A SIGN OF THE TIMES by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA · Apr 25, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 17.

A SIGN OF THE TIMES.

By Editor

AN oriental standard of honesty is developing rapidly in the great nation of the Occident. Those acquainted with the Chinese character tell us that it is not considered wrong to steal small sums, or even large sums, from one to whom they are proportionately small. We used to be taught that stealing in itself is wrong in the very least. The principle itself is evil and subversive of all righteousness in whatsoever degree exercised.

That principle is manifest in this country in peculations from the national State or municipal governments, from railway companies or other great corporations. The matter of such stealing is treated so lightly that from a moral view it is painful and alarming.

In nothing has this tendency been more manifest in a national way than in the demands upon the government for pensions. Now in this we have nothing to say against any deserving, honorable applicant for a pension. Those who are disabled or have become afflicted in the service of their country deserve recognition by their government. We are speaking of false claims and allowances as a sign of the times, as reported in reliable journals. For instance, the "floor correspondent" of the Independent tells us that "nine thousand [pension] bills of various sorts have been introduced into the House this session." To the committee on invalid pensions were referred 3,600 of these. How will they ever get through them? One afternoon "the House, in spite of opposition by Mr. Loud, succeeded in disposing of ninety-six pension cases. Mr. Loud had the boldness to declare that ninety-five per cent. of the pension cases reported here for action should never receive the favorable consideration of any legislative body." But they received the favorable consideration of Congress, and so will many more. How truly is Isaiah 59 reflected in public proceedings to-day!