“The Federation Trend in International Affairs”
EX-PRESIDENT TAFT recently made a speech in New York City under the auspices of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. His subject was “The Federation Trend in International Affairs.” In speaking of the advantage of an international supreme court, Mr. Taft said: “It is therefore federation to the extent that a permanent international court offers the solution of the problem of how to escape war, how to induce nations to give up the burden of armaments, and how to broaden and make certain our system of international law. “It will be natural that a court thus established, and with the closer union that it will necessarily bring between the various powers, that the congresses shall be called at convenient periods in which by treaties an international code may be adopted to meet the defects in its accepted scope which the issues and judgments in the arbitral court may develop, and which the judicial discretion of such a tribunal may not supply. “Such a court and such a code will greatly promote justice in the world and the peace of nations.” The people of this generation have convinced themselves that they are more highly civilized than any former generation. The doctrine has been promulgated that the leading nations of earth are Christian; and working upon the ground that these assumptions are fact, the theory has been advanced that we are to have international justice, international peace, and consequently no further wars. The big war in Europe broke in upon this delusion, still the idea is such a pleasing one that it will not be given up. Hence there is a regular craze sweeping over the world now for “internationalism.” It is believed that if we can only have an international federation among the nations, with international courts, etc., all our difficulties will be solved; but in these theories men do not seem to take into account the important fact stated by the prophet Jeremiah, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” Jer. 17:9. The wickedness of mankind, together with the shortcomings of our race, has kept the people embroiled in wars to a greater or less extent all through our history, and God’s word makes it perfectly plain that the last years of time will be marked by the greatest wars that have ever been seen. It may be well enough for people to seek for international agreements that will promote peace, but we make a mistake in believing that such things will be successful while wicked men are reigning upon this earth. Those who are following the Bible will not be deceived by any human dreams, theories, or speculations. But all others are doomed to a bitter disappointment in the end; for the Book says, “When they are saying, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, . . . and they shall in no wise escape.” I Thess. 5:3.