Calls War An Illusion.

New York Times 100 years ago today, May 19, 1913:
Norman Angell Says Only Improved Public Opinion Will Abolish It.
    Norman Angell, an author and journalist of London, spoke last night under the auspices of the New York Peace Society at the Broadway Tabernacle on "The Great Illusion." Mr. Angell set himself the task of proving that war was an illusion from an economic basis. He maintained that for every argument advanced against such a theory, a simple reply could be found. He believed in arbitration, he said, but he added:
    "Some of the friends of peace believe in arbitration as the solution of the problem. I do not believe. However, that arbitration will bring about universal peace while the ideas of savagery remain in international politics. An improved public opinion is necessary. The same facts which led religious groups to abandon force in the settlement of their difficulties is going to lead political groups to abandon force in the settlement of their difficulties or war won't be abandoned at all.
    "I heard Mr. Churchill say in London that the way to secure peace was to be stronger than your enemy," said Mr. Angell. "I asked him if that was the advice he gave to Germany. I could recite eighty such misconceptions if I had time. And they go unchallenged."
    President Nicholas Murray Butler of Columbia University introduced Mr. Angell. President Butler spoke briefly on the subject of universal peace, saying that it was the great issue of the day. The bitter humor of the present situation was, he said, that each nation built up its army and navy as a defensive measure. If that was true, said Dr. Butler, who were the nations preparing to defend themselves against, as none sought to be an aggressor?