Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1904-07-21
PHILANTHRoPIC MEETING.

rounding FRIENDS Meeting House on the
afternoon Of the sixteenth was preeminenty
success; although citizens OF Woodbury.
did not generally avail themselves of the
opportunity afforded to hear present prob
lens presented by able thinkers and speak
ers. Salem, Woodstown, Mullica Hill,
Mickleton, Wenonah, Wesbville, Philadel-
phia, and Fox Chase Pa, contributed to the
audience. DR.. William c. Stokes presided.
after few moments of silence according to
the custom of Friends, he opened the exer-
cises by reading portion Of the Sixth
chapter of Ephesans; Henry W. Wiber, Of
New York City, a newspaper man and
speaker of experience then presented the
subject OF Arbitration in its broad sense,
only an outline of his masterly address can
be given.
In the progress of things in the develop
ment of Government it is necessary that we
individually consider our relation to the
existing order.
AS far back as the Middle Ages they had
system of arbitration: it was agreed that
they should not fight on the Sabbath, that
they should not fight during certain hours
of the day etc. If an agreement can be en-
tered into for part of the time agreements
can be entered into for all times and cir
eumstances.
We have our International Court Of Ar
bitration but we have not the compelling
power to oblige nations to submit to its
decisions, hence the spectacle Of the Ruler
who first proposed its institution being also
the first to disregard its good offices.
England, Germany, Russia and America
could by directing their moral force toward
that end compell other nations to submit
decisions to a Court of Arbitration; until
we have an agreement that either party to
dispute may compell the other party to
submit differences to such Court we cam.
not depend upon its being utilized
Nothing is really settled when nations
resort to war except thsir rapaeity and
dogged persistence; every question involved
in the conflict between England and South.
Africa could have been settled without
shedding a drop of blood
We also need Tribunal constantly in
session for the settlement Of all difficulties
between capital and labor in order that
either may summon the other to Court
xxr.41 - ~ s,,,oJ, o., inst; t,lt5ers a
this time the differences between the meat
packers and the Union would simply be
referred for decision, the existing order con-
tinuing until verdict was rendered; the
time TO arhitrate is before, not after the
fight; while the conflict is going on judge
ment is colored.
Society has rights which both capitalists
and laboring men shouldbe bound torespect; !;
it should not be possible for any set Of men
to tie up the interests of community, q
state, or 3 nation.
Nearly all moral affairs centre in the
pocket book: when there is tie up Of a
large body Of men it is an assault on your
pocket book and mine; at the basis OF 1t
all lies personal selfshness and egotisim, the
desire to get more than can be earned by
honest endeayor.
What is your plain duty and mine in
the last analysis of this question?
We ali count one; the average man does
not sufficiently value the strength of his
power, his persistent voice, in all that goes
to make up citizenship.
At the base of this subject lies the elem
nation of all not in harmony with the
teachings of the Prince of Peace.
The strength Of our government is not
based upon banks, stocks, mines, or wealth
Of any sort, but upon the manhood of this
country, courageous enough to take and
hold their highest conceptions Of life and
duty in the sea OF human affairs.
Joel Borton of Woodstown followed, EN-
phasizing the power of the press as factor
in shaping and uplifting moral sentiment
and the expression of appreciation due the
courageous editor.