INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION.
By W. N. Glenn
THE question of settling all international differences by arbitration has been more or less agitated for several years, but it was made especially prominent through the medium of the congresses connected with the Chicago Exposition. The attention of all the civilized governments has been called to the subject, and all seem inclined to give at least respectful attention to it. If each could see how to consummate such an arrangement without compromising some selfish interest that might arise in the future, no doubt all would be willing to forthwith adopt the plan. But perhaps the most intricate question would be, Who shall be arbitrator? It has been already asked, Shall there be a permanent board, or shall arbiters be chosen as occasion may require? Roman Catholicism stands ready to seize the golden opportunity offered by the arbitration agitation. The Catholic Mirror says, “No time should be lost in cultivating popular sentiment in favor of this all-important subject of permanent peace.” And Civiltà Cattolica is ready to answer the question, Who shall arbitrate? It says, “Only one answer is possible; the pope must act as arbitrator; he alone possesses in his person the indispensable qualifications.” In support of this conclusion the following reasons are assigned:— - His power is spiritual and, therefore, more removed from mere political considerations than that of any other monarch.
- The pope is habitually an old man and celibate, devoid of family ties and uninfluenced by passion.
- He is compelled to take as his model in the eyes of the world that divine Prince of Peace, whose representative on earth he is.
- Whereas the increase of their temporal estates is the great aim and object of all sovereigns, the sole glory of the pontiff consists in the open defense of truth and right.
- The decisions of the pope are likely to be accessible to all, even to those who do not recognize his religious domination, as being those of a great moral power.
Just how it will come about does not yet appear; but in some way, before long, the pope will occupy a position where for a very brief period he will rule the world. The “deadly wound” will be “healed,” as saith the prophet, who also saw that “all the world wondered after the beast.” When he comes into that position of power, he will “arbitrate” by virtue of some powers “which have received no kingdom as yet; but they receive authority as kings, with the beast, for one hour. These have one mind, and they give their power and authority unto the beast.” Rev. 17:12, 13, Revised Version. And a further view shows that “these shall war against the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings; and they also shall overcome that are with him, called and chosen and faithful.” Verse 14. Then comes the reversion of fortune, and these very powers that have supported the apostate church, seeing that they have been deceived by her, turn against her. “These shall hate the harlot, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and shall burn her utterly with fire. For God did put in their hearts to do his mind, and to come to one mind, and to give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God should be accomplished.” Verses 16, 17, Revised Version.