p. 120 | THE FORCED PEACE

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 25, 1897

THE FORCED PEACE.

A Third Alliance Wanted.

There now exists in Europe the Triple Alliance, between Germany, Italy, and Austria; the Dual Alliance, between France and Russia. And now the papers of England are demanding a Third Alliance, between England and the smaller powers, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, etc. These alliances have been formed for the ostensible purpose of keeping the peace; but every new alliance means new fears. The following from the conservative London Times represents English feeling:—

“The understanding between France and Russia can not be said to contain elements especially dangerous to the peace of Europe, but neither is it of special value to that peace. The Dual Alliance is solely a counterpoise to the Triple Alliance. The chances of a sudden war are as great to-day as in 1870. A third combination, therefore, is necessary to curb the warlike ambition of the great powers. This combination must be formed of the lesser States of Europe. In themselves Denmark, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, etc., are powerless. Even England could not veto war. Peace, however, could be assured if all the States of Europe not already included in the Dual or Triple Alliance would unite under the leadership of England. Such a combination would command an army of some 1,100,000 men, and its navy would be very strong. Financially it would certainly not be inferior to the other combinations. If each State of this new alliance would promise to join in an attack upon the power that wantonly begins a war, peace would be assured. Belgium and Switzerland have been declared neutral by the great powers. Still, Belgium and Switzerland are forced to maintain a pretty large military armament in order to prevent their neutrality from being violated. Would it not be better

for them to make their voices heard by adding their influence to a great peace league led by Great Britain?”

And if a third alliance is formed, what better will it be? There will be further combinations formed in secret, as between Germany and Russia. The “Peace of the World” is a flimsy wall, tense with expected war. Behind its puny strength are piling up new armaments, weapons, war ships, ammunition. Erelong the pent-up wrath will burst its frail barriers, the siren song of peace will be turned to a wail of agony and woe, and the great battle of Armageddon will be on. There is no more true peace in the world than exists in the hearts of men, and which comes from the Lord of peace because men are in harmony with him. There may be patched-up truces, but these are based on fear or policy, not on righteousness and love for one another. “Be not deceived.” “When they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, and they shall not escape.”—1 Thess. 5:3.