War Preparations by S. H. Lane

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 23, 1874

War Preparations.

By S. H. Lane

NEVER was there a period in the history of our world when there has been such an active and general preparation for war, as at the present time. Notwithstanding this, many are looking forward to a “good time coming” when the world shall be converted and nations learn war no more. From the stump, rostrum, and the pulpit, we hear the cry of “Peace and safety.” In the meantime constant efforts are put forth to increase the armies and strengthen the navies of the leading nations of earth. Especially is this true of the European nations.

That this is the case, let the following facts, which appeared in a recent issue of the London Times, testify. These facts show the increase of the armies of the different nations of Europe from 1859 to 1874.

“Russia has increased her armies, which now number 1,519,810 men, by 295,660. Germany, whose army now numbers 1,261,160, has augmented her armies by 424,360. The French army at present numbers 977,660, increase 437,100, and is greater by 337,100 than that maintained by Louis Napoleon, and under the new army organization, is steadily increasing. Great Britain has added to her army 233,020, which now numbers 478,820. Italy has augmented her armies until at present she numbers 605,000 soldiers, an increase of 69,610. The Belgian army of 93,590 has been increased by 13,340. The Dutch army of 64,320, by 5,770.

“The armies of the different European nations at the present time number 6,110,490. Total increase since 1859, 1,980,140.”

Thus it will be seen that the war cloud which has been overspreading the horizon of Europe is growing darker, and that it will soon burst with irresistible fury is the opinion of not a few who have been closely observing the general tenor of events. The following selection from the London correspondent of the New York World seems to indicate that such will be the case:

“A MIGHTY WAR IMMINENT.

“London, May 28.—The leading article in The Times of yesterday is one well worthy of the attention which it will everywhere receive. It was a plain warning that Europe is on the eve of a mighty war. Affairs have come to such a pass that the burden of maintaining the armies which all the nations have prepared for the coming war is too great long to be endured. But still these armies are constantly increased. ‘The process of turning citizens into soldiers,’ says The Times, ‘goes on all over Europe without any apparent limit.’ The German army is more than half as large again as it was fifteen years ago, but still is not large enough to satisfy Bismarck and Moltke. France, Austria, Italy, Russia, Belgium, and Sweden, are each following Germany’s example, and are increasing their armies. Each is afraid of all the others, and ‘Europe is returning to the traditions of an earlier age, when every free man was a soldier, and the pursuits of industry were wholly subordinated to the claims of military service.’ Each nation says it is arming only for defense—but some of them have already armies of defense more numerous than any offensive army that can be brought against them.”

“England, for every 1000 of her population, maintains only three soldiers for offensive purposes. Italy and Belgium maintain twelve; France and Austria, fifteen; Germany, twenty-one. It is in vain for Germany to pretend that she wishes only to defend herself—the means mischief, and the gun which will be the signal of the next great war will be fired by her.”

S. H. LANE.