The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-09-26
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26.
EDITORIAL.

LIE rontlcai 0aln a summer of political
palgn' ferment and as the
autumn advances the political battle in
creases in intensity and interest. These
long political campaigns are injurious
and unsettling to business and the only
redeeming feature about them is that
possibly the larger discussion may en-
able the people to decide more wisely.
The issues are grave and affect the pros
perity and honor of our country and
though as a rule we deprecate long
political campaigns. the present seems
to be one for which an exception should
be made.
THE whole English
England, Russia nation" observes the
and Turkey. London correspond
emit o. the New York Tribune, "is united
in deep feeling of adherence for mas
sacre and the misgovernment of Tur-
key. Neither leaders nor mass meetings
are needed to express this righteous
feeling. 1t is strongest in the north
of England, Wales and Scotland, but is
not weak or uncertain anywhere. The
'unepe kable Turk has no friend
in England. The English speaking
people are unanimous in desiring
the deposition of the Sultan and
the abolition of massacre and outrage;
and the government of the day is not
arrayed against this policy. 1t is Rus
STA this time that condones assassination
and barbarity by enforcing inaction, and
the Continental Powers are unwilling to
be convinced that England is sincere
and disinterested" This is the situa-
ton in nutshell. England fears Rus
STA and dare not interfere with the
Sultan's government.
The Eastern question has long been
dominant in European politics as one
of boundaries and geographical distinc
tions. 1t is rapidly assuming question
of another sort-as to how long the Tur.
kish policy of slaughter and massacre
will be permitted by the Christian PEG
pie of the combined European powers.
That form of the Eastern question"
may be nearer it's decisive solution than
many anticipate.
sos
On Tuesday evening
Ballington Booth of last week in this
orualnea' city a ceremony of
ordination was performed which will be
a surprise to the Protestant religionists
of two continents. On that evening
Rallington Booth, Commander OF the
American Volunteers, was ordained
nresbyter of the Evangelical churches
in the presence of representative min
listers of several denominations. Bishop
Fallows was the ordaining bishop. This
ordination marks the wide departure of
the Volunteers from the policy OF the
old Salvation Army which has always
held aloof from all church organizations.
maintaining a strict independence.
Commander Booths ordination denotes
a radical change of policy. He explains
that it is the aim of the Volunteers to
become an auxiliary of the church to
reach those whom the church did not.
Mr.. Booths staff officers will also seek
ordination. The ordination was kept
secret and came as surprise to all con-
cerned. Whether this new movement
will add to the popularity and useful
ness OF Mr.. Booths army remains to be
seen. There is also some doubt as to
the favor with which the movement will
be received among the Volunteers them
selves. There has not been time to
form any opinion on either of these
points. The surprise" will have to be
recovered from before any conclusion is
reached.
NOS