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.

In general it may be stated that much emphasis was laid upon the religious and ethical basis for peace and upon the fundamental causes of war. In the opening speech of the Congress, made by Rabbi Hirsch of Chicago, a lofty note of peace was struck when reference was made to the one God, the Father of all, and throughout the session the appeal was often made to the creator as the God of love and not of war. It became more and more apparent, as the deliberations of the Congress proceeded and the speeches of reformers of various schools had been delivered, that human selfishness lay at the bottom of international as well as national problems. In many ways the nature of this selfishness was exposed as self-deceived and as destined to bring in its train self-inflicted wounds.

The teaching of Christian Science is very explicit on the point that peace must be earned before it can be enjoyed, that dis-ease in error is preferable to ease in the same. Christian Science turns the willing student to God, divine Principle, as the source and origin of all real peace. Thus Mrs. Eddy shows that the possibility of at-one-ment with God also invokes the necessity of disassociation with evil, and that this liberation produces the only legitimate warfare which can be found, namely, that between the flesh and Spirit.

Much time and thought was devoted by the Congress to arbitration as the natural method of forestalling war between nations. In this connection it is interesting to notice that the reference of the famous Alabama Claims by the United States and Great Britain to be settled by international arbitration at Geneva, Switzerland, in 1871, set a notable example to the world. This instance will probably be cited by future historians as marking the first great step in the federation of the nations. It certainly gave a wonderful moral impulse to the cause of peace. Indeed the little Republic of Switzerland has since become a veritable repository of international arbitration. A large number of international unions have established their central offices at Bern, the capital of Switzerland, among these being the International Peace Bureau.

In connection with questions of arbitration effective work has been and is being done by a Legislative Committee and a Judiciary Committee, both committees having for their secretary a gentleman well known to Christian Scientists, Mr. Hayne Davis. The presence and participation of many women in the Congress was also an inspiring feature, bearing witness to our Leader's teaching in behalf of "the rights of woman acknowledged morally, civilly, and socially" (Science and Health, p. 587). Among the most affecting incidents of the Congress was the presentation to its President, Mr. Andrew Carnegie, of a flag of peace by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, of which society Mrs. Eddy is a member. The presentation was made by a committee sent for the purpose from Washington, D. C., where the National Society was in session. The constant activity of King Edward of Great Britain in furthering peace between nations was not overlooked at the Congress and he has now become generally recognized as Edward the Peacemaker. It was also brought to public attention that Emperor William of Germany, though frequently referred to as a "war-lord," has not waged a single war during his entire reign of almost twenty years, colonial enterprises being excepted. So, too, was grateful reference made to the action of the Czar of Russia in calling together the first Hague Conference.

First and foremost in importance among the expressions of opinion to which the Congress gave rise, must be counted the carefully and cautiously worded letter sent by the President of the United States. This document, which was of course generally printed in the daily press of the country, was distinctly favorable to the aims and purposes of the Congress, but counseled patience and conservatism in such action as the Congress might take. Coming from the man who had succeeded in bringing to a close the war between Russia and Japan, and who had but recently made an agreement with the President of Mexico to avert war in Central America, this letter was received by the delegates with special respect and kindly attention. Next in official importance to the letter of the President was the long and comprehensive review of the questions involved in international arbitration made by the Secretary of State, Hon. Elihu Root. This speech set forth the distinctly governmental standpoint, elaborating the difficulties which confronted the governments of the various nations in their desire to arrive at unity of action. In listening to the words of the Secretary of State the delegates did not forget his services in the cause of peace, illustrated by his recent visits to the South American Republics and to Canada.

An afternoon was set aside for the Young People's Meeting, which was largely attended by school children. It proved to be a very touching manifestation of spontaneous, natural enthusiasm for the peace sentiment, encouraging to all and deeply significant of the future. Nor should the music rendered on the opening night of the Congress be overlooked, for the compositions chosen showed to what an extent the desire for peace and the appreciation of the sense of peace have influenced some of the world's greatest composers.

On the last day of the Congress a series of resolutions were adopted by unanimous vote of the delegates present, among whom was the delegate of The Mother Church. These resolutions may be said to mark an historic moment in the development of international peace. They are appended herewith in abbreviated form:—

(1) That The Hague Conference shall hereafter be a permanent institution. (2) That The Hague Court shall be open to all the nations of the world. (3) That a general treaty of arbitration, for ratification by all the nations, shall be drafted by the coming Conference, providing for the reference to The Hague Court of international disputes which cannot be adjusted by diplomacy. (4) That the United States Government urge upon the Conference action looking to the limitation of armament. (5) That the Conference extend to private property at sea immunity from capture in war.