LIFE OF OOBDEN, {omar.

184% “You seem to be puzzled about my motion in favour of
Arc international arbitration. Perhaps you have mixed it up
with other theories to which I am no party. My plan does
not embrace the scheme of a congress of nations, or imply
the belief in the millennium, or demand your homage to the
principles of non-resistance. I simply propose that England
should offer to enter into an agreement with other counbries,
 France, for instance, binding them to refer any dispute
that may arise to arbitration. I do not mean to refer the
matter to another sovereign power, but that each party
should appoint plenipotentisries in the form of commissioners,
 with a proviso for calling in arbitrators in case they
cannot agree. In fact, I wish merely to bind them to do
that before a war, which nations always do virtually after it.
As for the argument that nations will not fulfil their
treaties, that would apply to all international engagements.
We have many precedents in favour of my plan. One advantage
 about it is that it could do no harm ; for the worst
that could happen would be a resort to the means which has
hitherto been the only mode of seftling national quarrels.
Will you think again upon the subject, and tell me whether
there is anything impracticable aboutit ?
“Iwill support the Oath Abolition motion. There ought
bo be no swearing in courts at all. But instead of oaths, the
clerk at the table ought to read to every witness, before he
gives his evidence, the clause of the Act of Parliament which
imposes a penalty for false testimony.”
“London, June 19. ( ,, )—I am glad you are sabisfied
 with the debate on my arbitration motion® I might
have taken higher gronud in my argument with more justice

4 Lord John Russell’ resolution, on which a Bill was afterwards founded,
for the removal of Jewish disabilities, The Kill passed the Commons. but
wag rejocted by the Lords.
* On Juoe 12 Cobden moved an Address to Her Majosty, praying thab
foreign nowara might be invited to OORGUY In treatin, hinding tha narkieg 1®