p. 88 | Situation in Europe

California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists · Oakland, Cal. · Dec 17, 1874

Situation in Europe.

THE European situation is very obscure. A remarkably competent observer tells us what it is in Italy. In France it is always volcanic. French politics are, in truth, the permanent revolution, because the real question is not one of administration, of policy, or expediency, but the nature and form of the Government itself. In Spain it is not less doubtful. Meanwhile some of the wisest heads in Europe feel that great events are now preparing. Just 300 years ago Sir Philip Sydney said, "I cannot think there is any man possessed of common understanding who does not see to what these rough storms are driving, by which all Christendom has been agitated now these many years." So, now, the enormous armaments, the frequent interviews of monarchs, the tone of the press, the deadly hostility of Germany and France.

The brief fury of the Commune, the position of the Papacy, and a hundred other signs announce to the coolest observers the imminence of new wars, from which democracy, or popular government, will emerge crushed or all-powerful. This is evidently the view of Mr. Disraeli, who said in a late debate in Parliament that "the great crisis of the world is nearer than some suppose." His words, taken in connection with his speech at Edinburgh last Autumn, in which he described what he called the spirit of the age, show that the British Prime Minister believes great events to be imminent.—Harper's Weekly.

It is not a little strange that while all the great European Powers are loudly and ostentatiously proclaiming a peace policy, they are at the same time making warlike preparations upon a most extensive scale. Russia, France and Germany are all increasing their military establishments, adopting fresh improvements in arms and organization, and acting as if they were looking forward to some terrible struggle in the near future. If they really mean peace, their course of action is utterly inexplicable.—S. F. Chronicle.

Although there is peace in Europe, the nations are preparing for war, as may be inferred from the fact that the cannon-maker, Krupp of Prussia, has so many orders, that he is effecting a loan of seven millions five hundred thousand dollars to enlarge his manufactory.—Exchange.