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Show 80 81 (lows happened to l)C open, his own number as soon as he glimpsed lflpwéail‘uhnw "Wm the church itself. \\'e have taken a hint from those fishermen of Marken and have tagged with large letters all the things we thought you might desire, so that you may quickly find them. We have equipped our lnfm‘mation Bureau not only to pilot you around this hall but also to as. 'st you in finding: your way about the city. \Ve believe that \ 'ars grow out of misunderstand- ings and that strife here at home may be traced back to the same cause. \\‘e think that Chicago has been misumlcrstood. She has been thought of in some sections of our land as big in vice and crude in manners. If that is the impression of any delegate in this Congress, we feel that it is a part of our duty to aid in cor- recting‘ it. \'\'e do not deny that vice still exists in our ci ', but we are big in virtues and bigr in determination to be better than we are. You will find that we are growing not only big but beautiful, and that here there is a vigorous campaign to bring in rightmusness and peace. Our welcome extends not simply to the use of conveniences here installed and to means of easy access about the city, but we welcome you also to the serious work of the Congress. Large have been the expenditures; but we expect you to do your work so faithfully that the achievements of this gathering will be ‘mmeasurably greater than its expenditures. we want this meet- ing to be one of splendid enthusiasm. Again and again we want this hall to echo with you ‘ applause. Sublime sentiments will be voiced here and they are worthy of your heartiest manifestations of approval. "e are gathered in the Central West, where it is not a breach of etiquette to express one's feelings. There is a tendency throughout our country to applaud epaulets and brass bands and to treat in cold, inhospitable fashion the great move- ments that make for the redemption of mankind. We are far more likely to get excited over a ball game than a good sermon. (I am a minister, so I may make the comparison.) We prepare brilliant receptions for our returning armies and turn over the freedom of our cities to the returning fleet, but sadly neglect the men and women of America who are fighting the long, hard hattles of peace. Let the welkin ringr with your shouts of encour- agement to these workers who are striving to bring to the world's remembrance that command that God gave to Moses long}r ago and which never yet has been abrogated, "Thou shalt not kill." Enthusiasm is needed in this movement, but it should be more than the expression of appreciation Enthusiasm is the power of (jod working in the lives of men. It not only talks; it works. It descends from head to bands and feet. The Fourth of July which ends when the last rocket goes off is not an entire success. Independence Day should mean more patriotism as well as more noise. \Ve welcome you to a serious work. Resolutions are easily written and promptly passed; but they are not sufficient unto themselves. They help in the formulation of public opinion, but they need to be followed up with systematic work. This Con- gress must be more than a spasmodic expression of protest against war and a resolution that disarmament would be desirable. It should inaugurate a still more effective campaign of education of the people in the interests of permanent and world-wide peace. The American Peace Society has long arms for service, but it is asking a good deal of her to reach across the continent from Boston to San Francisco. There ought to be here in Chicago, the great radiating center of the \Vest, a branch office of the Society, with its superintendent and clerical force. The western super» intendent would go out to the cities and towns and carry this message of peace to those not here-would carry the inspiration of this Congress to the scattered communities of the \Vest. If this Congress would assure the American Peace Society of its support of such an office it would be practically expressing its faith in this work, and the cause would be advanced not only in Chicago but throughout America. The informal reception which we have arranged for this afternoon is part of our welcome for you. and we hope that it may be the means of beginningr some real friendships amongY the lovers of peace. Fri ‘ndship has sometimes been dragged in the dust of commercialism: let us resurrect it. Make yourself friends among the workers for the kingdom; and through the thought of universal p ace come nearer to each other, for peace is first of all to men of good will. Roosevelt was once speakingr down on Long; lsland, when he spied a forlorn little crippled girl away on the outskirts of the crowd. Around him were multitudes of men and boys, jostling |