"The underlying spirit of Mr. Bayard's policy, however, has been to humanise international relations. He regards the principle of Arbitration as one which could be extended with vast benefit to mankind, and he would like especially to see the neutralisation of private property applied to property on sea as well as on land. Think of the fact,' said he, 'that on two-thirds of the globe the property of non-combatants is by the present usages of nations regarded as lawful prize of war. During a war on land the officer or soldier who took possession of private property without paying for it would be justly regarded as a brigand, yet on the sea a man's whole fortune invested in a ship or cargo may be wept away without redress.'

"Another favourite theme with Mr. Bayard is the neutralisation of certain localities which are useful to all the Powers and incapable of defence without disproportionate cost by any one of them. He instances the neutralisation of the Suez Canal by the common consent of the European Powers as an example of the important benefits to be secured by the application of this principle. Some similar arrangement would have to be entered into to protect the interests of this country if a ship canal across the Isthmus of Panama is built. It would not be sufficient protection for the United States to have control of such a canal. The only adequate protection is to be secured by neutralisation of the canal by consent of all the Powers.

"Mr. Bayard sought to apply this principle of neutralisation by international agreement to the Samoan Islands. The proposition that the United States should guarantee the neutrality of those islands seemed to him to be unwise for the reason that to guarantee the neutrality of an independent sovereignty, especially one as weak as Samoa, would be to expose this country to the constant risk of embroilment in the relations of Samoa with other Powers. We would be responsible for whatever Samoa might choose to do without the power to regulate her conduct. It would be cheaper to annex the islands at once, for then, in assuming the responsibility of defending them against all comers, we would acquire the right to provide them with a safe and stable government. To do this it would be necessary to build great fortifications at Pago Pago, to furnish them with a powerful garrison, to maintain a strong fleet in the South Pacific. The cost would be enormous, and after all this expenditure American interests in Samoa would not be as safe as under a guarantee by the Powers interested in the neutrality of the islands.

"Mr. Bayard looks upon the rejection of the Chinese, fisheries', and extradition treaties as unfortunate for the country. He does not regard the action of the Senate as justly involving any reflection upon the actual merit of the treaties themselves. Senator Sherman has admitted that the Chinese treaty was an acceptable measure. Mr. Bayard says that his regrets at the course which party opponents have seen fit to pursue, proceed not from any personal feeling of resentment, but from disappointment that they, for the sake of mere party or personal advantage, have not hesitated to avail themselves of every opportunity to hamper and embarrass him, ignore the fact that it was their duty to treat him not as an individual, but as a public servant charged with a public trust, the performance of which they should have facilitated by every means in their power."

CORRESPONDENCE.

[To the Editor of CONCORD.]

SIR,-May I call the attention of your readers to the approaching theatrical performance to be given on March 27th, at Victoria Hall, Bayswater, by the Queen's Club Company?

As the object of this entertainment is to aid the funds of the Association, it is to be hoped that all who share our opinions will seriously consider how they can promote its success. Why cannot the friends of Peace bring to its organisation the enthusiasm and energy which have built so many Salvation Army barracks, hospitals, and religious edifices in our midst? Our aim is no less a direct following of the principles of the Founder of Christianity, and, perhaps, goes closer to the root of the matter, than many more ostentatious efforts to promote the well-being of humanity. If we, then, are in earnest in seeking to establish Peace-if we really feel that it deserves to be set on a firm pinnacle in public opinion, and is worthy of strenuous effort, no details ought to be too small for our consideration; and even a theatrical entertainment becomes a means of showing faith in the fair ideal which we all professedly labour for. Hoping you will give this expression of opinion a place in your columns, I am, Sir, faithfully yours, A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

THE MISSING "SANCTION

"2 FOR AN INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION TRIBUNAL.

"Gutenburg's gun has the widest range!"-LOWELL.
[To the Editor of the TIMES.]

SIR,-In your recent review of Sir Henry Maine's "Lectures on International Law" you intimate that the one thing needed to make successful the proposed International Arbitration Tribunal is some ""sanction" or compelling power to enforce its awards.

Surely the Times should not be the last to acknowledge the existence of some possible "sanction" other than militarism. In America we find such a "sanction." Without it all law is a dead letter, while unwritten codes, enforced by it, are all-compelling. The force I allude to is that represented in no small degree by the Times-the force of public opinion. Militarism itself bows to public opinion! You may

;

"The pen is mightier than the sword!" pronounce public opinion an intangible force, but these intangible forces are of all forces the most irresistible. Gravitation is an intangible force-it shakes the world electricity is an intangible force-it rends the heavens! And a consensus of the world's public opinion who shall defy? Moreover, the rapidity of the growth of public opinion as to the fatuous folly and futility of war is remarkable. But a few years ago, the one sect advocating peace as its cardinal tenet was the sect of Quakers, so well appreciated by their fellow-Christians that the substantive Quaker was too frequently qualified by the adjective, "crop-eared." Now intelligent men are found everywhere to denounce war as anachronistic, and militarism as the incubus of nations. As education advances step by step, therewith advances the doctrine of a system of equitable Arbitration, superseding warbreeding wars. Is it too much to hope that some day Christian civilisation will attain that measure of sweetness and light" which perceives that the secret of its religion is indeed peace, and its method the "sweet reasonableness" of international Arbitration ?— I am, sir, yours truly, EDWD. BERWICK. Monterey, California, Jan. 31st, 1889.

THE work of the committee for the past year having been of a more or less preliminary and tentative character, the results accomplished have not been so great as it may be hoped will be the case later on.

The preliminary meeting out of which the committee arose was held at Essex Hall, on October 25th, 1887, and the first meeting of the committee was held November 1st, 1887. Miss Anna Swanwick was appointed the president on that occasion, and a draft statement of the objects of the committee was drawn up.

The subject of improving the character of historical teaching in schools, so as to give more prominence to civil and moral progress than to military events, as well as the subject of leading young people to appreciate all that is noble in the history of foreign peoples, has received the consideration of the committee, and several qualified persons have been asked to prepare papers on this subject.

The committee have taken steps to promote an increased circulation of the journal of the Association, CONCORD, and each member has had additional copies forwarded to her for distribution amongst other friends and acquaintances.

Three hundred copies of the paper published by the Association, termed an "Appeal to Women," were forwarded to the Birkenhead Ladies' Peace Society, by whom they were distributed. Correspondence has been maintained with that society, which has shown every desire to co-operate heartily with our committee.

A drawing-room meeting was held, by Mrs. Felix Moscheles' kind permission, at her house in Cadogangardens, to which High School and Board School teachers were specially invited. This meeting was largely attended, and was very successful. The speakers were Mrs. Ormiston Chant, Mrs. Cady-Stanton, Mrs. Oscar Wilde, and others. Drawing-room meetings were also held at the residences of Mrs. Jacob Bright and Mrs. Leatham Bright, by their kind permission; and on both occasions the objects of the Association were made known to persons unacquainted with them. The speakers on those occasions were Mrs. Oscar Wilde, Mrs. Stuart Downing, Miss Balgarnie, and Mrs. Costelloe.

Publications of the Association were distributed at the meetings of the Liberal Federation, during the time that the country delegates were in London, by the kindness of Miss Emilia Monck and Miss Gwynne.

An expression of sympathy and congratulation was forwarded to the Congress of Scandinavian Women, held at Copenhagen, and a hope was expressed that they would give the peace question their earnest consideration.

A badge in the form of a dove and olive-branch, worn as a brooch, together with a bow of ribbon having the colours of the rainbow, has been adopted by the committee, the suggestion coming from Lady Caithness, Duchesse de Pomar.

Papers have been contributed by members of the committee to l'Aurore, a monthly periodical edited by Lady Caithness at Paris, in the interests of peace.

A public meeting, to which representatives of the various Liberal Women's Associations were invited, was held at the Westminster Palace Hotel, at which the Chairman of the Association, Mr. Hodgson Pratt, delivered an address on the foreign work of the Association. Miss Emilia Monck presided, and several ladies took part in the discussion.

Steps were further taken to invite the various Liberal Women's Associations to receive addresses on the subjects of Peace and Arbitration at their meetings, and the associations at Peckham Rye, Paddington, and

Brixton have kindly consented to facilitate the objects of the Association in this way.

Mrs. Fawcett has been obliged to resign the post of vice-president, owing to her numerous engagements.

"The Queen of Clubs" Amateur Dramatic Club has kindly consented to give an entertainment on behalf of the Association during the month of March, at Victoria Hall, Archer-street, Bayswater, which it is hoped will be largely attended.

The committee trusts that any ladies not yet acquainted with their work, who may see this report, will write for papers and information to the Hon. Secretary, MISS MONICA MANGAN. 5, Faii holme-road, West Kensington, S.W.

THE WOMEN'S COMMITTEE.

THE Queen of Clubs' Amateur Dramatic Society has kindly consented to give an entertainment for the benefit of the funds of the Association, on March 27th, at Victoria Hall, Bayswater, and the Marquis of Ripon has been kind enough to promise his patronage. As this performance is to take place under the special auspices of the Women's Committee, it is hoped that all women who sympathise with our aims will come forward and help us. Every person interested adds weight and strength to our efforts, and we shall be most grateful to any lady who will undertake to sell tickets for us, and to circulate our programmes. Our best thanks are due to the many ladies and gentlemen who have already given us valuable help in the of letter-writing, and making the entertainment known. The pieces to be performed are "The Coming Woman and "My Lord in Livery," and there will be an amateur lady orchestra. The Press has also kindly aided us, several papers having inserted notices of the dramatic performance. Amongst these are the Pall Mall Gazette, the Liberal and Radical, and several others, whose names we have not space to give.

way

Tickets, programmes, &c., may be obtained on application to Miss F. M. Wilson, 17, Blomfield-road, Maida Hill, W. The prices of the tickets are 3s., 25, and 1s. We shall be glad to forward tickets to anyone who will undertake to dispose of them.

We are especially grateful to Miss Macdonell, W. B. McLaren, Esq., M.P., Mrs. Cole (of the Women's Peace Association), and Miss Orme, for their kind assistance in this latter direction.

LECTURES, MEETINGS, ETC.

MR. HODGSON PRATT, Chairman of the Executive Committee, lectured on the work of the Association during the months of January and February at the South London Workmen's Club and the Hatcham Liberal Club. He also addressed a meeting of the Paddington Women's Liberal Association; and a public meeting at Croydon.

The Secretary lectured on "International Quarrels : how to settle them," at the Mission Hall, Blundellstreet, N., in connection with the West Islington Women's Liberal Association, on Thursday, January 17th, the chair being taken by Miss Monck; and at the New Somerville Club on Tuesday, the 5th inst., the chair being taken by Mrs. Mallet.

The Secretary also opened a discussion on "Arbitration v. War" at Toynbee Hall, on Wednesday, February 20th, which was well attended, and in which a large number of workmen took part.

We are also glad to see that some of our country friends and supporters are at work. On Friday, February 22nd, Mr. E. Candler gave an address at Little

hampton on the subject, "Is Peace between the various Powers of Europe best secured by the maintenance of huge armaments?"

On Friday, 1st inst., Miss Frances Thompson, President of the Liverpool and Birkenhead Ladies' Peace Association, lectured at Birkenhead on the subject of "Peace v. War." The meeting was well attended, and the following resolution was unanimously adopted :"That this meeting forward a petition to Parliament asking them to initiate such measures as may lead to an agreement of the Great Powers for the purpose of effect ing a mutual and simultaneous reduction of their armaments, and the introduction of a system by which disputes may be referred for settlement to friendly Arbitration."

N.B.-No paid Canvasser or Collector is employed by the Association.

The Editor acknowledges, with thanks, the receipt of the following:-Herald of Peace, Arbitrator, L'Arbitre, La Rénovation, Le Devoir, La Revue Sud-Américaine, Les Etats-Unis d'Europe, Bulletin des Sommaires, L'Action, L'Avenir des Campagnes, Revue Libérale, La Citoyenne, La Revue de l'Orient, Le Haïasdan, Il Secolo, Die Nation, Le Courrier de Londres, Peacemaker, American Advocate of Peace and Arbitration.

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND DONATIONS

FRENCH WIDOW LADY (long resident in England) desires to receive as Boarders ladies who may desire to perfect their KNOWLEDGE of the FRENCH LANGUAGE in Conversation and Composition. Excellent References can be given. AddressMrs. PULLEM, 39, Padwell Road, the Avenue, Southampton.

1889.

FOR FEBRUARY, 1889,

Contains in Sixteen Pages, Price 4d. :—

Armenia under Turkey and under Russia. By Hyde

Clarke.

La Revue de l'Orient.

The English Part in the Conspiracy against ZanzibarAn Analysis of Africa, No. 10-(1888). By C. D. Collet.

Mr. Morley on Zanzibar, at Newcastle-on-Tyne.

May be obtained of P. S. KING & SON, Canada Building, King Street, Westminster, S.W., or by post from C. D. Collet, 7, Coleridge Road, Finsbury Park, London, N.