decision of justice is what it was before
the battle, the judgment of one party. Must we not hope that with the
widening influence of reason and of religion among men, the day is
approaching when justice shall be enthroned upon a great international
tribunal, before which nations shall bow, demanding from it judgment
and peace? Say what we will, our civilization is a vain boast.

"'Till the war drum throbs no longer, and the battle flags are furled
In the parliament of man, the federation of the world.
There the common sense of most shall hold a fretful realm in awe,
And the kindly earth shall slumber, wrapt in universal law.'

"It is America's great soldier who said:

"'Though I have been trained as a soldier, and have participated in
many battles, there never was a time when, in my opinion, some way
could not have been found of preventing the drawing of the sword. I
look forward to an epoch when a court, recognized by all nations,
will settle international differences, instead of keeping large
standing armies, as they do in Europe.' Shall we not allow the words
of General Grant to go forth as the message of America?

"Some weeks ago the Czar of Russia said: 'The maintenance of general
peace and possible reduction of the excessive armaments which weigh
upon all nations present themselves in the existing condition of the
whole world as an ideal towards which the endeavors of all governments
should be directed,' and in accordance with those views he invited all
nations to send representatives to an international peace congress, in
which the question of reducing the armaments of the several countries
of the world and otherwise preparing some plan for the prevention of
wars might be discussed.

"Shall not America send to St. Petersburg a message of good will,
a promise of earnest co-operation? America, great and powerful, can
afford to speak of peace. Words of peace from her will be the more
gracious and timely, as they who do not know her say that, maddened
by her recent triumphs, she is now committed beyond return to a policy
of militarism and of conquest.

"Lead, my country, in peace--in peace for thyself, in peace for the
world. When war is necessary, lead, we pray thee, in war; but when
peace is possible, lead, we pray thee yet more, lead in peace; lead
in all that makes for peace, that prepares the world for peace.

"America, the eyes of the world are upon thee. Thou livest for the
world. The new era is