PALACE OF PEACE.

Northern Advocate, 1 September 1913, Page 3

PALACE OF PEACE.

GREAT HAGUE JOKE

EUROPE'S RED RECORD. LONDON, Aug. 2!». The "Daily News,' , discussing the Palace of Peace, emphasises the contrast of statesmen's professions and conduct. It enumerates the wars since the Czar's rescript of IS9B, coupling with them the horrors of Russian repressions. The "News" says the list covers a period of violence, bloodshed and perfidy unparalleled in the century. With few exceptions statesmen of the world still believe in force, in the sword more than in treaties, in accomplished fact more than in justice. Perhaps the moral is that it is mo.-c difficult to change the mentality of governments than of people, hence the propaganda of peace can more profitably be addressed to the latter.

The "Standard," under the heading, "The Great Hague Joke," refers to the costly wars since the Czar's rescript, which was a colossal sham.

It adds that "Brazil in sending a warship to honour The Hague ceremonies, shows- a fine sense of the fitness of things. Had other nations desired to tell the truth instead of countenancing a polite piece of humbug, they would have sent Dreadnoughts with their flags inscribed, "Real defenders of the world's peace," for it is not. The Hague Conference, but the army corps and battleships that prevent rivalries bursting into flame. We must face the fact that while every nation is sincerly desirous o f keeping the peace as long as possible, all are convinced that there is no guarantee against aggression but their own ability to defend themselves.

The "Times" welcomes the completion of the Palace of Peace on many grounds.

The British Government, says the "Times," with the entire approval of the nation, has shown its readiness before now both to refer its disputes with neighbours to the judgment ..f arbitrators and to abide by their decision.

The Delagoa Bay case is only one instance among a number. Even if the tribunal fails to avert armed conflicts, it may still help to shorten their duration.