PREPARING FOR WAR—WHAT IT MEANS.
By M. E. K.
The Roman Empire, in the days when it ruled the world, had a standing army of about four hundred and fifty thousand men. This army was distributed throughout the empire in a way to protect the interests of the Roman people and its rulers from both internal dissensions and external dangers. With the passing away of that empire great standing armies ceased to be provided for, the various kings of Europe being satisfied with a small army, and a levy en masse in time of war. The continuous wars of Napoleon Bonaparte again revived large armies both in France and the kingdoms against which Napoleon waged war; and when, at the height of his fame, that warrior set out for the conquest of Russia, he had an army under his command of over one million men. These were not all Frenchmen; and he actually led only about half that number into that region of storm and cold, from which but a few thousand returned. For a long time France has set the pace for military matters for the other governments in Europe; and when Louis Napoleon revived the empire of his renowned uncle, he increased the French forces, and made what was supposed to be an army second to none in Europe. The brilliant victories it gained in the Crimean War with Russia and in the Italian campaign against Austria had the effect to make the emperor and people of France believe that the power of France was invincible, and, resting upon their former laurels and neglecting a thorough preparation, the nation in 1870 plunged headlong into that—to France—most disastrous war with Prussia. The French armies were both outnumbered and outgeneraled, and, after the first few battles, where they manifested something of their former enthusiasm and valor, they showed no heart for the war which desolated their country. Then followed the capitulation of Paris, and the peace by which France was not only compelled to pay an enormous indemnity to Prussia, but also to give up the two provinces of Alsace and Lorraine. At first, the representatives of France who negotiated this treaty refused to give up these provinces. They said, “Exact any sum you please, and we will pay it; but we will not give up a foot of French soil.” But their conquerors were inexorable, and both the money indemnity and the territory were taken. I have been particular to mention this circumstance because to these harsh terms imposed by Germany in her hour of triumph and accepted by France in her weakness, may be directly traced the remarkable armament of Europe at the present time, which has so far exceeded that of all previous times. It would have been as easy for Germany at the close of the Franco-Prussian War to have made friends with France as it was for her to gain the friendship of Austria at the conclusion of her war with that power four years before. The French people were strongly inclined to throw all the blame of that war upon Louis Napoleon, and a generous treatment of France by Germany at that time would doubtless have insured peace and friendship between these two powerful nations. But Bismarck had not only resolved on the defeat of France, he proposed its humiliation. This he accomplished. But he has learned that humiliation is not necessarily destruction. The rapid restoration of France from the results of the war has demonstrated anew the wonderful recuperative energy of the French people. It may be safe to defeat; but it is not always safe to unnecessarily humiliate a great and warlike nation; and there is no denying the fact that France has nourished a desire for revenge. Napoleon learned to his sorrow that it was dangerous to provoke a powerful nation, when, by his treatment of Queen Louisa, he so angered the Prussians that, “could Blucher have had his way, Napoleon would have been executed and Paris burned at the time it was occupied by the allied armies after Napoleon’s retreat from Leipsic.” Germany made the same mistake in her treatment of France, and the people of south Germany now very generally recognize this fact and deplore it. In 1877, six years after the war ended, France had so far recovered from the effects of that war that Bismarck meditated the plan of provoking another war with France, which he was determined to reduce to a second-rate power. It is understood that the opposition of Crown Prince Frederick was strong enough to prevent the accomplishment of this purpose. The increase of the power of France led Germany to the alliance with Austria, and later with Italy, thus forming the Dreibund, or Triple Alliance. As this was as much of a threat against Russia as against France, these last-named countries by mutual interests have at last been drawn together in an alliance. The people and press in South Germany now frankly declare that a kind treatment and alliance with France by Germany at the close of the Franco-Prussian War would have prevented the fear of a Russian invasion, which now menaces Germany. Such were the causes which have led to the excessive armament of Europe, which has gone on without a halt since the reorganization of the French army at the close of the war of 1870–71. For years it has seemed as tho all the nations of Europe were listening to one voice, and that that voice was saying, “Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles: Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up.” Joel 3:9. At the present time each one of the five great powers—Russia, Austria-Hungary, Germany, France, and Italy—can muster a much larger army than Napoleon commanded when he set out for the Russian campaign which ended in the retreat from Moscow. Turkey has an army of seven hundred thousand men, and is now raising money by popular subscription to arm every Moslem in the nation. Great Britain has an army of about half a million men. Spain has sent twice as many soldiers to Cuba during the last two years as Napoleon commanded at Austerlitz or Waterloo. Then all the smaller powers have caught the spirit, have increased their armies, and militarism was never so rampant before since the history of man. It has crossed the6ocean, and many are suggesting that the army of the United States should be increased to keep up with the growth of the country. Even the churches organize boys’ brigades, many of which are armed with real weapon. The naval preparations have been kept fully abreast of the military preparation by land. Great Britain still maintains a supremacy in point of an effective navy. But she only does this by building many ships each year. France closely presses her, and the other nations follow hard after in the same line. Even the peaceful Hollanders have caught the infection, and will immediately build twelve armed cruisers and as many torpedo boats. These great armies and numerous ships of war are armed with weapons such as the world never saw before. One of these floating fortresses would have been sufficient to have ruled the ocean fifty years ago. These immense preparations are all for war. The nations are on the stretch for more territory and more power. Turkey is to be divided, and that nation will get the most of her territory which is the best prepared to seize and hold the biggest portion. Hence there are jealousies, alliances, open and secret, feverish excitement, plots and counterplots. The nations are drawing near a vortex which they fear, but from which they can not now draw back. By diplomacy they only delay the final plunge which each one instinctively knows must at last be taken. Says the Lord, “And the nations were angry” (Rev. 11:18)—perfect description of the present situation. What they will eventually do in their anger is foretold in Joel 3:9–12. Evidently there will be a partition of Turkey in Europe by the powers, and, following that, a general war for the possession of the land of Palestine. The Catholic powers will struggle with Russia, representative of the Greek Church power, for the possession of the holy places. It will be a new crusade. But God will interpose. His work will then have been finished in the earth, the seven last plagues will be poured out, and Christ will come, the Destroyer of the wicked and all their vain hopes, and the Joy and Hope of his people. This is the meaning of the widespread call to arms that is sounding among the nations. This is the meaning of the message of the everlasting Gospel, which, in accumulating simplicity, power, and glory, is being preached to all the world as a witness to all nations. Rev. 14:6–12; Matt. 24:14. M. E. K.