p. 8 | THE LIGHTED MATCH by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 20, 1899

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 51.

"THE LIGHTED MATCH."

By Editor

UNDER this heading the New York World has this to say, the facts of which throw a lurid and sinister light on the claims of prospective peace when all "war drums are muffled":—

"The scent of battle in South Africa fills the air of civilization. A world that was talking of and hoping for universal peace only three months ago is sharpening the sword and unlimbering the gun in preparation for universal war.

"The South African war has lowered the moral tone of Europe. The imitative continental nations feel that England's rulers were laughing at them at the Peace Congress last summer, and were merely trying to tie their hands, that England might be the freer to pursue a policy of aggression and forcible annexation.

"These facts stand out in the cable despatches. Mr. McKinley, with all his secret channels of diplomatic information, knows even better than the public how surcharged the atmosphere of Europe is.

" 'Even during the course of hostilities,' says the plan adopted at the Peace Congress. And a year before that Peace Congress met, on April 27, 1898, Sir Julian Pauncefote, the ambassador of Queen Victoria, appointed by the present prime minister of Great Britain, presented to Mr. McKinley 'a pressing appeal to the feelings of humanity and moderation of the President and the American people.' Sir Julian Pauncefote happily called that appeal 'a message of friendship and peace at the present critical juncture.'

"The British people are realizing into what a melancholy position Mr. Chamberlain has brought the affairs, not of England but of the whole civilized world. The British people see the great storm gathering, the storm which in its breaking would bring death to scores of thousands, misery to unnumbered millions. A lighted match has been thrown into the vast powder magazine."

And just as long as men are unreconciled to God, are carnal of heart, there will be war. All the Peace Conferences in the world can not prevent.