New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-02-27
NETWORK DAILY TRIBUNE THURSDAY FEBRUARY 81 1902

trlaIf We DO not exaggerate the results Of The
hague Conference because we hail the substantial
Iruit II brought the world. We do not suggest that
II mas put an end to war, but do not forget
mat its tribunal stands concrete testimony that
the aspirations of civilization constantly invoke
peaceful arbitrament as a substitute for Nor
90 we transform the courtesy intended in the visit
Of our illustrious into anything than the
simple and gracious friendliness it is be
speak II We rejoice It evidence of social
commercial and political amity.
Have we not warrant in the lessons of history
Tor our confidence in the future? We anticipate
no different development of man in his community
he than has already occurred in his personal life
The individual is to-day a better being by far
better in every quality of his moral fibre. than he
has ever been before. despite the pessimists who
tell US the passing centuries have not elevated
the standards of the human race. Man is better,
yet far from perfect Struggle and strife have
lasted through the ages, and will go until hui
mainly has worked out its appointed mission in the
all-wise scheme of Providence So. too will the
aggression and war which have ceaselessIy swept
the earth since the dawn of nations continue until
nations and man pass out together. But none the
less international amity will strengthen and grow.
showering fresh blessings with each coming year
1t cannot be otherwise, for seated in the very
sence of things is ineXorable law of existence
Whatsoever we SOW that shall we reap To this
divine mandate organized governments hum
bly, bow well individual man SO out of the
Ills of adversely communities like individuals must
draw the vital lesson of life-live and let live
In the solitary loneliness of primeval man human
ity knew peace. Every individual
with all his fellows and every mans life
broken battle with all his kind. Rising from that
british level through the slow growth of centuries
individual has a wiser order. Equal
ity of strength born from the inventions of civili-
zation, has weakened If it has put an end to
strife. The forces Of destruction have enor
mously increased and have so completely counter
balanced the physical, if the moral differences
of men. that of necessity might and power have
ceased To be the dominating ordinance of existence.
How else should expect man in his commu-
nifty development organized into nations to
progress? The destiny impes nations with
resstless certainty to the same ultimate ap1ity 1t
is not ordained by fate. hut commanded by the
law of life that lies in its very essence Rapacity
halts when equals confront each other. equality
is always a direct pathway TO peace. 1t is inc
quality that strains friendship TO the breaking
and begets enmities. Cowper spoke the wisdom of
ages when he wrote:
The great small but rarely meet
Upon terms OF arnty complete.
Great armies and powerful nav1es inevitably
move for peace in the end They forbid aggression
and invite amity. Hence a nation well armed is
doubiy guarded. Before recognized strength hos
ti!ty falters with consciousness of power insult is
overlooked. These potent influences have kept the
major nations at peace with eacn other for full
generation
There is a better harbinSer OF fellowship among
the nations than disarmament We find surer