necessarily one of much anxiety to the Committee, and they would therefore appeal to the friends of the cause to help them in the difficulty, and to relieve the Association from this obstacle to its progress. They are greatly indebted to their late Vice-Chairman, Mr. C. C. Macrae, for drawing up an admirable set of Rules for the guidance of the Finance Committee, which has proved to be most useful.

The Committee have received important help during the past year from a member of the Executive Committee, who offered to give a sum of £25 if nine others would give a similar amount. The appeal was cordially met, and the amount of £250 was raised.

Under this head, the Committee have gratefully to record that the trustees of the "Lars Hierta " Memorial Fund forwarded the sum of £25 to the Association, at the request of the widow of the gentleman bearing the above name. He was the founder of a Liberal Press in Sweden, and a valued friend of the cause of Arbitration.

LECTURES.

The Secretary to the Association, Mr. Lewis Appleton, has rendered a useful service by delivering on several occasions, and more particularly to Working-Men's Clubs, a lecture on the "Military and Financial Condition of European Nations." It has been published in a pamphlet form (26 pp.), and will be found a useful hand-book for writers and speakers.

We have to thank our colleague, Major de Winton, for an address at a meeting held on behalf of the objects of the Society; also Mrs. Southey, the Hon. Secretary of the Women's Arbitration and Peace Auxiliary, for a lecture delivered at the Somerville Club; and Mr. Hodgson Pratt for an address delivered at Luton.

The Committee will be very glad to depute some of their number to deliver addresses at provincial towns with the object of establishing local branches.

WORK DONE BY THE ASSOCIATION DURING THE
CURRENT YEAR.

It will be noted that this Report deals with the proceedings of the Committee to the close of 1883 only; but it is right to mention here that, since the beginning of the current year, the Committee has been actively engaged in holding two conferences in London. The first had reference to an important address delived by M. Albert Tachard, formerly deputy of the National Assembly and Plenipotentiary of France, on the subject of the relation of Egypt to the European Powers, and of its future constitution as a neutral state under an inter

national guarantee. Several members of Parliament took part in the discussion.

In May, a public conference was called for the purpose of considering the condition of Egypt and the Soudan. The discussion occupied two afternoons, and excited considerable interest. Mr. Villiers Stuart, M.P., presided on both days. Copies of the resolutions adopted, affirming the principle that the welfare and ultimate self-government of Egypt should form the primary consideration in British policy, were forwarded to Her Majesty's Ministers.

CONCLUSION.

This ends the record of another year's work. The Committee trust that they have shown that, considering the inherent difficulties of their task, they are fairly justified in asking for the hearty co-operation of the friends of human progress.

They do not disguise from themselves either the difficulty of the undertaking or the obstacles which for many years must retard its accomplishment, but they believe that true principles must always and everywhere triumph in the end. What is needed is greater fidelity to eternal truths, and confidence in the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

They are encouraged by knowing that everywhere, especially on the Continent, there is a growing desire to escape from the miseries inflicted alike by war and by armed peace. There is only one thing needed for the ultimate success of our causethe conversion of men to the belief that if they will unite and organise in favour of arbitration in place of war, they must and will compel their Governments to adopt that principle.

What the Association desires is to afford a framework for such organisation and union throughout the civilised world. The Committee ask men and women of all classes and parties to help in building up that framework at home and abroad. In the words of a great American teacher they conclude:"Let us teach that the honour of a nation consists, not in the forced and reluctant submission of other States, but in equal laws and free institutions, in cultivated fields and prosperous cities, in the development of intellectual and moral power, in the diffusion of knowledge, in magnanimity and justice, in the virtues and blessings of Peace." Signed on behalf of the Committee,

HODGSON PRATT, Chairman. GEORGE BUCHANAN, Treasurer. WM. PHILLIPS, Hon. Secretary. LEWIS APPLETON, Secretary.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION

AND PEACE ASSOCIATION.

THE third annual meeting of this Association was held on the 23rd June at the Westminster Palace Hotel, under the presidency of the Right Honourable the Earl of Shaftesbury, K.G. The attendance was large, and amongst those present were the Most Noble the Marquis of Bristol, Le Père Hyacinthe (Loyson), and Madame Loyson (Paris), M. Albert Tachard (late Plenipotenary for France to Brussels), Sir George Campbell, M.P., K.C.S.I., Professor Thorold Rogers, M.P., J. Passmore Edwards, M.P., Donald Fraser, D.D., Bishop Jenner, Rev. John Coleman (New York), Rev. Alexander Ewing (vicar of St. Peter's), Rev. H. M Puttock (Hoxton), Rev. Edward Wells, Rev. Philippe Ahier, Rev. Dr. Townshend, Albert Bath, Mrs. and Miss Bigg, Thomas Briggs, George Buchanan, Dr. Clark, Richard Eve, Mrs. Fischer, James Henderson, Francis Hicks (Ex-Mayor of Plymouth), Miss Mary Martineau, Miss Peppercorn, William Phillips, Miss Phillips, Mr. Hodgson Pratt, Mrs. Pratt, Mrs. Southey, Madame and Mdlle. Tachard, Edwin Thorne, Miss Isabella Tod (Belfast), J. J. Withers, W. Martin Wood, and Thomas Wright, &c., &c.

The Secretary (Mr. Appleton) read letters from the Bishops of Durham and Manchester, the Duke of Westminster, Arthur Arnold, M.P., Francis Buxton, M.P., Sydney Buxton, M.P., Henry Broadhurst, M.P., Jesse Collings, M.P., Dr. Cameron, M.P., H. H. Fowler, M.P., Sir Arthur Hobhouse, K.C.I.B., Sir John Lubbock, M.P., Alexander McArthur, M.P., Justin McCarthy, M.P., John Morley, M.P.,William Rathbone, M.P., Samuel Smith, M.P., William Woodall, M P., G. C. Brodrick (Oxford), Andrew Carnegie, Rev. J. P. Chown, John Hilton, Rev. Hugh Price Hughes, F. D. Mocatta, Professor Max Muller, Professor James Stuart, expressing their sympathy, and regretting their absence.

John Brinton, M.P., Mrs. Josephine Butler, and Joseph Arch telegraphed their regret at inability to attend.

The Treasurer (Mr. George Buchanan) submitted the financial statement, which shewed the receipts to be for the past year £989 14s. 1d., and the expenditure £1,031 6s. 1d., showing excess of expenditure over receipts of £41 12s.

Mr. Hodgson Pratt (the Chairman of the Executive) presented the annual report. (This appears in full in the journal.) Professor THOROLD ROGERS, M.P., in moving the first resolution, said:

My Lord Shaftesbury, ladies and gentlemen, I am convinced of this, that anything which has been blessed by the kindly feeling and noble action of Lord Shaftesbury will the more commend itself. The Chairman of your Committee has told you that the working classes in Europe are generally prone to war. That is perfectly true. Unfortunately the force of the Government is far stronger than the force of the people. I have always thought that one of the most obvious of comments that can be made on the alarms which are sometimes expressed as to the growing force of democracy is that in all those matters which are certain to bring them suffering, and which therefore they should regard as the worst thing that could happen to them, they have no power of upsetting the action of the Government. The only way in which this can be done is by educating public opinion in that direction, and I think it is only fair to say that now for some 30 or 40 years there has come to be an uneasy feeling in the minds of the Rulers that the policy which they adopted in times past has been unwise; and I think they would rather do anything than bring the country to a state of war. I dare say, gentlemen, you have noticed that that man in a community who meddles least of all with the affairs of his neighbour, who occupies himself the least about things that do not concern himself, generally finds himself prosper the most. And so I conclude that it is with nations, that those who, while they defend their shores and their country from injury, do as little as possible to injure their neighbours, find themselves to be the most prosperous. Of course we know that when human creatures differ in private life about their respective affairs they go to law; but the wise man is the one who makes it up without going to law. Unfortunately, everything that puts people in distress and woe, and trouble, and anxiety, brings advantage to the people who deal in public stocks as they are called. I dare say you are aware how earnestly this principle of arbitrating on international disputes has been defended. There have been a great many questions which might have been thus adjusted, and I have no doubt that the time will come when persons will look back on the epoch in which we live as one of barbarism. I am bound to say that I think that what is being done by this Association is a matter of great importance. The more you are able to inculcate the principles and doctrines which have been laid down, the more you urge on all persons the necessity of abstaining from causes of irritation, and exhibit the process by which this irritation may be obviated, the better service you do to your country than by any other phase of the highest benevolence, in bringing about cessation from war. It was the first promise of the religion which we all profess-peace and goodwill among men. These are the lessons: That the promise made so many centuries ago, albeit the history of mankind has been the destruction by war of all ancient civilisation. (Cheers.) I have great pleasure to move the first resolution :

"That the report and financial statement of the International Arbitration and Peace Association for 1883, now submitted to this meeting, be received and adopted."

J. PASSMORE EDWARDS, M.P., briefly seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously.

:

M. ALBERT TACHARD moved the following resolution :"That the facts stated in the Report afford evidence that the Association is capable of rendering important services to the cause of international peace throughout the civilised world, and is therefore entitled to the hearty support of the public."

I must tell you I am not a new man among the members of this Association. I have heard it said that the French are a most warlike people, but I can tell you that it is not true; I have heard also why we can do nothing for peace, because we have suffered so much by war. There is only one hope, that England, which has been a witness of the war, may be an arbitrator of peace-not Germany, where they are always prepared for war. Then, there are a great number of people in Europe who are prepared to assist all our efforts for peace, because they know very well that if war occurs they will be sacrificed to the conquerors and lose their nationality. Therefore you have the protection of all the real nations existing in Europe; I do not speak of Russia. When I was coming to this room I met a friend, and I was doing my best to bring him here. And he replied, "Do not go with these dreamers." "Well," I replied, "dreamers we are-we dream of Good and of Progress, but you are sleepers; you do not know what may happen to-morrow, and do not see what is happening every day around you; come here, and you will perhaps have your eyes opened, and have the honour of a dream with Lord Shaftesbury, and with Hodgson Pratt." These objectors are not really practical men; but we, on the other hand, belong to one great church-the church of humanity; and we have with us Jews and Freethinkers, with whom I am proud to deliberate and to act in concert. These men are to be supported, whatever their religion and creed. What we have already done is enough to show what we can do. We have had great assemblies; and very recently, in this room, we have discussed the most important question of Egypt. I say your meetings have been useful; there are men who reflect, and there are men also who act and a man among you who is sustained by your strength would make himself understood by the men who are ruling the world. Therefore I support the resolution with all my heart. (Cheers.)

The MARQUIS of BRISTOL :

I rise to second the resolution which has been so eloquently proposed by the gentleman who has just sat down. I did not come into this room imagining for a moment that I should be called upon. I would merely say that I take a great interest in the cause of international peace, and in the cause of international arbitration. International peace is a very good thing, and so is international arbitration. I would only give one word of caution, and that is that you may have sometimes too much of a good thing, unless you have safeguards and checks. I myself have sent round to every member of the House of Lords a little sketch that I thought might perhaps be adopted. I have no doubt your Lordship also received it. At some future time I rather hoped to be able to bring the question of international arbitration before the House of Lords. (Cheers) With regard to the resolution which I am now seconding, everything must have a beginning; and it is necessary, therefore, that somebody must take the initiative in a vast work like that which it is the intention of this Association to carry forward. The sleepers must be awakened, and therefore it is that I believe that this Association, having begun this good work, will not rest until a large portion of the is fulfilled. (Hear, hear.) programme

Sir GEORGE CAMPBELL, M.P., speaking in support of the resolution, said :

I had not expected to be called upon at this moment; but I am strongly of opinion that the principles of peace and arbitration may be made practical and workable, and scarcely think there is any case where peace can be bought too dear; and as for arbitration, that the principle is right, and therefore can only say that I think this society is worthy of your support. (Hear, hear.) There is another peace society with which I have had very great sympathy. I feel that there are occasions when peace societies may put themselves strongly before the country— in times of war-and I think the peace societies scarcely speak loud enough. My friend, Mr. Richard, the secretary of the older society, is a man thoroughly sound, and he has spoken out well. This new society is an advocate of international peace between the nations, and adjustment of difficulties without going to war.

Dr. CLARK moved the third resolution:-

"That this meeting do express its satisfaction that there is a prospect of the formation of similar bodies in the several European States (at the instance of this Association), for the education and organisation of public opinion in favour of Arbitration as a Substitute for War."

And said

My Lord, you will permit me, as I am to be followed by a great French orator, simply to move this resolution.

LE PERE HYACINTHE, who addressed the meeting in French, and who was greeted with great enthusiasm, said :

A message asking him to speak in the cause of peace came to him while on board the Bothnia, on his return from America, where he had been for eight months pleading the cause of reform of the Church of France. The moral and social distances which separated America from the Old World were as great as those of one planet from another. The Americans knew how to solve practical questions. The question of peace and disarmament had been referred to about two years ago in Brussels, and the opinions by the United States coincided

It

with those expressed at that meeting. Large armies did not exist in
the United States, but it was right that she should have a small army.
In that country they believed in the policy of progressive disarmament.
If they did not attain disarmament in Europe they would realise the
prophecy of Montesquieu when he predicted the destruction of all that
was great and noble in Europe by war. There were now two questions
to be solved in Europe, and there had been a third question; that was
Italy, but that had been settled, the knot had been untied. In refer-
ring to what war had done in the past, and especially to the life of
Napoleon the First, he said that that great man had, although uncon-
sciously, planted the standard of Liberty in Italy, and had been the
first to try and settle the Eastern question. In Italy the result of
his work had been the establishment of a Free Church in a Free
State. The Count de Maistre, before the end of the last century
said, "Europe will sing, some day, at St. Sophia the Te Deum of
the deliverance from war." He did not know what Power would
have the glory of first breaking open the doors of the harem.
might be England, with her large Mohammedan territories, that
would have the glory of doing so. With regard to the Rhine
question, that question was not settled at Sedan. The Rhine question
was the question of Alsace and Lorraine. For thirteen years from the
battle of Tolbiac down to Sedan, this question had not been settled.
Who should close that portal? Prince Bismarck is reported to have asked
how it would end. M. Gambetta once told him (the speaker) that war,
one of the most terrible of wars, would be the ending of all unless Prince
Bismarck would agree to disarm. But till they had sufficiently raised
public opinion on the matter, no Government, whether Imperial or
Republican, could possibly disarm. He (the speaker) hoped that public
opinion would be formed on this question so as to avoid war. He often
thought what would be the end of this; would it be a war of races or a
war between the working classes and the aristocracy? The cause of
international arbitration was one especially for England to take up.
England had a valiant sword, but it was wielded by but few men; and
she had a vast empire to watch over. It was therefore to her interest to
raise the standard of Peace and Fraternal Justice, and so assist in protect-
ing the interests of humanity. Napoleon had begun this century.
Who would finish it? A King, or the government of the multitude?
One thing was sure, that a monarch of peace in some form would come,
and that in a sense would be formed "Les Etats-Unis de l'Europe."
In conclusion, he wished peace to the men and peace to the mothers and
daughters of England. Let them look up, like Vasco de Gama, holding
a child to the tempest, and ask protection in the name of that child.
(Loud applause.)

Miss ISABELLA TOD moved the fourth resolution :

That this meeting do express pleasure at learning that two Societies
of the same character have recently been founded in France, and do
hereby tender their cordial wishes for their success in the great work on
which they have entered.

My lords, ladies, and gentlemen-This Society invites the women, not
only of these three countries, but of Europe; yes, of all Christendom,
to take their full share-and that a large and definite share-in en-
lightening the public mind, and awakening the public conscience, not
only to the dangers which follow war, but also to those underlying
principles of selfishness and tyranny. The women in these three
countries have their duty to do. This Society has its head quarters in
England, and by means of the women of this country we have the
advantage of our sisters elsewhere, and it is our duty to do the work
with and for them, and to aid them socially and politically. Each of
us has a responsibility and a special duty. We have a commission, and
we have accepted the responsibility in this regard-to make it easy for
our sisters in France, and Germany, and all the world over, to follow in
the path in which we endeavour to lead them, because we believe it to
be the right path. It is not, of course, an easy matter for us to lay
down rules or suggest plans for those whose lives are different from our
own; but if we avail ourselves of every opportunity we shall clear the
way for them. In this effort to make the rising generation of society
round about us feel that war is not the honourable and glorious thing it
has been supposed to be, we believe we have a duty to do that no
man can do. I have often realized what the great Nonconformist,
Richard Baxter, said about the great sin of tyranny. We have to fight
for and protect the interests of the weak, by teaching the strong that
they have no rights by virtue of their strength. I am very glad to have
the opportunity of speaking to your resolution in regard to the Societies
founded in France; for I have found that they have, in common with
us, a strong conviction of the absolute duty of striving for peace, so that,
were the Society to take root in France, it would spread with a greater
rapidity than in any other European nation; and I cannot but feel that
this is a work in which women can assist. I cannot but feel that we
have the right to appeal to the French women in this matter, and I do
hope that these two Societies are only the beginning of a great and
widespread effort in France, which shall make itself felt throughout the
whole civilized world. (Loud cheers.)

Mr. RICHARD EDGCUMBE briefly seconded the resolution,
which, on being put to the meeting, was
carried
unanimously.

Rev. DONALD FRASER, D.D., moved the fifth resolution :-
"That the President, Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, Honorary Secretary,
Secretary, General Council and Executive Committee, holding offices at
this date, be re-elected."

The Rev. JOHN COLEMAN, of New York, in seconding the
resolution, said

--

I consider it a great honour at a meeting of this kind to be asked to

say a few words.
Having been a clergyman for thirteen years, it has
been, for a long time, my privilege on many occasions to say some such
words as these that I believe one of the signs of the times in which we
are living is this question of arbitration, and that it is one of the
greatest privileges of men to be enabled to take part in furthering the
Divine work which has called us here together. I thank God, that in
case of one or two matters between this country and my own country
this custom of arbitration has obtained, and that this has been sounded
throughout the whole world; so that we American people feel that there
will never be a repetition of the controversy. One of the gravest subjects
before the American people at this moment is the election of President
of the United States. There has been a great meeting of independent
Republicans, because Americans feel that there are questions liable to
arise between countries, and we feel that there would be a very serious
consideration if a question of international comity should arise, and
if a peaceful solution could not be relied on. Americans know that
the policy of the United States is one of attending to its own business;
and we think that the objection to European Governments is that they
do not sufficiently attend to their own business. Now, perhaps, the
United States attend so much to their own business because they have
business to attend to; perhaps we have so much of our own business
and affairs to attend to that we do not have enough time to attend to
those of some other nation. In going back, I can promise you that
when it may be my privilege to stand in the pulpit, I shall often refer
to the fact of this truth of Arbitration. (Cheers.)

The resolution having been put and carried, Mr WILLIAM
PHILLIPS (Hon, Secretary), moved :-

"That the sincere and hearty thanks of this meeting be tendered to
the Right Hon. the Earl of Shaftesbury, for presiding on this occasion,
with an earnest expression that his valuable life may be long spared for *
the further service of his fellow men in all parts of the world."
He said-

Ladies and gentlemen-The resolution I have the honour to propose
to you, will, I am sure, be responded to with the greatest cordiality,
even if I do not say one single word more than just to mention the
name of our noble and revered president. It would be most impertinent
of me to recall to your mind many of the episodes of the life of Lord
Shaftesbury, because his name is a household word amongst us, and
dwells in your hearts, I am sure, as it lives in mine. It has been a
great pleasure and satisfaction to us that he has graced our meeting
with his presence. Now we are called dreamers and madmen, but
can say that many of us connected with this society are men of business,
not at all given to visionary schemes, who look to the steps they take
before they put their foot down, and am certain that if we are madmen
I can safely say that there is method in our madness, because we are
laying down a great, and strong, and noble foundation, on which I
believe future generations, not far distant, will raise a superstructure
worthy the foundation we are endeavouring to lay. (Cheers.)
MR. W. MARTIN WOOD:

Now and then we find those not too deeply engaged in the affairs of
life who can give some assistance to those who are working in this
matter, and I believe a reward is found in the work done by this
society, such as that during the past year. My lord, that is, I trust, a
very practical way of testifying the expression of the sentiment of our
exceeding obligation for your lordship's attendance here to-day.

The Noble CHAIRMAN:

All of you will agree with me that the best way of showing my grati-
tude is by expressing that acknowledgment with fewest possible words,
more particularly as I have to perform my duties at the House of Lords,
where I ought to be at the present moment. I do not think your asso-
ciation requires any encouragement after what we have heard in the
speeches given to-day, and the report read by Mr. Hodgson Pratt. I
recollect perfectly well when this question was first moved, it was found
great objections were raised-even ridicule was thrown upon it;
but now we have an association to promote it. I quite concur with
Mr. Thorold Rogers that there are indications that these societies
are making an impression. There is no doubt that there are
questions which thirty, or forty, or fifty years ago, would have
resulted in war, which have been a matter of good understanding
between the parties. I remember the time when it was considered
that a dispute between two countries must be determined by strife.
Remember the ends you have in view; nobody can doubt your object.
It is definite. None can occupy a nobler position than you occupy in
this Association. I think there is at the present time a great
amongst the people of all nations for Arbitration. I am old enough
to remember the bombardment of Algiers, and after it was over the Dey
asked our Admiral how much it had cost. When he had been informed
the Dey replied, "Why! I could have destroyed the town for half that
amount, and the balance could have been saved." War is the cause of
the ruin of nations; and how shall we arrive at the means of terminating
it? I believe by pursuing the course you have done, and doing the
work of your Divine Master. I believe there is scarcely a human being
who does not wish for peace. We pray for eternal peace. Why should
we not pray for temporal peace? (Cheers.)

desire

(The limited space at our command compels us to give but
a Summary of the excellent speeches at this our Third
Anniversary. Suffice it to say the proceedings were unani-
mous and enthusiastic throughout.)