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In War Time

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 28, 1911

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 88, No. 52.

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In War Time

By Robert S. Greaves.

The condition of things in Albania (Turkey) was barely getting settled after the rebellion in the north when the country was thrown into a much worse confusion by the sudden action of Italy in seizing some of Turkey’s possessions. News travels very slowly in these interior parts, and we had no idea of there being any serious trouble between the two nations until the Italian flag was hauled down from the consulate. Now, once again the sound of the war-trumpet is being heard throughout the land.
The country is in a very excited condition, and the peace dreamers, I think, would feel a little out of their element in Turkey at the present time. Military changes seem to be taking place every day, and long after darkness has set in at night, and again before daylight in the morning, bugles are sounding and troops are marching, sometimes accompanied by long lines of cannon.
Janina is two days’ ride from the coast, and as we have no railway here, everything has to be drawn in by animals. The government has requisitioned the horses and carts belonging to the freighters and other individuals, and is using them for war purposes. The merchants are not able to get their goods fromthe coast, and business is in a bad condition. Foodstuffs have advanced in price, and many who are able are laying in supplies. Farmers are afraid to come to town for fear their horses or mules will be seized. They have been receiving some money for their services, but yet there is dissatisfaction. Long processions of Turks are marching into town, being called to join the colors. Some of the financial men and large merchants are wearing rather troubled faces; perhaps their fears are somewhat unfounded, but no one seems to know just what is coming next. We are glad that amid the general unrest we have a peace that the world can not give.
We are often sorry at the thought of being able to accomplish so little, and our happiest days are always those which we believe have counted the most for the Master. In God’s great plan it may be that the land which was among the first to hear the gospel, may be the last in the closing message; but even though last, we know it has a place, and believe our work for him in winning men to Christ will not be in vain.
ROBERT S. GREAVES.