The Prospects of War by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 21, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 16.

The Prospects of War

By Editor

Before another issue of this paper reaches its readers, this government may be involved in a war with Spain. It may not. The President has presented his views of the situation in a message to Congress. With this message as a basis, the House of Representatives has, in much strife and turmoil, passed a joint resolution declaring for intervention in Cuban affairs; this resolution some high authorities, according to report, contend to be unconstitutional. In the Senate a still stronger resolution is at this writing pending, and it is thought will probably pass. Following this will come the conference of the committees of the two Houses to harmonize resolutions and action, and following this the approval of the joint resolution by the President, or the passing of the act over his veto, before a formal declaration of war is effective. This may be carried to an ultimate in a few days. And yet in all these things lie dormant many possible complications and much delay. Certain it is that there are some men working for peace on peace principles, and there are more and stronger men working for peace in the interest of the money power. Millions of dollars are at stake in Spanish bonds secured by Cuban investments, taxes, etc. Will matters turn, if war is declared, so that the United States will become responsible for these bonds? will Cuba be held responsible? or will the holders have but bankrupt Spain between themselves and loss? The Vatican, with an eye on future control of America and the world, is still working for peace. This is the situation as it appears to us at this writing. A fuller summary will be found in our news columns.

That the war will become a universal strife, as has been suggested, if it should now break out, we do not believe. The angels of God are holding the winds of universal war until the work of God in the earth is finished. Rev. 7:1-3. If by a war between Spain and the United States, Spain or Cuba would be better opened for the last message of the Gospel of God (Rev. 14:6-14), the Lord will permit it to come; but to the controlling tide of war, even as to the mighty sea, God says, “Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further; and here shall thy proud waves be stayed.” It is still true that “the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will.” This is the lesson He taught the heathen king of Babylon, and the lesson He would have all the kings of greater Babylon learn. It is a truth upon which the child of God can rest and not be afraid.