From 1836, down to last year, there is no proof of the Government having any confidence in the duration of peace, or possessing increased security against war. – Richard Cobden

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