Page:The World's Famous Orations Volume 5.djvu/282

 contribute to moderate or compose such differences.

But, gentlemen, there is a dark side to the shield. We have to admit that, notwithstanding all the efforts in which governments and peoples have participated, no corresponding change has been wrought in the aspect of the world's arma- ments. Such change as there has been is for the worse. Judging by the budgets of the great naval and military Powers, we might be living in a world where resort to force was the only known method of settling our differences, and the words "arbitration" and " conciliation" were devoid of meaning.

On the one hand we find the reasoned opinion of Europe declaring itself more and more strongly for peace, and, on the other hand, prep- arations for war which in their extent and ef- fectiveness suggest that a lust for blood is the actuating principle of modern society. It is this sinister paradox which baffles the will and lowers the self-respect of the Western world, and when we ask ourselves, as we are bound to do, whether the object of these preparations is at- tained, we encounter another paradox. The other day I observed that Lord Lansdowne, in discussing the growth of armaments, made use of a striking phrase. He said: "The moment may come when the- people of this country will prefer to eat their daily bread in fear rather than starve in security."

But, gentlemen, can any of us say that as a