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SHOWING

THE RUINOUS POLICY OF THE FORMER, AND
THE SUPERIOR EFFICACY OF THE LATTER, FOR
NATIONAL PROTECTION AND DEFENCE;

CLEARLY MANIFESTED

BY THEIR PRACTICAL OPERATIONS AND OPPOSITE EFFECTS
UPON NATIONS, KINGDOMS AND PEOPLE.

BY PHILANTHROPOS.

Ad.

Walliams Gold

Wisdom is better than weapons of war.-Solomon.

ALBANY:

PRINTED BY PACKARD AND VAN BENTHUYSEN.

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PREFACE.

Shortly after the conclusion of the late war in America, and the general peace of Europe, which succeeded it, the minds of many, in both countries, were led to reflect on the subject of war principles, and to examine and compare their nature and effects with those of the principles of peace. The result has been an increasing conviction of the unchristian character, and ruinous policy of war, in all its attendant consequences; and of the beneficial effects of pacific principles, with a firm persuasion of their natural tendency, and superior efficacy, in securing the defence and protection of nations, and promoting the best interests of mankind.

Such convictions have led to the publication of many valuable essays on these subjects, and to the formation of many peace societies on both sides of the Atlantic, particularly in England and the United States. The avowed object of these societies is, to turn the attention of mankind to a serious consideration of these things.

Among the variety of publications issued from the press, under the authority of these societies, may be noticed some valuable periodicals. The Friend of Peace, a very useful work published in Boston, under the auspices of "The Massachusetts Peace Society," has had an extensive circulation for about thirteen years, and has produced much conviction respecting the pernicious effects and unchristian character of war, especially in the New-England States. This has been succeeded by the Harbinger of Peace, published in New-York, under the direction of "The American Peace Society," which tho small, is ably conducted, and bids fair to effect much good. The Herald of Peace, published in London, by "The society for promoting permanent and universal peace," is a valuable and interesting work, upon a larger scale, and we are informed that it has a very extensive circulation, and has produced the most beneficial effects, especially in the British dominions.

These, with many other valuable productions on the unchristian character, and destructive nature and effects of war, and the salutary and beneficent effects of peace, have spread much light on these subjects, and effected a great change in public opinion, and appear to have made no small impression on the minds of many statesmen and rulers.

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