Signs of War and Wealth
By Editor
MUCH anger is expressed in all parts of Germany because of the seizure of the German merchant vessels by British men of war. And the emperor does not seem to be slow in making capital out of it in favor of his pet scheme of greatly increasing the German navy. Many of the people have been bitterly opposed to carrying the burdens incident to the building of more war ships. But, speaking of the present complications, a Vienna paper says, "It looks as if Great Britain cared less for the cargo in question than for demonstrating before the world that, altho most unlucky on the land, she is the unchallenged mistress of the sea, a demonstration which will do more for the German navy than all the efforts of Emperor William." Everything that can be turned to account in goading the people on to more extensive preparations for war is being vigorously made use of. Surely these are no times of peace. The very air is surcharged with the murderous spirit and din of war. APROPOS of what has been said in these columns in reference to the rapid heaping together of treasure in these times as a sign of the last days, the amount of trust capitalization in Delaware and New Jersey, from March 10, 1899, to the close of the year, is evidence to the point. During that time there have been incorporated in Delaware 365 trusts, with a total capitalization of $457,580,000; and in New Jersey 20,000 corporations, with a total capitalization of $4,403,400,000, making a grand total for those two States of $4,860,980,000. This immense sum in stocks and cash has been heaped together in less than one year in two States, for the purpose of accelerating the heaping power of money. Certainly no argument is necessary to show where we are, with such bold landmarks as this in plain view. A STRONG effort is being put forth in New Jersey by the W. C. T. U. against the sale of "brandy drop candy." A little boy only six years old was recently found helplessly inebriated on the street at Arlington, after indulging in these seductive sweets. It is said that there is a very brisk trade in this stuff among children, and the W. C. T. U. are going to prosecute the dealers. With what ingenuity are the powers of darkness sowing the seeds of evil! And what an awful harvest must soon be produced! How appropriate is the admonition of the Saviour to those living just before His coming! He exhorts them to "take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares." Luke 21:34. IT is reported that the United States, France, and Great Britain have reached an agreement in regard to the Chinese question. But in these days it is hard to tell how soon any international agreement may be overthrown. So it may not be very long before some trivial matter may arise that will set these nations strongly at variance again over Chinese matters. THERE is trouble in Swaziland, a petty kingdom in the vicinity of Delagoa Bay. It was recently reported that King Bunu was dead, but refugees now assert that it was the queen who died. They say that Bunu's brother, Necocco, has assumed the power, and is killing the population of entire villages. There is a reign of terror in the country. A DESPATCH says: "British difficulties are multiplying at Delagoa Bay, where Krupp and Creusot guns are put on shore in piano cases, and where a regular liner like the Bundesrath is now described as carrying 50 tons of shells, 5 big guns, 7,000 army saddles, and 180 trained artillery men." THE gunboat Machias has been ordered to Santo Domingo. The French naval commander at Santo Domingo is pressing a claim for $60,000, and trouble is feared. So it is deemed advisable to have another American war ship there to protect American interests. THE British are still fearful of a Dutch uprising in Cape Colony, and extraordinary precautions are being taken to suppress anything of the kind should it occur. THE subscriptions to the fund for a home for General Lawton's widow have now reached about $85,000.