WAR CLOUDS LOWERING IN EUROPE.
By G. B. Thompson
UNDER the above heading, the Cincinnati Post, speaking editorially, gives the situation in the far East as follows:— “An Anglo-Russian conflict is written in the stars. Sooner or later it must come. The issue, involving, as it does, the natural dignity and prestige of both nations [England and Russia], becomes more clearly defined as one day pushes on another. The Muscovite insists that a certain district of Northeastern China is his ‘sphere of influence.’ He maintains that he, and he alone, has the exclusive right to construct railroads in the territory in question. The Britisher denies the contention. He alleges that he holds a concession, granted by China, to build a railroad from Pekin northeastward into the territory claimed by Russia as exclusively hers. And he stoutly asserts that, having the right to build the line, he will build it. ‘The situation is grave. A conflict between these two great nations will set all Europe aflame. The dying century may expire in more blood. France, Germany, Russia, Austria, Italy, and Turkey are armed camps. They await the firing signal. That first shot may be fired in Northeastern China, and then the alignments in Europe will be made. And the map will be changed, even as it was a hundred years ago, when the Little Corporal went through Europe at a double-quick step.” Yes, the situation is indeed grave. With bated breath the world is waiting the beginning of the irrepressible conflict; and the initial movement on the chessboard of war will soon be made, which will “set all Europe aflame,” and change the map of the world. Diplomacy can not much longer ward off the dreaded yet inevitable struggle. And, O, what a struggle it will be when the flower of manhood in all nations, armed with the most deadly weapons the genius of man can invent, shall meet in mortal combat! But in this anger of the nations is seen a sign of the end. Rev. 11: 18; Luke 21: 25. Beyond the affray in the valley of Jehoshaphat lies a time of peace, when war will have ceased unto the ends of the earth. The King of kings, followed by all the armies of heaven, will ride forth, and the slain of the Lord at that day will be many. Jer. 25: 31–33. The wicked will all be slain, and the faithful subjects of Prince Emmanuel gathered home. It is time now to volunteer in the army of the living God, whose legion will secure ultimate and eternal victory. The recruiting office is still open to all. G. B. THOMPSON.