A WARLIKE OUTLOOK by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Feb 3, 1887

A WARLIKE OUTLOOK.

By Editor

THERE is a widespread uneasiness in Europe, and the most careful observers of current events are convinced that a great war is at hand. The possible causes of such a struggle have been pointed out again and again in our columns; they are suggested in almost every week's record of news. In more directions than one a conflict between races and opposing systems is apparently speedily developing. Inflammable material was never so widespread as to-day, and although most of the diplomats and military leaders are probably averse to war, they feel, as von Moltke evidently feels, that there is an element of fatality in the situation which no device of diplomacy and no precautions of war departments can neutralize. As things are to-day, it is difficult to see how a war between France and Germany can be long postponed; nor how the Eastern question can be settled without a great struggle; nor how the relations of England and Russia in Asia can be adjusted without an appeal to arms; nor how the race antagonism between the Slavs on the one hand and the diverse nationalities under the Austrian rule on the other can be averted. From all these directions war may come at any time.

But that which gives immediate alarm is not so much these general facts in the situation, which have long been recognized, as the steps which are just now being taken by the various governments, which indicate a universal apprehension of the speedy breaking out of war on the part of most of the governments on the Continent. There is very little doubt but that the German Government wants peace. . . . But it is clear that, however strongly Germany may desire peace, she does not expect it. As our readers know, the Government, in the face of a pledge given when the present organization of the army on the peace footing was conceded by the German Parliament, and more than a year before the expiration of that arrangement, has asked for its renewal and for an addition of 40,000 men to the present peace footing. The German Minister of War and Count von Moltke have expressed with the utmost frankness their apprehensions, and the committee having the bill in charge have had some secret statements from the Government which are probably still more definite and decisive.

Of seven great governments, six at least are making preparations for war. The Austrian Government, which has continually to struggle with deficits in its budgets, and is particularly conservative in adding to its financial burdens, is spending $15,000,000 upon its army, chiefly to equip it with improved rifles. The Russian Government, practically bankrupt, goes on lavishing its funds on the improvement of its army, especially in the commissary department, where it has been weakest, and is steadily concentrating troops on its southwestern frontier. In Italy the mobilization of the army has been pushed forward so rapidly that it is now declared to be finally completed. Turkey has collected 150,000 soldiers in Macedonia alone, and is conscripting right and left and draining all its resources of men and money to strengthen its forces in the field. England has just witnessed the retirement of a Cabinet Minister whose secession involved great peril to his party, rather than lower the estimates on the army and navy so as to fulfill promises made on the accession of the ministry to power.

The activity of France is no new thing; it has been going on for several years past, and, whatever may be said of General Boulanger, it is certain that he has radically improved the character of the French army. His growing popularity, in spite of the recent disclosures of his correspondence with one of the Orleans princes, is probably one of the disquieting signs to which Germany attaches great weight. The new French army is probably the best in point of discipline and efficiency which France has ever possessed. It is largely made up of men who have not forgotten the horrors of the great battles of seventeen years ago, and who are only desirous of revenging upon Germany the suffering inflicted upon France. The officers are burning with military ambition, and General Boulanger himself has plenty of inflammable material in his composition. No one seems to know precisely what the condition of the Tsar is, although the air is full of rumors. It lies within his power to precipitate a tremendous struggle almost at a day's notice, and it is also possible that the struggle may be precipitated in spite of the Tsar. Another danger of the situation lies in the fact that the Emperor of Germany has become a very old man, and his disappearance from the scene, which may be looked for at any time, will undoubtedly open a new chapter of complications. Altogether, it is clear that there is good ground for the apprehension which seems to be felt in all directions.—Christian Union.