Lay Down Your Arms · Chapter
Preface to the Second Edition explained
The translator explains that the rapid sale of the first edition has prompted a larger, cheaper printing to reach more English-speaking readers.
What happens
The translator explains that the rapid sale of the first edition has prompted a larger, cheaper printing to reach more English-speaking readers. The hope is that this graphic depiction of war's realities will stimulate practical discussion on reducing war, particularly through international arbitration. The translator notes the English Government's support for arbitration and calls for the formation of an International Tribunal of Arbitration, urging all who see war as an evil or a crime to support such measures.
Themes in this chapter
Peace and International Arbitration
The preface explicitly advocates for international arbitration as a rational alternative to war, citing the English Government's support and the success of arbitration in practice.
Critique of Nationalism and Propaganda
The translator criticizes the minority that regards war as good in itself and calls for practical steps to diminish war's frequency, implicitly rejecting nationalist glorification of conflict.
Key passages
“The rapid sale of the first edition of this translation has encouraged the Association at whose request it was made to endeavour to make it more widely known to the various English-speaking populations, by printing a larger edition at a lower price.”
Because the first edition sold quickly, the Association that commissioned this translation is now printing a cheaper, larger edition to reach more English speakers.
Explains the motivation for the new edition.
“It is hoped, also, that the enlarged circulation of a work so graphic, and written by one who has so thoroughly studied the real aspects of war, as seen by those on the spot, may lead not so much to sentimental emotions and vague protests, as to a businesslike discussion of the means by which the resort to war may be at any rate rendered more and more infrequent.”
The hope is that wider distribution of this vivid, firsthand account of war will encourage practical, businesslike debate on how to make war less frequent, rather than just emotional reactions.
States the intended effect of the book.
“The English Government has lately given repeated and practical proofs of its sincere desire to substitute the peaceful and rational method of arbitration for the rough, cruel, and uncertain decision of force; and the conspicuous success of that method hitherto—though tried under circumstances not altogether favourable—must have prepared thinking men for the question: 'Why cannot some scheme for the formation of an International Tribunal of Arbitration be formed and debated among the Powers...'”
The English Government has shown through repeated actions that it genuinely wants to replace war with peaceful arbitration, which has already succeeded even in difficult conditions, leading thoughtful people to ask why an International Tribunal of Arbitration cannot be established and discussed by the Powers.
Highlights the call for an international arbitration tribunal.