The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1908-05-18

prOvement and revision of the work
of the first conference. This, with the
fact that the second conference was
compelled to adjourn with some of its
own most important work in an unfin-
ished or a tentative condition, easily
suggested the idea that the confer
ences had already, Independently OF
any plans in that direction, assumed
relation TO each other, an interde-
pendence, which made their indefinite
continuation a natural and logical ne
cessity, if the work begun was to be
carried on. And so it came about that
at the second conference the way vas
open for the unanimous passage of q
resolution for periodic meetings Of
The Hague Conference, or. perhaps,
more correctly. periodic Hague con-
ferences thereafter. which resolution
fixed the date of the next conference
seven years later and provided for the
appointment of special commission
by the different governments to meet
two years in advance to study and
prepare the program for the third
Hague Conference. Thus, without
provision but by force of circum-
stances. and as a necessary develop
ment of the work already done, the
foundation has been laid for a perma-
nent Congress of Nations. Are not
these. the preparations for an inter-
national supreme court of justice and
an international legislature, enough to
make all lovers of peace sing with
Browning, Gods in His heaven-all's
right with the world?
The only remaining field of inquiry
is the relation of the powers to their
own subjects. in which occasions of
injustice, and even brutality and
cruelty, sometimes arise to an extent,
that arouses the sympathy and even
the Indignation of other nations. The
question of interference here is a most
delicate one, as governments usually
resent interference into their own do
nestle affairs, and the rule of nonin-
reference is generally conceded.
A HOPEFUL PRECEDENT.
The recent remonstrances, however,
by several governments directed to
King Leopold of Belgium, in regard
to his Objectionable administration of
his private African domain, and his
transfer in response thereto of the
management thereof to the Belgian
Government. creates something of
hopeful precedent in this direction. It
is to be expected that the international
parliament once established and in
regular operation will not fail to leg
islate on this necessity for humane
consideration and protection.
For mankind are one in spirit, and
an instinct bears along,
Round the earth's electric circle, the
swift flush of right or wrong;
Whether conscious or unconscious,
yet Humanity's vast frame
it's ocean-sundered fibers feels
the gush of joy or shame
In the gain or loss of one race all the
rest have equal claim"
Do not the facts narrated and the
progress already made justify the
hope and expectation that the time is
fast, when war shall be obso-
lete-a troubled dream of the past? tt
will take time; progress in this direc-
ton may sometimes lag, but will it
not continue with increasing force and
speed, until peace shall come with the
world ready for it-a peace that shall
not enfeeble or demoralize mankind,
but shall be the soil in which the lofti-
est virtues shall thrive and the race
beyond our dreams?
Down the dark future, through long
generations,
The echoing sounds grow fainter and
then cease;
And, like a bell, with solemn. sweet
vibrations,
/ hear once more the voice of Christ
say. Peacen
Peace! and no longer from it's brazen
portals,
The blast of Wars great organ
shakes the skiesl
But beautiful as songs of the immOr-
tails,
The holy melodies of love arise"
In introducing the second speaker, |
Mr.. Mott-Smfth said:
II am presenting another gentleman !
who, like Mr.. Dole, is acquainted with |
Hawaii and it's history, but through a |
different. though perhaps as effective, |
that of the press. Most
IF us have found that the modern
press knows everything and more
co. if / may be allowed to use the
1 am pleased with his
,hoice of subject. Mr.. Dole has given
you an able dissertation on is Peace
Mr.. Smith will now
speak on Law versus War Right |
lere We have an exemplification of
he spirit of arbitration. Mr.. Dole has
reated with an editorial subject: Mr..
smith will now treat with legal one.
Both the lawyer and the editor and,
believe, we ourselves viii benefit
hereby"
WALTER G.. SMITH.
That the evangelical churches have
united to teach the gospel of arbitra-
ion is fact of great promise to the
future work of The Hague. So far, The
Hague has busted itself more with pal
natives than with cures. At the first
conference, some years ago. it rejected
he plan of disarmament, the delegates
rom the United States concurring.
Even limitation of armed strength did