Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science, Volume 22. October, 1878., page 229 by Various Authors
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stimulated the thought of Europe in this direction, and the following instances of the direction it is taking will be of interest, especially as they are such as are not likely to be noticed by the regular correspondents.
A pamphlet has been published at Foix, one of the provincial towns of France, entitled, Les Rondes de la Paix. It was written by M. Adolphe de Lajour, and its scope will appear from the following extract: "Why not declare Constantinople and the Straits neutral? Why not declare Constantinople the city for congresses of unity--the metropolis, the Washington, of the United States of the two worlds? Why from the various populations, differing in race, in manners, in religion and in language, who inhabit the Balkan peninsula, should not a confederation of the United States of the Danube be created on the model of Switzerland?"
In the Exposition itself a printed sheet has been distributed, entitled "La Marseillaise de la Paix." It was printed by the associated compositors in the office of M.A. Chaix, who has recently organized his establishment so that a share in the profits is accorded to the workers. The first two verses of this new version will suffice to show its character:
Allons, enfant de la patrie, La jour de gloire est arrivé. De la Paix, de la Paix chérie, L'etendard brillant est levé! (bis) Entendez-vous vers nos frontières, Tous les peuples ouvrant leurs bras, Crier à nos braves soldats: Soyons unis, nous sommes frères! Plus d'armes, citoyens, rompez vos bataillons! Chantez, Chantons! Et que la Paix féconde nos sillons!
Pourquoi ces fusils, ces cartouches? Pourquoi ces obus, ces canons? Pourquoi ces cris, ces chants farouches, Ces fiers défis aux nations? (bis) Pour nous Français, oh! quelle gloire, De montrer au monde dompté, Que les droits de l'humanité Sont plus sacrés que la victoire! Plus d'armes, etc.
E.H.
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