Élie Ducommun won the peace prize for his tireless attention
To the cause of Peace, throughout his busy workday.
In his youth, he wrote for the democratic press, with erudition,
Later directing the Swiss railroad, his management talent at play.
He helped to found the International League for Peace
And Freedom, becoming its journal editor. This League
Wished for the “United States of Europe” – in order to increase
The potential for cross-European trade, with boundaries agreed.
Ducommun felt that Peace could be taught to hostile nations,
Relying for compliance on international arbitration.
He led the International Peace Bureau’s work unpaid,
Creating a vigorous global debate among nations.
A networking servant he was, in this work, and a tutor,
Devoting his funds and the Prize to Peace’s future.
June Edvenson 