The Perturbed Earth

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Aug 5, 1913

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 40, No. 30.

The Perturbed Earth

LOOK which way we will, there is fear and anxiety on the part of the people of the world. As expressed in the North American Review for July, "The very air is laden with apprehension of startling and grievous happenings." And the editor summarizes the tangible fears as follows: (1) Apprehension of War; (2) Oppression of the Poor by the Rich; (3) The Tariff and the Trusts; (4) Common Extravagance; (5) The Disestablishment of Credit; and (6) Effects of Popular Agitation. The editor endeavors to take a sunshiny view in all these matters. But the real student of human affairs, guided by the prophetic word, can not see the roseate beyond that Mr. Harvey sees. There is a fear of war,—not simply a war between Mexico and the United States, but there is a decided fear on the part of many in the United States of war with Japan. And this is not a matter of fear in this country alone, but men in other lands are looking upon it in the same way.

For instance, F. Di Palma, editor of the Nautical Review, a deputy in the Italian parliament, and Italy's foremost naval expert, points out that there is a real basis for fear of war with Japan. He goes on to say that Japan is building up a great navy more rapidly than America is building. She builds quietly and steadily, and he asks, What can be her purpose but to control the Pacific Ocean, with no foes on the other side of her, and with her resources in the condition that they are? He also points out the fact that when America annexed the Hawaiian Islands, Japan was the only one that protested against it, and she has never withdrawn her protest.

Japan seems also to be standing with Mexico in her difficulties. European powers are demanding that the United States shall protect European interests there, or take such a course that they shall be protected; and the latest rumors are that this government is entering into an agreement with England, and perhaps other European powers, to step in together and control things in our troubled neighbor's household at the south. At the same time, England will give assurance that she will not stand with Japan as against the United States. Whether this is entirely rumor, or has some basis in fact, we do not yet know. One learns not to depend upon newspaper reports too strongly.

The labor troubles are also assuming very serious aspects, with one hundred thousand trainmen, on several of the great roads, threatening to strike. It is hoped, of course, that the troubles will be settled and the strike averted, but this is quite uncertain. From all parts of the country come reports of ebullitions of lawlessness, and the investigators in public affairs are continually opening up new chapters of dishonorable action on the part of trusted servants of national, state, and municipal governments.

Mr. Bryan is perfecting his peace plans for the nations, all of which will be heartily endorsed, and yet go unheeded. There is too much jealousy between the great nations of the world to expect combination on any peace plan that will abolish war, or greatly reduce war expense. France, it may be remarked, is finding it very difficult to pass her war bill, but it will pass.

Added to all this, there is the distrust in commercial lines, and losses by drought and storm in various parts of the world. The horizon does not show a promising outlook. There are tremendous portents on every side, which vividly recall the words of our Lord in Luke 21, referring to the days of His coming: "And there shall be signs in sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the billows; men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world." Certainly we are in the times of fear and perplexity. Thank God there is One who rules above all the nations, and who will see that in all the turmoil not one of His children shall perish.