Is It Prosperity? by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 23, 1899

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 34.

Is It Prosperity?

By Editor

Is It Prosperity?—Mr. Thomas B. Reed, ex-speaker of the House of Representatives, is making an extended trip through Europe. He is reported as saying: "On every side I see signs that Great Britain is on the crest of a wave of prosperity. America is enjoying a similar experience. Everything points to the continuance of this prosperity. We only want to get foreign difficulties ended quickly, and international prosperity will continue for a long period."

But the "foreign difficulties" will not be settled at all, much less quickly. Hence this wave of prosperity must soon subside. And, indeed, is there really a general wave of prosperity anyway? Bank reports and customs receipts can be so juggled as to make it appear that there is prosperity. But if there is such, it is almost wholly for the trusts and great men of wealth who already have more than they know what to do with. The discontented voices of the common people show that no wave of prosperity seems to be coming their way.