p. 14 | The Irony of Fate

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 26, 1911

The Irony of Fate

This is the term by which the St. Louis Republican of December 19 designates the prevailing Christmastide conditions existing in the world. With some “conjuring up visions of peace on earth and good will among men,” the nations of earth, in feverish haste, are vying with one another in increasing their naval armaments, preparing for the future deadly conflict. Says the Republican:—

Naval estimates for the current year show that Great Britain will spend about $175,000,000 for ships and men; the United States, $140,000,000; Germany, $110,000,000; and France, $68,000,000. Russia’s expenditures are about two thirds as much as those of France, and Japan’s are but one fourth as much as those of France; but the different purchasing power of money in the two countries entirely vitiates the comparison. Now such expenditure as this is war. We are pouring out our dollars and our men just as we should if the wires were burdened to-day with messages of victory or defeat on the high seas. Obsolescence takes the place of battle as a retirer of ships from service; our powder is utilized in practise instead of in conflict; our boys come back after their terms of service expire. The pride, pomp, and circumstance of war are lacking, but the grim fact of costly struggle remains.