Page:Women and war, an appeal to the women of all nations.djvu/9

 Rh the newspapers by men who exaggerate and distort news, to create a sensation, to sell papers and thus coin money. Whatever there is of glory, it is for man. The fascinations of war, its pomp and pride of uniforms, gold lace, medals and pensions are for men. The language used by militarists, whether they be military or business men, indicates the stimulus they find in a prospective war. Such expressions as "it will be a damned good show," "peace is so beastly slow," "now we shall get to business," reveal the satisfaction and excitement that they find in hostilities. And those who follow this lead are hypnotised by the war drums into a feeble acquiescence, and the "stolid stupidity" which masquerades as patriotism claps its hands and is willing to be led anyhow and anywhere. The public seems to be "just a great baby," as Chalmers said long ago.

The delirium of killing, that thrill in the blood which has helped to make the expression of the "game of war," is for man. In such a game what recks it that "backs are broken in two, arms twisted off, legs smashed like firewood, heads sliced open or crunched into a jelly by the iron hoofs of horses, or faces trampled."

Gigantic armaments, according to man's verdict, are the only surety of safety! Where are the brains that cannot understand, that the universal disarmament of nations would be a surer and less costly means of safety from international war?

The Church of God has been, and is, ruled by men who, with exceptions (notably the Society of Friends), for centuries have been dumb in relation to the crime of war. We are now in the twentieth century since the Prince of Peace was born. The Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man are talked of, but how few of the clergy of any denomination carry this teaching to the logical conclusion? It is thus that the "last, heaviest, sharpest, bloodiest plait of thorns" is laid on the brow of the Prince of Peace. War should be condemned as immoral from every pulpit.