16 PROTOCOLS. 



The two nations which subuiitted to the Geneva verdict, in spite of 

 the sacrifices whi(;h at first it seemed to involve, have evidently not in 

 the long rnn re])ented of their appeal to moral force, for to-day they 

 renew that appeal by common consent, in aiialogons circumstances. It 

 is true that the cause that is to be pleaded before us is not one which 

 apparently would let loose the scourge of war, but short of war how 

 many evils are caused to nations by lasting coldness and by the per- 

 sistence of bitter sentiments. Like individuals, nations owe a duty to 

 charity, and when yielding to pride they fail to obey the laws of Provi- 

 dence they inflict upon themselves many s^ifferings. 



If arbitrations had no other effect than to preserve them fiom this 

 peril, they would be an incalculable blessing and service to the broth- 

 erhood of humanity. 



Your presence in this room, gentlemen, is the most eloquent evidence 

 of the value which attaches to your expected decision. 



England, from all time so rich in eminent jurivSts, America and Can- 

 ada, who hand down in their turn and in a new world a tradition 

 whose ancestral origin may, perhaps, be sought in our old Norman 

 soil, have delegated men whose knowledge and rare penetration have 

 been applied in the highest and most delicate functions in the magis- 

 tracy, or in the discussions of political assemblies whose prudence was 

 renowned. 



Beside them I see a politician, a wise heir of the illustrious Cavour, 

 whose premature and voluntary retreat from European diplomacy has 

 been the subject of deep regret. 



Another of our colleagues from ISforth Scandinavia, whose reputa- 

 tion has preceded him, has occupied one of the highest positions which 

 could be conferred upon him by the just confidence of the sovereign of 

 two twin kingdoms, each equally jealous of its individnaliiy. 



At your bar, to represent the two great powers who have confided 

 their cause to you, appear politicians of the first order. One of them 

 only lately guided the foreign relations of the great American Repub- 

 lic. They are assisted by counsel accustomed to occupy the front rank, 

 either at the bar or in the government of their country, and whom the 

 admiration of their countrymen on each side of the Atlantic hails as 

 l)rinces of eloquence. 



It is an honor sufficient to dignify an entire life to be asked to sit 

 with men like these, and the responsibility of presiding among them 

 would be overwhelming if he whom his colleagues have charged with 

 this duty could not count on their unvarying and indulgent support. 



May divine Providence, on whom dei)ends all human action, give us 

 the strength and inspire us with the wisdom necessary to fultill our 

 difficult mission, and thus to advance a stage nearer to the realization 

 of the words of consolation ami hope of Him who has said "Blessed 

 are the x>eacemakers, for they shall inherit the earth." 



