The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-03
GOD AND WAR.
Pathetic as Well as SILLY Mind of the
Archbishop of Manila.
Washington Times.

Washington Times.
The. medieval character of Spanish
thought has been illustrated once more,
this time by the Archbishop of Manila. This
dignitary announces that he has had a COM
muncation from the Almighty TO the effect
that the Yankee pigs will be driven out OF
the Philippines, and Spain will be triumph
ant in the end
The idea of the tribal God, whose busi-
ness 1t is to protect one nation and annihi-
late another has nearly disappeared from
civilized thought. History has shown that,
rule, the aphorism of Napoleon Is gen.
orally much nearer the truth-that God is
on the side of the heaviest battalions The
idea that sort of telephone message can
be received by the priest of one nation en-
gagged in war, informing him that the pow
ers above are on the side of his people and
are going to strike a crushing blow at the
other rarity, would be ridiculous If it were
not pathetic. And when it is announced
that this divine interposition is to take place
in behalf of a country whose policy repre-
sents unprovoked murder rapine, torture,
and tyranny, it comes very near being BIAS
phemous 1t Is scarcely possible to suppose
that, If the Creator of the universe takes
any interest in conflict between two ma
tions, He should regard Ii with any Senti-
ment other than pity. War is not bust
ness or a paStime. 1t is an unfortunate
necessity. 1t calls forth some OF the no.
blest and basest instincts of human nature.
When a nation becomes dangerous to the
interests Of civilization and enlightenment,
it has to be uppressed-exterminated IL
necessary--but the thing should be done in
just the same spirit in which an individual,
dangerous to the community. is Imprisoned
or hanged. In the strict sense of the word.
there can never be a holy war, any more
than there can be holy hanging. Both are
necessary, and should be engaged In without
hesitation and without reluctance when oc-
casion requires, but there is no tribal God,
with a particular spite against the criminal
to be invoked in either case.
The truth which the notion OF the tribal
God dimly foreshadows Is that there are
certain divine laws which govern this world
and in accordance with which all progress
Is. When an individual, or nation per-
sistently goes contrary TO those divine laws,
it becomes disintegrated. If a war Is an
unholy war. that Is II IL is against the IN
terests OF civilization, morality ard prog
reSs, Ii can never be permanently success
full. There is no force like the force whic
lifts the Seeding oak out OF the. earth y
ward the sky, which, sooner or later, Nd
overturn the Judgment Of the god OF waI,0
1t is not a true Judgment
With a cloudy recognition OF this pril.
ciple. the half savage nations Of old time
this war were against a nation chivalrous.
merciful, just in its dealings with helpless
people, II We We're actuated by the greed
OF gain, and the pride of race. we might
well fear that our victory would be poi
soncd by the unworthineSs of our cause.
But IL progress means anything, II liberty
justice and kindness are more than mere
women. children and wounded men in Cuba.
the oppression OF the natives OF the Philip
pines the unprovoked murder Of the sailors
CT the Maine, should be avenged
There are mixed motives in this war. Re
member the Maine has been the battle cry
OF our men. But revenge Is not the only
motive which moves our recruits TO offer
their lives to their country. We believe IA
our national future because the star-span~
gled banner means freedom and justice for
All men. The flag OF Spain represents IDEAS
tice. And sos In the last analysis. this war
is a war OF sentiment, and. in the MAN, wo
believe the sentiment to be just and tra@