The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1904-10-23
THE PEACE PROPOSAL.

Along with the estimate of the japanese loss be
fore Port Arthur-sad to have been $4,000 mer
slaughtered the announcement through of
fetal channels, the Cologne Gazette, that Germany
viii not join with the United States in furthering
the proposal for peace in the far east The Gazette
makes it plain that Germany does not wish to inter
fere with Russia plans, adding that any step to-
ward Intervention would be considered unfriendy by
the czar.
In marked contrast with this declaration on the
part of Germany is the determination of President
Roosevelt to invite the powers to name delegates to
second peace conference at The Hague Consider
alton of the warlke feelings of the ear has not
deferred Mr. Roosevelt He realizes the need for some
concerted action on the part of the powers that will
put stop to the ruthless slaughter of thousands of
men, ad has Enthusiastically taken the initiative
Germany is of military government with which,
usually humantarianism is second consideration
With such governments it is matter of slight con-
eern that tens of thousands of men fall in battle
II the military aims of the administration are
achieved. Perhaps it was too much to expect of Ger
many, but at all events it is gratifying that her po
stion has been thus clearly defined; the president
viii not count upon support which will not be forth
coming.
70 the intelligent element of the world war ap-
peaS as the most cruel of all things. Naturally the
thought occurs to one, Why should men fly at each
ather's thruat-why should tens of thousands of
lives be sacrifced-when the issues involved could
Is we'll be settled by an international COURT The
affairs of nations ought to be conducted just as the
affairs of individuals are conducted Individuals
who disagree depend upon the civil courts for ad- |
iustents occasionally kills the other, but he is
promptly hanged for the greatest Of crimes Is |
there any why nations should not settle their
differences in similar manner? An arbitration court,
eompog Of representatives of all the nations of the
world aud endowed with the necessary power ought
TO- decide all disputes between nations just as civil
courts adiudicate contentious between individuals
War Is barbarous 1t demands the lives Of nno-
eeEt men and leaves desolation in it's wake Almost
IS hafr requires the expenditure of enormous
SUMS that could be used to wonderfully advance the
interests df the belligerents. A japanese statesman
has estimated that the present conflict will entail
the expenditure of two billions of dollars. This
zum, properly expended would make Japan a YER
liable paradise enable her to increase her CONNER
aaf interests and provide educational facilities with
which none other in the world could compare. The
SUE thaG Russia will devote to prosecution of the
would work even greater wonders for the czar
country But instead of expenditure along these
Rnes the two nations are placing the funds in the
aands Of their troops to assist them in the wholesale
destrussiou of human life
War IS absurd-just as absurd as deadly con-
dict bstween contentious individuals would be- 1t
Aas NO Just place in our civilization and should be
aradbsated Those who stand in the way of this at
Himusnt may be put down as barbarians.