A NEW THING IN HISTORY.
By Uriah Smith
FROM the preparations that Germany is making in reference to the affair in China, it is quite evident that she is preparing to demand a satisfaction that China can never give in money. Every expression of the German emperor and of the German general who has been chosen to direct the operations of the allies in China, makes this apparent. Germany has never been modest in her previous demands for indemnity in any part of the world, as witness the indemnity exacted from France in 1871, and her acquisition of Kaiou-chau as indemnity for the murder of a German missionary in China. Now, with her minister murdered, her flag insulted, her legation destroyed, and her subjects virtual prisoners for several weeks in the legation of another friendly power, and with her missionary subjects murdered in many parts of China, it may be readily understood that she will ask for nothing small. With England's determination to control the Yang-tse district, and with Russia now pushing her southern boundary far below the Amur River, and with the French people and press demanding substantial value in Southern China, and with Italy, Austria, and even Portugal and Belgium preparing to make energetic demands, a peaceful settlement of the present difficulty is hard to foresee. Nevertheless, a peaceful settlement may be reached, for the angels continue to hold the winds of strife. But even so, it brings us one step nearer that great battle, for China is now the nations' drill ground. Such a spectacle was never seen before in the history of the world, armies of all nations concentrated for the punishment of one nation. It is an experience that is unique in the world, and it is making possible the final alignment of nations for that conflict which will consummate the warrings of earth. When the ripening season comes, the green fruit ripens rapidly. The ripening season for this world is upon us now. It is a time also of rapid ripening of Christian character. Events move rapidly. "Behold, the Judge standeth at the door."