p. 122 | THE THREE EMPERORS-

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 1, 1872

THE THREE EMPERORS—

Catholic and Social Questions—A Military Sunday.

It was a marked co-incidence that, on the same day when the Christian Union set forth your correspondent’s prophecy of another European war, the organ of the Pope in Rome threatened the very campaign which was therein foreshadowed,—an attack of France upon Italy for the purpose of restoring Rome to the Pope, and a simultaneous rising of the Catholic population of Germany against the interference of the German Empire in this sacred crusade, to which the faithful of all nations would flock as volunteers. That such passionate threats should find utterance under the eye of the Pope, shows what is wished at Rome, and what is plotting there. At the same time, the marvelous success of the new loan has excited French “revenge” to the fever-point; and the most extravagant predictions of the overthrow of Germany are indulged by the Parisian press of all parties.

As a counterpoise to this war-alliance of Versailles and the Vatican, comes the September council of the three emperors at Berlin. The famous “three crows” did not multiply more rapidly than the rumors that this conference has sent flying over Europe. The very fact of the conference is proof that in intent it is pacific, and also that these three high powers recognize something in the common needs and dangers of Europe which calls for concert of action, or at least for a good understanding. Here, in Berlin, we all believe that it is intended to create a moral barrier against the ever-aggressive tendencies of France. Whatever may be the private wishes of the emperors of Austria and Russia, as to the balance of power between France and Germany, they know what a constant threat to their own domestic tranquillity would be a French Republic bent upon aggressive warfare, and are not unwilling that a united and compact Germany (otherwise an object of jealousy) should stand between them and that peril. If France cannot count upon the alliance of Russia or Austria, nor even upon their neutrality, she is likely to rein in her revenge for years to come. The notion, started by some French and Belgian journalists, that this council is preliminary to a European Conference for the purpose of ratifying the new boundaries between France and Germany, is absurd upon its face; since what the sword has settled so decisively needs no ratification, and could be only undone by the sword.

The change of ministry at Constantinople, and the new symptoms of uneasiness in Turkey and the Danubian provinces, concern Russia and Austria much more nearly than Germany. But as a wise adjustment of the Eastern question is more likely to be reached through the concurrence than through a conflict of these two powers—by mediating between Russia and Austria in the East, Germany may be able to reciprocate the service they will jointly render her in the matter of France; and thus these three powers may be able to keep the peace of Europe from the Bay of Biscay to the Black Sea.

But there are two questions of internal policy that must engage the three emperors alike—the question of Papal politics, and the question of social democracy. The meddling of the Pope in the internal politics of the several nations of Europe, has come to be a nuisance that must be abated by decisive and concerted action. No longer a prince among princes, he yet puts forth the claim of infallible prerogative and supervision over them and their peoples. Here, in Germany, a book, sanctioned by the highest Catholic authorities, has just appeared, which teaches that the State must receive at the hand of the church the eternal divine law, and must use its power to enforce the faith and the orders of the church in practical life of the people; that the right of control over the authorities of the State is vested in the church, and that the state should be used to enforce the penalties of the church. These doctrines are echoed and applauded by Roman Catholic journals throughout Germany; and by the church is meant the Pope as its absolute and infallible head. In short, the demand is openly made that in all countries the Roman Catholic subjects shall be ruled from Rome; and that when a collision arises between state laws and churchly powers, the State must yield to the church. Just now it is Germany whose internal peace is most seriously threatened by these assumptions of the Papacy; but Austria, having entered upon an independent self-development, and Russia with her Catholic Poles, have also a lively interest in getting quit of all political intermeddling from Rome. No doubt the three emperors will come to a good understanding upon that point.

The social democracy, no longer a specter, but a tangible fact, must have its share of attention. In many things Catholics and Socialists are working together; thus, under the name of free education, the Jesuits demand the right of independent schools, and, at the same time, the Socialists protest against compulsory education. Germany must choose between the school and the cloister, and between the educator and the demagogue. Again: while the Jesuits insist that the state shall provide religion for the people, the Socialists are demanding (as in Breslau, at a recent convention), that the State shall provide for the people houses to live in, and the means of support. Grave complications may arise from this novel union of forces.

In externals, the meeting of the three emperors will be an affair of much State pomp and brilliancy. The palaces and public edifices in Berlin have already put on a new dress, the troops are drilling for parade, and operas and galas are in preparation on a grand scale.

Last Sunday there was a novel service here, which may deserve the consideration of those who are debating the proper uses of Sunday in New York. You have come to know the Kaiser Franz Garde-Grenadier-Regiment, No. 2, through its splendid band which took part in the Boston Jubilee. Of this regiment, twenty-eight officers and four hundred and sixty-four men fell in the war with France, and the survivors have erected a monument to their memory in the court-yard of their barracks. Upon the monument are inscribed the names of the fallen, the scenes of their heroism—Le Bourget, St. Privat, Sedan—and the words: “How are the mighty fallen,” and “God be thanked, who hath given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” On Sunday morning this monument was unveiled in the presence of the regiment and a large number of military guests. The band, just returned from America, led the choral, “Praise and glory to God most high.” The eloquent pastor, Frommel, of the Garrison Church, delivered an appropriate address, prayer was offered, and, with three cheers for the Emperor, and the music of another choral, the ceremony closed. Was it a Sunday-service? I am as much puzzled as the little girl at the wedding, who asked: “Mamma, is this a meeting or a party?”—Berlin Cor. of Christian Union.