCE
which lies in this massing of war ma
terial, are transforming the arme
peace OF our days into a crushing bur
den which the people have more an
more difficulty in bearing.
1t appears evident that II this state O
things were to be prolonged it woul
inevitably lead to the very cataclysr
It is desired to avert, and the horror
whereof make every thinking bein
shudder In advance.
To put an end to these incessant arma
ments and to seek the means OF ward
ing of the calamities which al
threatening the whole world-such
the supreme duty to-day imposed upo
all states
Filled with this idea his majesty ha
been Pleased to command me to prS
pose to all the governments whose rel
resentatives are accredited to the in
perial court the assembling Of a confe,
ence which shall occupy itself with tn
grave problem.
This conference will be, by the hel
OF Coda happy presage for the centui
which is about to open. It would COZ
verge into one powerful focus the e
forts OF all states sincerely seeking
make the great conception Of univers
peace triumph over the clements
trouble and discord and il would al n