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Show The Peace Conference. Tho world Is watching with much Interest if not solicitude, the work of the Hague Congress. The one question, perhaps more vital than any other is that of the limitation of armies and navies. Germany gave notice in advance that her delegates would not discuss that question, but Chancellor Von Bulow says if the rest of the nations' make practical suggestions Germany will promptly consider them. On the other hand our Secretary of State, Mr. Root, Insists that tho discussion dis-cussion shall be sprung, that even if no direct practical results come of it, the mero canvassing of the subject might still be a long step In the direction of peaco. That position on the part of our Republic ought to profoundly impress the Conference. Every delegate will know in advance that tho United States does not covet tho soil of any other country; coun-try; that when our Republic speaks for peace it means it, and that tho request does not come of any fear of any other power or combination of powers, but that It is a plea for a higher human- ity, a more Christian spirit; that it is in keeping jH with the Declaration of Independence and all our H national traditions. Behind the call is the truth that from tho be- iH ginning most wars have boen waged either to gratify the ambition or oupidlty of men, and the boliof is filling the world that states should be jH saved without tho sword. jH The Conference does not seem, thus far, to ap- predate the majesty that it should represent, or 1 else its members lack tho assertion that should be jH Surely their calling is high enough, arbiters fll for a world that for thousands of years has IH leaned upon the sword for its adjustments, and has had no final appeal higher than that of tho jH wild beast for its victories. Ts it not timo for jH the crescent to wane and for the cross to be exalted? jH |