The New Hampshire Gazette

MISCELLANY.

Portsmouth Peace Society.

The annual Meeting of the Portsmouth Peace Society was held in the east chamber of the State House on Wednesday Evening the 3d inst.

At this Meeting the following Report was made, showing the objects of the Society, and the prospects it has of being successful in its endeavors to diffuse a general spirit of Peace.

REPORT.

The officers of the Society, at this first annual meeting, have but little information to present. Constituting, as this association does, only a slender branch of the parent stock, it is not to be expected that much of the real growth of the whole, should be visible in us. That the sentiments, which it is the aim of this Society to inculcate, are extending their influence, there can be no doubt.

It is now about five years since the formation of Peace Societies was first proposed in Boston. About the same time, and without any previous concert, the same proposition was made in England. In December, 1815, the Massachusetts Peace Society was formed, consisting of 22 members. In the same month and year, a Peace Society was formed in Warren county, state of Ohio.—In August, 1815, a Peace Society was formed in New-York.—A Society for the promotion of permanent and universal Peace was formed in London in June, 1816.

That these facts should have occurred in places so remote from each other, and at periods so near together, while the circumstances were so unconnected and independent, must strike every reflecting mind as some proof that the hand of Providence is in this thing.

When the venerable author of the "Solemn Review of the custom of War" (in which tract the proposal for Peace Societies was made) first offered that work to the publishers in 1814 the subject was so new, and the prospect so gloomy, that, while they were friendly to the sentiments, they declined publishing even a small edition at their own risk. Now, in this country, and Great-Britain, that tract has passed through, at least, twelve editions—two of which amounted to 22,000 copies: Several numbers of the "Friend of Peace," a publication by the same author, have gone through even editions—others through six, and the whole of the first volume has been re-printed.

The Massachusetts Peace Society now consists of about 500 members, and has at least ten branch or auxiliary societies in other places. Peace Societies, independent of this, have also been formed in various parts of the United States and Great-Britain; and members, who are persons of influence, may be found in various parts of the world.

These few facts are mentioned here, to show that some ground has been gained.—If thus much has been done in the first stages of the experiment, is there no room for hope that by slow, but certain steps, our infinitely important object may at length be accomplished?

Many who smile at our feeble efforts, treat our hopes as preposterous, still wish us success. Few if any, will deny that War is the greatest scourge that can visit mankind; and all will acknowledge that permanent and universal peace would be an infinite blessing. It is a pleasing reflection that our object, when rightly understood, can excite no angry feelings. All will allow it to be good, though they must treat it as impracticable. But one thing is certain, and must be admitted: if the practice of war ever is to be abolished, it must be effected by an alteration in the present notions of society respecting the character of that practice. To produce this alteration, information must be given, arguments must be used, motives must be urged. To spread this information far and wide; to present these arguments; and to urge these motives upon the minds of men, is the design of this Society, and of all which bear the same title. These are our means of operation; and in the use of these means who will condemn, or discourage us? By persevering in the use of such means as these, have not as unexpected revolutions in public opinion been effected, as we hope to effect?

During the year this Society has been in operation, there has been distributed among its members, and in other ways, 220 of the Tracts published by the Massachusetts Peace Society. Two sets of the first series have been bound up; one of which has been presented to the Portsmouth Athenaeum, and the other is kept for the purpose of being loaned, as occasion may require. In these Tracts a mass of information, interesting to every lover of peace, may be found. The most able, and convincing arguments against the practice of war, and the most forcible appeals to the reason of man, and particularly, of every christian, are brought forward and urged with all the eloquence of truth. It is earnestly hoped, that the members of the society, and all who think its objects worthy of attention, (and who can think otherwise?) will attentively read these tracts, and endeavor to circulate them far and wide.

The circulation of tracts by this society has been more limited than could be wished, as their funds are very small. May it not be hoped that our numbers and resources will be enlarged during the present year, and that our numbers will assist in giving more activity to our operations?

The Society made choice of Joseph Haven, Esq. for their President the ensuing year, and John W. Foster, Secretary.—Gentlemen disposed to join the Society can do so by calling upon the Secretary.