L. A. S by L. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Nov 3, 1904

L. A. S

By L. A. S.

THE following resolutions are regarded as chief in importance among those adopted at the late session of the International Peace Congress in Boston:—

Resolved, That the congress address to the emperors of Russia and Japan an earnest appeal, entreating them, either by direct negotiations or by having recourse to the friendly offices of some neutral power or powers, to put an end to the awful slaughter of their subjects now going on, and urging the plea that, since terms of peace must sooner or later be discussed and settled, it is far better that this shall be done promptly, so as to avert the further sacrifice of precious lives and valuable property.

That the congress forward an address to each of the signatory powers of The Hague convention, other than Russia and Japan, reminding them of Article XXVII of the convention, and urging them, in accordance therewith, to press upon the governments of Russia and Japan the importance of putting an end without further delay to a war which afflicts humanity, hinders legitimate commerce, and impedes the progress of the world in the pathway of civilization and peace.

So far as Japan is concerned, an end to the awful slaughter of human beings now going on in Manchuria can no doubt be secured as soon as Japan is assured that her national existence, for which she believes herself to be fighting, is secure. It is entirely useless to appeal to Japan to consent to a peace which, in her view, would involve the loss of her national life.

Russia, on the other hand, believes herself divinely commissioned to spread over and absorb into her government the peoples of Asia, and to be stopped in her “glacial movement” eastward and southward would be directly contrary to her long and sacredly cherished ambitions. Both commercial and religious motives urge Russia forward to a position which threatens the integrity of Japan. Shut out in Europe from any seaport that is not ice bound during a large portion of the year, Russia seeks such a port in Asia; while the Greek Church, which is the real ruling power in the empire, cherishes the dream of the religious conquest of the world. And with Russia, religious and political conquest always go together.

It is useless to appeal to Russia to forsake this program, and turn back from her cherished traditional policy. Only the intervention of the powers of Europe, together with the United States, is likely to move Russia to an early suspension of hostilities.