Article April 27, 1907 Issue

THE NATIONAL ARBITRATION AND PEACE CONGRESS

W. D. MC CRACKAN, M.A.

The Congress bearing the above title, which was held in New York from April 14 to 17, marked a forward step in the progress of the human race. While it was denominated a National Congress, the presence and the speeches of visitors from many lands lent the event an international aspect. As an expression of world-wide public opinion, preparatory to the more formal deliberations and to the official acts of the second Hague Conference, to be held in June of this year, this great gathering was not only deeply impressive but also practically effective and influential for good. Not only were the principal nations of the world represented in New York, but the religious denominations had been invited and had sent delegates, and the churches in New York had been asked to hold services at which the aims and the purpose of the Congress could be set forth.

In response to the invitation of the Congress, and upon the recommendation of our beloved Leader, a delegate was sent to New York, bearing credentials from The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, The Mother Church, and also from the editorial staff of the Christian Science periodicals. In addition to meetings held by Christian Science churches in New York, a great meeting was held in The Mother Church in Boston on Sunday evening April 14, a report of this meeting being given in the Sentinel of April 20. It was but fitting that the Church founded by the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, whose teachings instil and establish genuine peace in the hearts of men, should be represented at this National Arbitration and Peace Congress.

An impressive unity of thought pervaded the ranks of the delegates. Differences of opinion on non-essentials only seemed to emphasize the universal agreement on the paramount question of peace. Apparently every department of mental activity was represented; not only the various religious bodies, but also the schools, the universities; the executive and legislative branches of government, Federal, State, and municipal; the judiciary, beginning with the United States Supreme Court; commerce and labor; the arts and physical sciences; the various peace societies,—all brought their tribute of praise to the blessings of peace and demanded its establishment upon a durable basis.

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