The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-02-03
PEOPLES FORUM
us There Revenge in War"

us There Revenge in War"
Editor Nirginian:
Sir--I have asked "A question and will en-
deavor to answer it, There is topic more
important. not 81 universally talked. not
one that affects the whole world ~ the present
conflict between the nations across the
We have been requested by the head of this
nation Ia refrain from taking issue with either
side in ths great struggle. The request is
honorable and sensible. The President has kept
pace with his request ana the American people
are living IN to the standard set by their
leader.
Why should We place responsibility for the
war either sideo What good result would
This aCcomplish@ Criticism will inflame one
side and console the other. Neutrality toward
all 9iH place in position of brotherhood
and will in all proba hity open up a channel
Of blessing when the voice OF adjustment halls
across the water: come aud help settle
car troubles Is it rot more honorable and
pleasant for Us 10 be in a position TO assist
in celebrating proclamation Of peace than
- stand by ahd harE neighbors on in the
fight? What does It profit to shoot
down his neghbor? What does it profit
nation to kill out sister. uation9 The Bible
Injunction, Thou shalt not kill" is appiiea-
ble TO nations Wei individuals. Shall
a group Of do that which dare
not do9
4 declaration Of war is exciting To answer
eail TO arms is considered chivalry. The sight
of million men in uniform marching grace
fully to the front exhibits sacrifice and man
music. All this IS preparation for war -he
declaration. OF war is heard The fighting be-
gins. The scene now changes.
Father, mother, brother. sister, wife and
children are anxious. Their hearts beat in
agony Of death. I'll. roaring Of the cannon
Is heard. the Death knell rings. A hattleshp
soos down. The water whispers like mid
night dream OF horror while II swallows IN its
dead, Somebody's loved one has persisted Who
j. the victim? Mutifudes weep alike The
shock permeates thousa nds of human souls for
lack af Identification Suddenly the IS
spread ans forces its way into the stricken
home. robbng the family circle Of Its light.
love and support leaving nothing but memory
which hangs the vail
The soldier dies for his country. call to
arms sought revenge from the enemy. Would
not the loved ones count revenge nauEht when
weighed in the balance against the costr Let
us stand Before the open grave and witness
the solemnity of revenge. Hear the sound Of
earth it strikes thu wooden box, the land
slide which locks the door TO light the flowers
whose sweet fragrance whisper: Il am inno-
cent of crime measure the tears OF sorrow
weigh the hearts burden. Even the birds
fuse TO sing tho wind to be too troubled
to whisper its gentle song The brightest Jewel
or heaven and earth has passed from ia in
order 10 settle debr of revenge. Weigh if
Won please, the sacrifice and loss against re-
venge, Which comforts the most? which
shines the brightest? Which meets the ap-
prevail OF him who made us? Would there he
another war IL those who suffer could write
the declaration Would the document read
e declaration or war. or a declaration against
war? The atmosphere that we breathe seems
to answer the question. Suppose the individual.
who kills his neighbor wins the material thing
sought? suppose the nation who destroys a
sister nation inherits all earthly possessions?
Can material things atone for life? Man is
more precious thau gold, says the knowledge
of heaven and earth. Then why exchange life
for mess of pottage9 Material possessions
Will soon pass away. man ltvea on through
eternity
America is holding high n light for the world
IN establishing a doctrine or peace on earth
! and good Will toward men" MAY the world
look toward the light may it accept it, engraft-
ing in their international code OF morals which
VIII still the earth OF the roar Of cannon for
bid the sinking of a hatleship. and the air will
no longer he rnade fcuI with smoke for the
sake Of Gods law and the protection Of man
]. II. HARDY.
Church Road Va