The Socialists in Sweden, who represent the burden-bearing laborers, are opposing the enormous wastes occasioned by war preparations; and passing over to Japan, we find rioting because of the attitude of the government in insisting upon war preparations. The Japanese naval budget was cut down $38,000,000; but even after the estimate has been thus reduced, it is still an increase of the heavy burden that is now borne by the sturdy Japanese people. The government of Japan is resorting to all sorts of tax measures in order to raise money to build super-Dreadnoughts; and in connection with this demand for war appropriations, there are persistent rumors of "grafting" that involve not only Japanese citizens, but some of the European nationalities as well. Between the fear of the rulers and the opportunities for grafting, it would seem that this war craze will swamp the world; but if we know the meaning of these things, they need not perplex us. The Being who was able to foretell such complex conditions is also able to fulfil every one of His promises to protect those who place their trust in Him in these perilous times.