p. 7 | The “Sick Man’s” Heirs

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 4, 1908

The “Sick Man’s” Heirs

THE Eastern Question is an unsolved problem which is constantly worrying the great powers of Europe, each one fearing lest the others should gain undue advantage by the dissolution of the “Sick Man of the East.” The recent response of the porte to the demands of Italy, enforced by threats, has called forth an article in the Daily Telegraph (London) from which the following extract is taken:—

Incidents such as this, which we may now, perhaps, regard as closed, reveal how nervously and closely the powers watch the condition of the “Sick Man,” who, like Charles II, is so unconscionably long in dying. If the map of Europe were thrown upon the dissecting table, Italy could not afford to see the final dismemberment of the Turkish empire without claiming her share or its equivalent. This natural apprehension on the part of Italy whenever partition is mentioned, is typical of the whole Near Eastern problem. The doctrine of the maintenance of the independence and integrity of the Ottoman empire has no adherents on its merits. No one regards the rule of the sultan as a blessing in itself. Nor is it aggressiveness, or indifference, or cynicism which deters statesmen from helping or conniving at the demolition of Turkish rule in Europe. What weighs with the most sagacious is the question: “Who is to take the place of the Sick Man if he gives up the ghost?”

In carrying out his purposes, God uses men and nations without overriding their power of choice, or destroying their individuality; and when the right time comes for “the king of the north” to plant his tabernacles in the glorious holy mountain, the mutual jealousy of the nations will not hinder the movement. “He doeth according to his will . . . among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand.”