The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-04-19
THE sAvAGERY OF NATIONS


England Is trying to make it appear that
the Russians are to blame for precipitating
the recent battle near Penjdeh, and the Rus
SLAMS are endeavoring to create the belief
that the English are to blame. Neither
wishes the reputation of having pro-
voked or begun war. Each desires the
sympathies OF the nations of Europe, and is
consequently doing all in its power to prove
that but for the duplicity OF the other the re-
lations between the two governments would
be ss serene as beautiful May morning.
This apparent Difference to the Christian
sentiment of the world is, of course, q mock
cry. Although nominally Christian nations,
neither England nor Russia has any scruples
about shedding blood.
They care Infinitely less for the sacrifice OF
human life than for the object to be gained
by the sacrifice, and their attempt to create
belief that they view war with horror and
are solicitous OF avoiding it, is sheer hypoc
risy. In the event OF conflict neither will
be entitled to any sympathy whatever.
The English will fight to retain the posses
sions they obtained from the East Indians by
means which. il prsctioed by an individual,
would be highway robbery, and the Rus
slams will fight to rob the English OF what
the latter has stolen.
One nation has just as much right
to India rs the other, aud neither
has any right to it at all.
The country belongs to the people to whom
God gave it ss an inheritance, and in case of
struggle professors of Christianity. il they
have any sympathy to spare. ought to extend
il to these poor unfortunstes, rather than to
the Russian or Briton.
1t is the fashion to claim that the world
has attained and is now experiencing high
er degree of civilization than ever before
and The claim is not without foundation.
But in some respects our civilization is
little in advance OF savsgery. Individual
rights are more secure than formerly, bat as
a rule nations are just as greedy and as prone
TO act upon the psrbsric doctrine that might
makes right as they ever were.
When q European empire, monarchy or
republic desires to sggrsndize itself at the
expense of another nation, it never stops to
consider whether its desire is Just.
1t simply inquiries il it has the power to
accomplish the object wished for, and il it is
safe to exercise the power, and if the replies
are in the affirmative 1t enters upon war
OF conquest. This is exactly what nations
have been doing since the dawn of history.
and in this respect, therefore, the powers
are no farther advanced In civilization than
was Persia under Cyrus the Elder, Mscedo.
mia under Alexander, Carthage under Han
nibsl, Rome under Gear or France under
Napoleon l.
Though veneered with learning and polite.
ness the savage instinct is still powerful in
the Caucasian race, and all that is REQ aired
for its development is occasion.
The French are making display of it in
China and Madagascar, the British in the
6oudan and in Ireland. the Germans on
the west coast OF Africa and in Papua,
the Turks in Albania, the Gustemalans
IN Central America, and the half-breeds
and white settlers in Northwest Territory
and although they are endeavoring to de-
ceiye the world into The belief that they
prefer peace and good will, the English aud
Russians may be reasonably expected to
make display of 1t in Afghanistan.