p. 8 | Note and Comment

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Nov 30, 1905

Note and Comment

AN editorial in a recent issue of the Washington Post deals with the subject of “world crises.” The fact is impressed upon minds, wholly independently of the testimony of Bible prophecy, that the present time is an eventful one for the world. After touching on the prospect of revolution in Russia the Post says:—

It could not well be that such an upheaval should terminate without far-reaching effects outside the immediate field of its activity, and there are already ominous rumblings in the long-time stagnant and stolid Turkish empire. Should it grow to an earthquake there, and the sultan be shaken from his throne, the shah must soon follow, and the great seismic convulsion may travel round the globe, till autocracy everywhere is toppled down and trampled in the dust. Never in its history was this old world of ours in such a state of universal stir and expectancy.

THE center of interest in the Eastern question has shifted from the far East to the near East, and again Russia and Turkey become the central figures in the contest which is bringing this question to its solution. Dispatches dated November 20 tell of an impending move on Russia’s part to coerce Turkey into payment of the arrears of the indemnity exacted at the close of the Russo-Turkish war of 1878-79, threatening, in case of a refusal, to occupy a point in Turkish territory. Thus the prospect of the occupation of Turkish territory by the powers of Europe again comes into view, and we are reminded that it is by the expulsion of the Turk from Europe that this question is to be settled. Circumstances favor this move on the part of Russia. Russia has a large army, fresh from service in the field. Turkey has refused compliance with the demands of the powers respecting Macedonia, and the powers have decided that Turkey must be coerced. Turkey, it is reported, is preparing to resist the powers, and something more than a mere naval demonstration by the latter may be necessary. Events may be at hand which will bring the Eastern question much nearer its solution, and the prophecy of Turkey’s final downfall much nearer its fulfilment, than is now anticipated.