I came here as a practical man, to talk, not simply on the question of peace and war, but to treat another question which is of hardly less importance – the enormous and burdensome standing armaments which it is the practice of modern Governments to sustain in time of peace. – Richard Cobden

Treaties of peace, made after war, are entrusted to individuals to negotiate and carry out. – Richard Cobden

I therefore declare, that if you wish any remission of the taxation which falls upon the homes of the people of England and Wales, you can only find it by reducing the great military establishments, and diminishing the money paid to fighting men in time of peace. – Richard Cobden