Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-07-13


| diate Cessation of Bostilities We're
| Adopted, After n spirited Discussion.
| The Delaware Peace Society hold an
interesting meeting last Thursday in the
Friends Westinghouse at Fourth and
West Streets
The special object Of the meeting
was the consideration Of the pending
war in the Philippines, and it was
brought up by the following reso-
buttons, offered by David Ferris:
Resolved, That feeling the most I'M
happy and inconsistent position of our
President and government in demand
ing unconditional submission of the
Filipinos to our arbitrary rule; believ-
ing that such demand is contrary to
| the foundation principle of our govern
ment, as set forth in the Declaration
of Independence and in the Constitu
ton OF the United States; and also
contrary to the solemn declaration of
President Mckinley that such u course
would be criminal aggression;
Resolved, That we earnestly petition
our government to grant q cessation of
hostilites to the Filipinos, with the
intention to acknowledge fully their
right of self-government, Offering on
our part to endeavor by international
agreement to protect them from out
side inter ference. -
A spirited discussion eDsued. William
Morris and the Rev. William w. Camp
bell opposed the adoption of the reso.
buttons, which were warmly endorsed
| by Lewis W. Brosius and David Ferris.
The vote on the motion to adopt was
IL to 2, the negative votes being those
of Mr.. Morris and Mr.. Campbell.
In the course of his remarks favoring
the resolution, David Ferris read the
following personal letter on the subject
of the war in the Philippines which
he had sent to President Mckinley:
No. 30l West street, Wilmington,
Del, 9th month, 10Th, 1899 : To
the Hon. William Mckinley, Presi-
dent Of United States: l feel con-
| dividual to reach the feelings of our
President in relation to the present
crisis of our loved country's history.
| Our government has been drawn away
into wide departure from its founda-
ton principles; from the earnest ad
wise of the Father of his Country, and
from our Presidents own declaration |:
"Forcible conquest would be criminal
aggression. The results as at present
manifest are most disastrous and de
plorable. /, with nearly all members
of the Religious Society Of Friends,
felt most hopeful confidence in thy
administration when, in thy inaugural
address, these inspiring words were
used: "We want no wars of conquest !;
we must avoid the temptation of terri
torial aggression. War should never
be entered upon until every agency of
peace has failed. Arbitration is the
true method of settlement of interna-
tional as well as local or individual diff
| ferences. "
What hopeful promise was this for
the peace and prosperity Of our be-
loved country. With what thankful
hearts did we receive it, Alas, how
has this fair promise been blasted and
the failure to support it brought dis
aster, death and suffering upon our
country.
But without further lamentation of
irrevocable past let us consider what
the present duty is; how is our coun-
try to be extricated from its dilemma?
To me the answer is piain; the remedy
simple, honorable and easy. Order
Gen. Otis to grant an armistice at
once. Then agree to treat the Filipinos
as we have promised to treat the
Cubans; tell them we grant them their
Independence and will endeavor to help
them maintain it by peaceful negotia-
| ton with other nations. We should
then have no need to increase the army
and send more of our young mon to-
perish miserably and uselessly in that
deadly climate. We could then reduce
our government expenses by one-half
and cease the present oppressive unjust
| taxation.
What is the objection to such a
course? Tho coming anniversary of
our Declaration of Independence is
most suspicious time to declare the in
dependence of the Filipinos. This
would be noble; it would he patriotic,
honorable, economical 1t would be
brave. just and merciful. 1t would
preserve to our dear country our own.
| liberty (now in danger), by promoting
the liberty and Just rights of all. May
God give our President strength and
patriotic courage to pursue this true
and just and right way.
And after ages us they rise exulting will
proclaim,
| In choral union to the skies their blessings
| on thy name.
Sincerely thy friend,
David Ferris.
| Mr.. Morris entered protest against
encouraging the military spirit among
boys in the churches, by enlisting
them in brigades, referring to the en-
campment of the Boys Brigade at
| Brandywine Springs as an example of
the system. The protest was endorsed
by the president of the society, George
| A. Rhoades.
1t was announced that since the last
annual meeting the following have
signed the constitution Of the society
and become members: Lewis w.
Brosius, Joseph A. Bond, Ida X.
Evans, William I. Morris, Marion
Evans, William King, Rebecca d.
King, Joseph 7. Whitson, Marine
Thomas, J.. r. Moore, j. X. johnson
and the Rev. B. Jay Salvage.
| Looking for Boats.
The Merchants & Miners Transport
tation Co. OF Baltimore is said to be
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