Not for Arbitration by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · May 12, 1914

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 41, No. 18.

Not for Arbitration

By Editor

IN referring to the Tampico incident that was the last straw which came along to precipitate the controversy with Mexico, Huerta is reported to have requested that the matter be referred to the Hague Tribunal for arbitration, but President Wilson's reply was that insults to the American flag and questions of national honor can not be settled by arbitration.

President Wilson and his assistants are among the strongest, and we might even say, stubbornest advocates for peace that may be found in the world. That is, these men who are now at the head of our nation, in charge of the affairs of state, will face popular demonstrations and hold out to the very last minute before permitting themselves to lead this nation into war. But even these men are forced to admit that conditions will sometimes drive a nation to war.

One of the principal ingredients that works into it is the supreme selfishness of men, that God has said through His word would make the last days perilous; and one of the greatest perils that confronts us is the increasing world-wide spirit that makes for war.

The men of high ideals and of strong purpose who are found in every nation are in the right in declaring that war is one of the most absurd things that civilized nations can engage in. It is just as absurd as the duel, which most nations have outgrown. But regardless of these facts, and regardless of the high ideals these men so properly hold, we are confronted with a chronic selfishness that manifests itself in greed for gain and for power. These baser things are forcing the hands of men who are rightfully opposed to the cruelties and the barbarities of war.

We must accept the facts as they are, and not take for fact our ideals of how things ought to be. In these times, we should not lose sight of the great truth that God's unmistakable prophecies have pointed out that Armageddon, which will involve all the world in war, and not universal peace, is just before us.