What our Südekum—he is one of us—writes me causes me to doubt whether
the peace society that we need is going to be formed. In the inclosed
I have set down a few thoughts relating to that. Herewith I send also
a letter to Hetzel. Please see that it reaches him. I wrote to
Oldenburg yesterday, also to Hoyos. But of course all these suppose
that it is to be a Union after the pattern of the Austrian one. If,
however, it is the forming of a new political party, so be it; but
outside of the great Union which women and teachers may join. Our head
center is at present the Bern Bureau. That is the rendezvous of
nonpolitical Unions. The politicians meet in the Interparliamentary
Conference; and even they must have the tact not to trot out the
_status quo_, else the French members instantly leave the hall, and
what is the good? In the same way the French must keep quiet about
their hopes of recovering their lost provinces through the future
arbitration tribunal or future congresses of governments, else the
Germans would have to leave. There will be time to get an agreement on
these matters when, through the power of public opinion, the
governments shall be compelled—with a view to the assurance of
peace—to adjust such questions. Adieu! it is to be hoped that the
majority of the preliminary committee will vote for the formation of a
nonpolitical Union. And it is to be hoped that then Dr. Schlief will
not deprive us of his energies.