A CONGRESS OF NATIONS

This week marks the 75th anniversary of the beginning of our country's involvement in World War II. Rather than think of conflict,  we suggest that our focus this week (and in the coming new year)  be on peace.  And we recommend that you read this book in the Bullis Collection that is a collection of essays on promoting peace without resorting to arms.

Prize Essays on a Congress of Nations;

for the adjustment of international disputes, and for the

promotion of universal peace without resort to arms. 

Together with a sixth essay, comprising the

substance of the rejected essays.

By William Ladd (1778-1841), etc.

Published in Boston by Whipple & Damrell, 

for the American Peace Society, 1840.

 According to Wikipedia, William Ladd "was one of the earliest American anti-war activists, and the first president of the American Peace Society." Although other state and local peace societies already existed at that time, Ladd established the American Peace Society in 1828 and was its first president.

Ladd's proposed plan was for a World Congress and Court of Nations, "somewhat similar to the later League of Nations or United Nations." 

And the Lawbook Exchange website reports that this book was "The first important statement on the preservation of peace through international mediation published in the United States. It became a central text for American peace organizations and participants in international law conferences, and did much to persuade Americans to accept the idea of an international peace organization. It was also distributed widely in Europe, where it was well-received."

As we've mentioned in prior posts, the Bullis family members,  throughout the generations, always supported and served their country in wartimes.  The presence of William Ladd's book in the Bullis Collection indicates they possibly were also supportive of the author's premise of "promoting peace without resorting to arms."  Perhaps those of us today, by reading this book, can get an idea of what we need to  do individually to help bring about peace to this world that we share with each other.