Review of Reviews, 1/10/13. 



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THE PEACE PALACE AT THE EAGTJE. 



THE TEMPLE OF PEACE. 



On August 28th, 1 91 3, in the presence 

 of representatives of all the nations, 

 the world's first universally recognised 

 Temple of Peace was opened at The 

 Hague. Here, indeed, is a landmark 

 and a turning point in the history of the 

 planet. It sums up all our primitive 

 efforts hitherto. It is visible history ; 

 but it is still more visible prophecy. 



HOW IT CAME TO BE. 

 And only twenty years ago it was a 

 dream of the impossible ! One looks 

 back with wonder on the way the im- 

 possibility has crystallised into solid 

 fact. In the early months of 1894 the 

 impression was mysteriously conveyed 

 to the hearts of some in England who 

 were burdened with sorrow over the ever 

 increasing and crushing weight of 

 armaments, that the Tsar of Russia 

 might be approached, for through him 

 deliverance would come. At first 

 nothing seemed more unlikely. But on 

 inquiry it was found that Alexander 



III. was actually cherishing the idea of 

 some method of reducing armaments, 

 if only he were approached: without 

 approach from others, he felt he could 

 not take action. At once, with char- 

 acteristic energy, the founder of this 

 Review set to work to organise a me- 

 morial to the Government to approach 

 the Powers with a view to possible limi- 

 tation of armaments. He secured the 

 signature of almost every person who 

 counted for anything in our national 

 life. The memorial was sent by the 

 Foreign Secretary with a special com- 

 munication to the Tsar. And ho, good 

 1 that he was, was preparing to take 

 action when the Chino Japanese War 

 broke out, and, as the nations will not 

 think of disarming when the guns are 

 h, irhmg anywhere, the project was in- 

 evitably postponed. After Alexander's 

 lamented death the idea was revived 

 with filial piety by the present Tsar. 

 All the world knows the famous mes- 

 ge to the nations: their glad re- 



