The Outlook for International Peace Mr. Benjamin F. Trueblood, secretary of the American Peace Society, has an interesting article in the December S. S. Times about the international peace movement, he says: "A Permanent Court of Arbiation, in which twenty-two of the powers of the world are represented by seventytwo distinguished judges, has been more than three years in existence, has already settled two important interuational disputes, and is engaged upon a third. Thirteen treaties of obligatory arbitration, stipulating reference of important classes of cases to The Hague Court, have been signed within the past twelve months, and at least as many more are now in process of negotiation. The group of states which have entered and are entering into these treaties includes a large number of the most important powers of the world. "Within the same period of time a remarkable agreement between two great powers, Great Britain and France, has been entered into, by the terms of which provision is made for the adjustment of all outstanding differences between the two governments, some of them of nearly two centuries' standing. A sharp clash between two great powers, Great Britain and Russia, which for a day or two kindled the spirit of war to white heat, has, through the wisdom of the two governments, aided by the friendly offices of the French Foreign Minister, and because The Hague Convention exists, been taken out of the domain of passion and violence and referred to on International Com mission of Inquiry, as provided by The TO ENTERTAIN PEACE DELEGATES Added to these important facts is another of immense significance. About two hundred members of the Inter parliamentary Union, an organization of statesmen now fifteen years old, and enrolling two thousand and fifty members and ex-members of the parliaments of the civilized world, only two months ago held the Twelfth Conference of the Union at St. Louis under most unusual circumstances. They came at the invitation of the United States Congress and the President, and were entertained as the guests of the government, and at its expense, throughout the whole of their trip of nearly three weeks. When before in the history of nations has one of the first-class powers expended fitty thousand dollars on the entertainment of a body of men entering its borders on a mission having only in view the establishment of peace among nations? As a result of the presence and the conference of these distinguished statesmen in our country, our government, through the Secretary of State, John Hay, has taken the initiative in calling a new Intergovernmental Peace Conference like that which met at The Hague five years ago. This conference is to take up the subjects left unfinished at The Hague, — namely, reduction of armaments, rights of neutrals, etc., and is in addition to have upon its program two subjects which were not discussed at The Hague,-the establishment of a general system of treaties of obligatory arbitration, and the creation of a regular congress of the nations to meet at stated periods for the discussion of pending international questions. SEVENTEEN NATIONS At The PEACE CONGRESS The great movement of international public opinion, which has resulted in the important events above cited, has also found most remarkable expression in the Thirteenth International Congress of the Friends of Peace held in Boston the first week in October. This Congress, which in size and interest surpassed the most sanguine expectations of its organizers, was the greatest single manifestation which has ever occured of public interest in the suppression of war, and of the organization and permanent establishment of peace among the nations. December Magazines THE DECEMBER REVIEW OF REVIEWS is extra fine and very attractive in its holiday dress. The illustrations are numerous and the articles instructive. It has no less than one hundred and ninety-two pages of "ads." In a group of four character sketches of men of the month, contributed to the December Review, President Nicholas Murray Butler, of Columbia University, writes on Chief Engineer Parsons, of the New York Rapid Transit Commission, to whose energy and constructive ability the people of New York owe their subway; Mr. Frederick M. Crunden, of the St. Louis Public Library, contributes an interesting study of President David R. Francis, of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, who is just about to sail on tour around the world; Mr. Louis A. Coolidge, of the Republican National Committee, pays a tribute to his chief, Chairman George B. Cortelyou, while the interesting story of William L. Douglas, the Democratic governorelect of Massachusetts, is told by H. L. Wood. SCRIBNER MAGAZINE a The Christmas Scribner's is rich in color illustrations and in pictures in black-andwhite. The frontispiece, in colors, is from a drawing by Maxwell Parrish; the colored cover is by David Ericson. There are also eight pages in very rich color showing scenes from the old ballads, drawn by Beatrice Stevens. Sarah Stilwell contributes a beautiful illustration in color of a mother and child; and Walter Appleton Clark's sketches of an old French village at Christmas time are reproduced in tint. Madame Waddington, whose "Letters of a Diplomat's Wife" attracted so much attention in England and in this country, is now visiting New York, which was her home in girlhood, her father, Charles King, having been President of Columbia College. Mme. Waddington has a charming sketch of "Christmas in the Valois," at a small village about sixty miles from Paris. MCLURE'S MAGAZINE has a most artistic cover, designed by Blendon Campbell. Another beautiful art feature is a frontispiece in colors by Maxfleld Parrish. THE INCREASE OF LAWLESSNESS. The December number gives some astounding statistics concerning "The Increase of Lawlessness in the United States" which must halt the most casual reader and force reflection. The figures presented, collected for a period of twenty-three years by the Chicago Tribune, show that there are at present four and a half times as many murders and homieides in proportion to the population in the United States as there were in 1881. A number of comments taken from representative and serious newspapers, and from the published statements of judges and citizens, concerning this rapid and alarming increase of lawlessness, indicate the general impression of this condition and the attitude of the better public sentiment toward it. Tabulated statements of the number and causes of murders and homicides since 1881 reveal much of interest and deep significance. The worst record in this period was that of 1895, in the financial depression following the panic. Improvement is shown until 1899, but since that time the record has gradually grown worse. The comment attending this interesting presentation of facts is signed by Mr. S. S. McClure himself. He states that he was led to consider the prevalence of crime by the results of the investigations made by McCLURE'S MAGAZINE. He says: "It seemed to me incredible that legislators, mayors, aldermen, policemen-even justices of the peace and sometimes police judges-selected by the methods described in Mr. Steffen's articles, could fully protect life and property." He describes the oligarchy of selfish and criminal interests which control the party organizations and constitute the actual government in many places, a government of private interests opposed to public interest. "These men," he says, "bribers of voters, voters who are bribed, bribers of aldermen and legislators, and aldermen and legislators who are bribed, men who secure control of law-making bodies and have laws passed which enable them to steal from their neighbors, men who have laws non-enforced and break laws regulating saloons, gambling houses, and, in short, all men who pervert and befoul the sources of Law - these men we have called Enemies of the Republic." THE CRITIC'S CHRISTMAS NO has an excellent article on "The Likeness of Christ: Its History and Authenticity," by Sir Wyke-Bayless, with no less than nineteen portraits of Jesus, sketched by the most famous artists. It is timely, and everybody should possess a copy of this fine number for reference. It has also an interesting article on "New York Fifty Years Agc," largely illustrated. THE METROPOLITAN MAGAZINE has many fascinating articles by some of the leading writers. An article by Nelson Page on the "Old South Hostitality" is an object lesson of old plantation time. Mr. John Corbin describes the sad life of circus people. W. A. Frazer has a prize story in it of $500, beautifully illustrated, in color, of "Savage Dogs." "No Children, No Xmas," by E. S. Martin, is entertaining. The announcement of the Metropolitan for 1905 is of great promise. The contributions of stories take in the whole range of literature, and such well-known artists as Edward Penfield, George Gibbs, are to make the Magazine for 1905 as atractive as mind and hand can do. Society News Clan MacDonald, Brooklyn, is flourishing. At the meeting of the clan, Saturday evening, Nov. 19th, Chief Peter Watt presided. One of the most interesting features was to initiate John Cruickshank into the work and traditions of the Order. The Amusement Committee is now at work on another concert to be held in honor of "Robbie Burns" in the latter part of January. Under Good of Order, songs were sung by P. C. John Ritchie, Clansmen Cunnison, Spence, Carruthers, Williamson, Ewing, Chalmers, Ferguson, Stark and Thomson. Pipe selections by Piper Finlay. Several of our clansmen have received beautiful water-color paintings from our bard, Andrew Munro, executed by himself. He is a very talented old gentleman, and much loved and respected by all the clansmen. at Majestic Hall, East 125th street, New York. The hall was well filled by an attentive and appreciative audience; the program differed somewhat from the ordinary kind, and was on the whole more humorous. The thanks of the clan and their friends are due to the committee in charge of the entertainment. At the last meeting of the clan, on Saturday, November 26th, there was a full attendance, and one new member was initiated. Past Chief Birnie presided. Books Received "Golden Treasury for the Children of God." By C. H. Von Bogatzky. Plain edge, 50 cents; full gilt edge, 75 cents. M. E. Munson, publisher, 77 Bible House, New York. book. JOHN CRUICKSHANK, Secretary. CLAN MACDUFF. Clan MacDuff's annual entertainment was held on Wednesday evening, November 23d, We heartily recommend this excellent It should be in every home, next to the Bible. The afflicted, the dejected, the disappointed, will find it a blessing and a comfort to read. ALLAN LINE Royal Mail Steamers Turbine Triple-Screw Steamers Victorian and Virginian, 12,000 tons, bl'g Tunisian, 10,576 tons, Twin Screws. Bavarian, 10,375 tons, Twin Screws. Ionian, 9,000 tons, Twin Screws. The above steamers sail weekly Parisian, 6,000 tons. Montreal to Liverpool. Se par ate service from ontreal to Glasgow, calling at Quebec and Moville for mails and passengers. The St. Lawrence is the picturesque, as well as the shortest, route across the Atlantic. Less than five days from land to land. ALLAN STATE LINE. New York to Glasgow. The well-known and favorite steamers ongolian, Numidian and Laurentian will sail regularly during the season. The rates by these steamers are very low: Saloon, $50.00; return tickets, $90.00 upwards Second Cabin, $35.00; return, $66.50. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION APPLY TO H. & A. ALLAN, Montreal, or AUSTIN BALDWIN & CO., 53 Broadway, New York. The American Bible League Officers and Directors President, WILLIAM PHILLIPS HALL, 25 Broad Street, New York City. Vice-President, JOHN H. CONVERSE, LL. D., Treasurer, RUSH TAGGART, Esq., LL. D., 195 Assistant-Treasurer, F. H. JACOBS, 113 Fulton General Secretary, Daniel S. Gregory, D.D., LL.D., 463 West 153d Street, New York City MR. GERARD BEEKMAN, 419 Madi son Avenue, New York City. REV. EDW. P. INGERSOLL, D.D., Rev. George C. LORIMER. D. D., MR. WILLIS E. LOUGEE, 3 West ERS, D. D., Columbia, S. C. REV. J. K. C. MILLIGAN, D D., PRESIDENT EDGAR Y. MULLINS, PROF. HOWARD OSGOOD, D. D., PRESIDENT FRANCIS L. PATTON, REV J. B REMENSNYDER, D. D., PRINCIPAL J. P. SHERATON, D.D., 74th Street, New York City. PRESIDENT REVERE FRANKLIN WEIDNER, D. D., LL. D., PROF. EDMUND J. WOLF, D. D., The Bible Student and Teacher A Monthly Magazine Published by The American Bible League This magazine has a field of its own, being devoted exclusively to the study, teaching and defence of the Bible as the word of God. The American Bible League, of which it is the organ, was founded 1. For the promotion everywhere of a devout constructive study of the Bible, as a whole and in its various Books and parts, by the commonsense and rational, or truly scientific method, and "with the aid of all the light that can be thrown upon it from all sources." 2. For meeting and counteracting the errors now current concerning the truthfulness, integrity, inspiration, and supreme authority of the Bible. The supreme aim of the League and of the magazine will be to open the way for people to a practical mastery of what is contained in the Bible itself. Edited by D. S. Gregory, D.D., LL.D., for the mast nine years Editor of "The Homiletic Review" assisted by an INTERDENOMINATIONAL BOARD of Editorial Contributors, embracing in its number some of the ablest of the Leaders in the various Branches of the Evangelical Church. Subscription Price $1.00 a Year. Single copies 15 cents FORM OF APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP 190 Believing in the divine origin, inspiration, integrity and supreme authority of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, I desire to become a member of The American Bible League. N. B. The price of Annual Membership, $1.00, entitles one not only to the general privileges of the League, but also to receive "The Bible Student and Teacher" for the year. Address all communications to The American Bible League 37-39 Bible House Hew York City |