Catholic Political Influence and Liberty by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 7, 1912

Catholic Political Influence and Liberty

By Editor

THE manner in which the Roman Catholic Church is seeking entrance into the political activities of the country is illustrated by the offer of the Guardians of Liberty to deliver to the Prohibition party six hundred thousand votes, provided the church-and-state plank, offered by Dr. Swallow at that party's recent convention, was adopted as part of the party platform. The experience of the Protestant candidate for election to the Portland (Oregon) School Board, and the efforts of the priests of that city to secure his defeat, illustrate the manner in which they are seeking to control local politics. The current number of Liberty deals with both of these efforts on the part of the Catholic Church. These articles in this number of the Liberty magazine should be studied by every reader of the REVIEW, and then passed on to others who will read them in turn. It is a duty that we owe to ourselves, and to others who are looking to us for light and truth, to keep posted with reference to this great religio-political influence that is seeking to control the destinies of this country. We know of no better way in which this can be done than by reading the journals that are devoted to these issues. Read the questions on page 2 of this paper, which are answered in Liberty.

ALTHOUGH only two weeks have elapsed since the opening of hostilities between Turkey and the Balkan States, the conflict already has been fruitful in great and disastrous results. The last few days have witnessed most bloody conflicts between the contending forces. The onslaught of the Bulgarians has been most terrific. The latest report, November 1, brings the news of a four days' battle in Thrace, ending in the triumph of the Bulgarians, and in the utter defeat of the Turkish army of more than two hundred thousand men, the retreat of which became a complete rout. It is considered that Constantinople is in great danger of falling into the hands of the victorious army, which is only fifty miles from the capital. It is believed now that efforts will be made toward a peace settlement through the initiative of the Turkish government. Great fear is expressed lest the larger interests of Europe and of the great powers shall become involved in this conflict, and thus the entire continent be involved. We are indeed living in eventful days. The drying up and dismemberment of the Turkish empire, in fulfilment of the prophetic prediction, is rapidly going forward. These conditions are harbingers of the end of the world and of the coming of Him who shall wield the scepter of peace, and whose reign to all eternity will be peace and righteousness and assurance. While recognizing conditions of unrest about us, let us possess our hearts in the peace of God.