CONVERSAZIONE. A Conversazione of the Association will be held on Tuesday, 22nd January, at 8 p.m., in the rooms of the Society of British Artists, Suffolk-street, Pall Mall. In the course of the evening Mr. Hodgson Pratt will give a short report of his recent visit to Paris, and make some reference to the present position of the Association. There will also be vocal and instrumental music. Ladies and gentlemen who are members or adherents of the Association are earnestly invited to be present, and to bring their friends. The Secretary will be happy to forward cards of admission on application being made to him at 41, Outer Temple, Strand, W.C.

COUNCIL MEETING:

THE next Meeting of the Council of the Association will be held on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH, at FOUR o'clock p.m.

A SPECIAL REPORT will be submitted ON THE PRESENT POSITION OF THE ASSOCIATION; and

the Executive Committee very earnestly request the attendance of all Vice-Presidents and Members of the Council who are interested in the work of this Association, and desire its continued efficiency and usefulness.

HODGSON PRATT, Chairman.
J. FREDK. GREEN, Secretary.

The Editor acknowledges with thanks the receipt of the following:-Herald of Peace, Arbitrator, L'Arbitre, Le Devoir, Le Courrier de l'Ouest, La Revue Sud-Américaine, Les Etats-Unis d'Europe, Bulletin des Sommaires, La Revue de l'Orient, Le Haïasdan, Il Secolo, Die Nation, Le Courrier de Londres, Chamber of Commerce Journal, Peacemaker (Philadelphia, U.S.A.), American Advocate of Peace and Arbitration.

AN URGENT APPEAL TO OUR
FRIENDS.

A MAN who desires to make steady progress in life should, at the beginning of a new year, 'take stock" of himself, and consider whether he is on the right road of progress-what he has done or failed to do.

A society of men haying a great purpose like ours must also adopt this salutary process if it would live and grow. We accordingly ask the members of our Association, at the beginning of this new year, to ask themselves whether they have enabled their Committee to do its great work as thoroughly as possible and to achieve increased success.

We fear that too many of us do not adequately bear in mind how urgent is the need of the task we have undertaken, or what devotion of thought and labour it involves in order to produce any tangible result. As to its necessity, they have only to reflect on the terrible statistics contained in a communicated article in the Daily News a few days since, under the title of "The Armed Continent.' The correspondent's figures show that, in this year of our Lord, 1889, "over twenty-eight millions of Europeans, all in the prime of manhood, are liable to expose their lives in the next great war."

That a war of tremendous magnitude will take place is feared throughout Continental Europe; while, in the meantime, nations are everywhere suffering intolerable burdens from the constantly increasing demands to meet that conflict.

Then comes the question, so often mooted in these columns-are the people of Europe helpless in the face of such a transcendent danger to liberty and civilisation as the growing militarism of the Continent involves ? It has been one of the duties of our Association to try and show that, if the people will every

where organise themselves for certain definite and practical work, it is not impossible to diminish the causes of war. Our programme of work has been brought to the notice of hundreds of men in France, Germany, AustroHungary, and Italy; and everywhere we have received assurances from experienced, practical, and well-informed men that our modes of proceeding are eminently reasonable and deserve general support.

In more than a dozen great Continental cities the work of this English Association has been hailed with expressions of hope and satisfaction; and, as our readers know, we have planted the germs of an organisation like our own in the countries just mentioned.

Indeed, it would be the greatest possible stigma on the boasted progress of European society and on its supposed civilisation, if men of the official class were right when they declare that nothing can be done! It is absolutely clear that statesmen and diplomatists have failed in securing that peace which hundreds of millions of people earnestly desire, as the very first condition of warding off ruin, bankruptcy, famine, and insurrection. It remains, therefore, for the people themselves to take this vital question into their own hands and to make their voice heard by their Parliaments and Governments. They can, however, do nothing without organisation, and it is that which our Association desires to help them in creating throughout Europe. That we are able to do this is believed by our fellow-workers on the Continent, simply because we are Englishmen, accustomed as we have been for generations, to make great sacrifices for giving effect to the will of the nation.

Here, then, we have before us the sacred duty of rendering an immense service to the cause of humanity; and upon no nation does this duty fall so obviously as upon England. She has the immense advantage, derived from her insular position, of being outside the whirlpool of Continental strife. She has been free from the dangers and losses which have fallen upon sister States, and for that very reason her commercial and manufacturing prosperity have far surpassed them all. So great a vantage ground gives her a special responsibility-that of being the arbiter and mediator of Europe; the Power which should be the friend of all; and which should use her great advantages for all. It is, too, in her own interest that she should fill this high function. The impoverishment of Europe, the growth of great military empires, and the decay of true civilisation cannot be to the advantage of England, or of any other nation. There is too much solidarity of interests t render this possible, and it is well that this should be so.

We now call upon our readers to consider

whether this Association has, or has not, during the eight years of its existence, shown good reason for its maintenance, and has rendered real service to the cause of international concord in Europe. If the answer is in the affirmative, then we would ask all who are acquainted with our work not to let this Association fall to the ground for want of adequate support, both moral and material. If, through indifference in this matter, such a result were to happen, we say, without any exaggeration, that there would be great discouragement to all our numerous fellow-workers and friends on the Continent. It rests with the public at home to say whether we shall have the means, not only of continuing our efforts, but of rendering them more thorough and effective.

We earnestly invite offers of personal cooperation, both in London and in the provinces, and we ask for the means of meeting a very moderate expenditure, which is so moderate because of the large personal sacrifices of time, labour, and money which have been made.

We shall be glad to receive any communications in reference to this appeal, which has been made at a critical moment, not without absolute necessity nor without anxiety as to the result.

H. P.

PEACE AND PROGRESS FOR THE! GERMAN PEOPLE.

IN our last issue we referred to the remarkable speech of Herr Liebknecht, a leading representative of the vast body of German Socialists, when he declared in the Reichstag that the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine was a grave political fault. Since then, precisely the same admission has been made by the leading organ of another great section of the German people -the Catholics. We refer to the well-known ultramontane journal, the Germania, in which we find the following words:-"The question of Alsace-Lorraine is always the burning one. Those who committed the fault of annexation did not certainly suppose that it would cost Germany millions of money, to say nothing of the constant danger of a bloody war unequalled in history for its magnitude.' Germania adds that the neutralisation of these provinces would perhaps constitute the most reasonable solution of the problem, under the actual circumstances of Europe at the present time.

The

It is a remarkable fact that at last the representatives of two large sections of the German people should thus, within a few days, have endorsed the view which has so long been advocated in this Journal and by many members of our Association, and for which we have been ridiculed and attacked both in England and

Germany. We can but hope, for the sake of all Europe, as well as for the sake of Germany itself, that an increasing number of her citizens will come to see that in "neutralisation" is the only true remedy for the actual state of things. So long as the European situation continues to be what it is at present, so long will the best results of civilisation remain in jeopardy.

It is strange that, notwithstanding the obvious evils caused by the annexation, those who have honestly proposed the above remedy are constantly stigmatised as being false friends to peace, and of enmity to the German people. It will be seen from a letter which we publish in another column, from Dr. Braun, Court Chaplain at Stuttgart-whom the Chairman of our Committee enlisted in our cause four years ago-has withdrawn from us because of our reference to Herr Liebknecht's speech. We therefore take this opportunity of entreating our friends and fellow-workers-especially the Liberals-in Germany to consider whether the present state of Europe does not show that we may not be in the right in this matter. At all events, it is a question for honest and most careful study, not for passion and denunciation.

Recent political incidents in Germany must have opened the eyes of every Liberal in that great nation to the fact that the millions of money which the people have to pay for evergrowing armaments but inadequately represent the extent of the sacrifices required for holding the annexed provinces. Security, indeed! This annexation has been the cause of permanent insecurity, of untold waste of resources, and of ever-present danger. But even worse than these things is the consequent maintenance of a system of administration which deprives a great nation of that political liberty, of that freedom of association, of independent organisation, and of control of government, which are the first essentials of a true and progressive civilisation. The noble German people, with their unsurpassed capacity for intellectual attainment and research, their great national qualities of unwearied industry and of patient investigation, with their remarkable achievements in literature and science, are in danger of losing some portion of the right of full political liberty. Not only Germany, but the world at large is interested in this matter, because any restrictions upon freedom of thought, of speech, of writing, and of association must check the full growth and fruitage of a nation whose thought and action are a necessary factor in the progress of Europe at large.

So long as the security of Germany is made the pretext for sacrificing its manhood to militarism, so long will the great intellectual, moral, and political forces be dwarfed and repressed. Earnestly, therefore, do we pray for a better day for our brethren; and we see

no hope for an improvement except in the growth of the great Liberal Party, which in every country has been the champion of true national greatness, of justice and righteousness. PHIL.

ITALY DEMANDS PEACE.

ONE of the most encouraging incidents of the present time is the remarkable manifestation on behalf of peace which is taking place throughout the Italian peninsula. Almost every day the newspapers of that country record the formation of new societies and committees, and of the adhesion of distinguished men to the movement. The interesting letter of our Roman correspondent bears testimony to the same fact; and, indeed, this spontaneous organisation of the people must have great influence not only on Italy, but on other nations, for these unexpected events will probably affect the Triple Alliance and the policy of Russia and France. It is curious that neither our English newspapers, nor their foreign correspondents, have taken notice of these facts.

Of course, our affiliated societies at Rome and Milan, which were founded by our Association, take the lead in this great manifestation of the popular will.

What has specially stimulated the force of this agitation has been the fear of a possible war with France, which would be regarded as fratricidal in its character; and accordingly a new organisation has been created at Milan with the title of the "Central Permanent Committee of Vigilance for Liberty and Peace." Under the auspices of this Committee, of the Lombard Union, and of various Liberal and working men's associations, an immense meeting was held at Milan, followed by another on the 13th inst. Our friend, S. Moneta, has naturally taken a prominent part in a work which he has done so much to create; and in another column we print extracts from one of his speeches.

We note some of the meetings of which mention has been made in Italian journals, adding names of some of the new societies formed within the last few weeks:

ROME.-Meeting of senators, deputies, and other distinguished members of our affiliated association, to take steps for the congress suggested by his Excellency S. Ruggiero Boughi, president.

ASTI.-A Conference on Arbitration and Peace, under the auspices of Professor Alessandrino Gaspari Gonzi.

TERNI.-Meeting of 2,500 persons, addressed by Professor Labriola.

BERGAMESCA.-Meeting of the Democratic Association in favour of Peace,

New Societies.-Turin ("Universal Peace Committee," which appeals specially to University students throughout Italy); Faenza; Parma; Porto Ferraio; Prato; Alessandria; Legna; Monza; Bergamasca, and others.

A great International Congress has been convened at Milan for the 13th of this month, and upwards of fifty societies have taken part in organising it. The Chairman of our Committee has been invited to attend; but the affairs of our Committee, and the present position of the Association, have prevented his leaving London.

An excellent address has been sent to the Vigilance Committee above referred to by a great number of French deputies, senators, university men, and others. In this document the deep satisfaction of the French people is expressed at the widespread and remarkable manifestations of friendship which are now being made throughout Italy. We shall hope to quote from this address in our next issue. We have no space for it this month.

A. B. C.

THE ARMED CONTINENT.

IN the Daily News of the 4th inst. there appears a very striking article under the above heading, which the editor assures us, in a leading article, is written by "a very careful and well-informed correspondent." The writer gives the following table, which has been prepared after reference to the most recent official documents and declarations on the subject, and shows (1), in the column headed" War Strength," the approximate number of men disposable for offensive purposes in the event of the outbreak of war in 1889; (2), in the column headed "Second Reserves," the approximate number of men who, in the event of the outbreak of war, would join the colours, but remain at home unless their services were very urgently needed at the front; (3), in the column headed "Final Reserves," the number of men who, in addition to all the above, would be available for defensive purposes in case of their country being invaded.

are liable to expose their lives in the next great war. More than two-thirds of them are at present engaged in civil pursuits; but war might drag any one of them from his occupation, and thus, at a few hours' notice, the commercial, manufacturing, and agricultural interests of half Europe might be paralysed by the withdrawal of all the best and most active workers. The writer then shows the enormous increase that has taken place since 1872, when the full war-strength in the various countries amounted to only 6,142,000 men, as against 10,480,000 men to-day. Yet even in 1872 the armaments of the Central Powers were generally regarded as regarded as "bloated."

In an excellent editorial on the subject, in the same issue of the Daily News, the writer points out that it does not follow that because Germans or Russians will cheerfully contribute a large number of men for national defence, therefore they will as cheerfully see themselves denuded of all their bread-winners for the furtherance of ambitions and aggressive designs. "Courage and endurance, and fidelity to national honour, guided soldiers through the old campaigns, infinite as was the misery those shining qualities concealed. But it is quite different now, when war is a matter for chemists, metallurgists, and mechanical engineers." "If war does not gradually give way to arbitration, of which blessed prospect there are, gigantic armies notwithstanding, already some signs, we may see something like a universal revolt against exactions so intolerable, idiotic, and inhuman."

To all of which we heartily say, Amen. But we confess that we should like to see more signs of such a "universal revolt" as that of which the writer in the Daily News speaks. On the contrary, there seems to us to be the most amazing apathy upon the subject. The societies for International Arbitration and Peace are everywhere, except perhaps in Italy, crippled for want of funds, or in a moribund condition, through the inanition and lack of interest of professing supporters.

And yet when was there greater need for the work of these societies? If things are as bad as they are represented-and no sane man would deny that they are surely the work for all friends of Humanity to undertake is to endeavour to educate public opinion, and by that means the rulers also, so that some more rational and less disastrous method of settling international differences or of keeping the peace may be substituted for war. The rulers are, we confess, the great difficulty; but even they must realise that some sort of disarmament will soon be the only alternative to national ruin. And the people everywhere may teach them this lesson, and compel them to learn it quicker than they otherwise might. Let the people, then, realise

4

Germany. We can but hope, for t all Europe, as well as for the sake of itself, that an increasing number of h will come to see that in "neutralisati only true remedy for the actual state So long as the European situation co be what it is at present, so long wil results of civilisation remain in jeopa

It is strange that, notwithstanding t evils caused by the annexation, those honestly proposed the above remed stantly stigmatised as being false peace, and of enmity to the Germa It will be seen from a letter which w in another column, from Dr. Bra Chaplain at Stuttgart-whom the Ch our Committee enlisted in our cause i ago-has withdrawn from us becau reference to Herr Liebknecht's spee therefore take this opportunity of e our friends and fellow-workers - € the Liberals-in Germany to consider the present state of Europe does not s we may not be in the right in this mat all events, it is a question for honest a careful study, not for passion and denu

Recent political incidents in Germa have opened the eyes of every Liberal great nation to the fact that the mi money which the people have to pay growing armaments but inadequately 1 the extent of the sacrifices required for the annexed provinces. Security, indee annexation has been the cause of pe insecurity, of untold waste of resource ever-present danger. But even wor these things is the consequent mainte a system of administration which de great nation of that political liberty, freedom of association, of independent sation, and of control of government, w the first essentials of a true and pro civilisation. The noble German peop their unsurpassed capacity for int attainment and research, their great qualities of unwearied industry and of investigation, with their remarkable ments in literature and science, are in of losing some portion of the right political liberty. Not only Germany, world at large is interested in this because any restrictions upon freedom of of speech, of writing, and of associatio check the full growth and fruitage of whose thought and ion are a ne factor in the progre