REPUBLICAN EUROPE

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · May 19, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 20.

REPUBLICAN EUROPE.

Revolution in Italy.

THE “bread riots” of Italy forcibly show the seething discontent among the masses of Italy, and emphasize the recent words of ex-Premier Crispi, “Anarchy is dominant everywhere.” In Italy now a state of siege has been proclaimed in Florence, at Livourno, Pisa, Sinca, Massea, Grosseto, and martial law exists in Milan and Naples. Roman Catholic authorities in this country are looking for revolution in Italy, and the setting up of a republic. This present uprising is a premature revolution looking to a republic. This, Catholics would welcome. They have learned that it is easier to control and manipulate politicians than it is kings and cabinets. Upon this the Catholic Mirror of Jan. 22, 1898, said editorially:

“The Rome correspondent of a London paper quotes from an article in the latest issue of Civiltà Cattolica, supposed to be inspired, which declares that the only solution of the Italian question is the establishment of an Italian republic. Whether the article is inspired or not, certainly its suggestion, the barest outlines of which are given by the cable, appear extremely forcible. The writer asserts that the thing which stands opposed to papal independence ‘is not Italian unity, but the special and concrete form wherein that unity is at present maintained, with results much more disastrous to the State than to the Holy See.’ It proceeds to assert that the coexistence of the Vatican and the Italian monarchy is impossible, and that one or the other must go. It then suggests the constitutions and cities of Switzerland and America as examples of ‘admirable and glorious constitutions, true unities of nation and State, tho differing from that of Italy, which has produced nothing but weakness, misery and starvation.’”

“That the church would willingly assent to the formation of an Italian republic we may well believe. Under republican institutions, as we see around us here in America, she flourishes best. Our government does not interfere with her, nor does she interfere with the government. All Catholics enjoy the same liberty of conscience and of worship which they willingly accord to others. The Italians themselves in this country realize the immense advantage of these conditions.

“The church presents one of the best examples of a thoroughly republican system of government. The Sovereign Pontiff, as has often happened, may come from the humblest ranks, and his election is an absolutely free expression of will. The very method of voting upon which we so greatly pride ourselves in this country, the Australian ballot, is almost identical with that used in the Conclave for centuries. Moreover, it is doubtless seen and felt by the writer of the article in Civiltà Cattolica that all Europe is turning toward the republican system and will achieve its freedom in time. Italy may be only a little nearer this fruition than some other countries.”

And then we will have the fulfilment of the prophecy found in Rev. 17:8–13; 18:7. The republics of Europe will again elevate the Papacy to power, hoping thus to escape the judgments of God and the consequences of sin. But evil will not be stayed by the apotheosis of its cause, and there will rapidly follow Rev. 17:16; 18:8.

All these rapidly thickening events are heralds of the coming King, omens of the dawning day.