Anarchist Plottings in New York City
An attempt was made in New York City on March 2 to blow up St. Patrick's cathedral. This, according to the reports, was to have been the signal for a general uprising among the anarchists in that city. They were to go forth with bomb and fagot for general destruction and rioting. It is difficult to conceive how men become possessed with the idea that any good could come out of such work. But there is no denying the fact that there is a growing tendency in many parts of the world, in the direction of anarchy and violence. These anarchists in New York City who attempted this desperate deed represent one of the greatest extremes in the evil teachings and doings of men. But outside of openly avowed anarchy, there are sentiments of bitterness in the minds of men that on the slightest provocation break out into open violence. The extreme anarchist presents views so repulsive to the majority of the human family that he is regarded with but slight apprehension. But the danger to the world lies not so much in the fact that we have the extreme anarchist; the greatest danger lies in the fact that we have many other men who, while not so extreme, nevertheless hold in their lives the principles of discontent and bitterness that will break out in riots and spread terror and destruction. The greatest danger to the individual lies in his failure to recognize the facts that are presented in existing conditions. The world seems to insist on sleeping on, only to be aroused by some great cataclysm like the European war. There are other dangers bound up in the social conditions of the world that far outstrip anything that has appeared as yet. This is said not from the standpoint of a philosopher, but from the standpoint of the prophetic Word. Wise will be the man or the woman who can see the gathering storm and enter the haven of safety while the opportunity is passing.