Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1900-01-15
A VOICE FoR PEACE

nclglan ministers are said TO have
cent an appeal TO the clergymen Of
Great Britain to use their influence in
favor u an early termination Of the
war in South Africa This places the
British leaders Of churches In a diem
ma. They viii either have to decline to
llst their voices for peace, ana against
war; or they win have to take a position
directly opposed TO public opinion at
tha present time. Either horn OF the
dilemma must be unpleasant to con-
template,
There Is no doubt that public opIn-
lon 10 England Is for a continuation OF
,ht war to the bitter end. The reyerses
suffered have only served to strengths
On the determination TO win. GREAT
dissatisfaction has been manifested to-
ward the government and some Of the
leaders Of the campaign have been Sc
ycrely criticized, but the public clamor
IS as strong as ever for a demonstra-
ton al whatever cost, Of the military
superiority OF Great Britain In South
Africa. It Is felt that on the outcome
u that struggle hangs the very exist
ence Of an empire.
The press IL almost unanimous in the
declaration that England's title to be
world power is on trial." The Lon
don Daily Chronicle says
Some ridiculous persons abroad are
advising England to make peace. The
only peace maker I'm this business IL
the Brltish army. II Is said that the
Boer leaders express their determine
t0n TO fight TO the death unless we dis
avow any intention TO annex the re-
publcs Well, they are all brave men,
and they VIII have every opportunity
Of making good their resolutions. At
the cost OF whatever sacrifice, B0er
dominion In the Transvaal must end.
II Is the greatest compliment
10 Mr. Kruger that we have TO put
forth our full strength 70 conquer him,
and Il is not a matter Of Boosting that.
while our resources viii enable US TO
keep on pcgging away, his resources
must diminish every week
We have 10 save South Africa, and, az
Mr.. Asquith says, a good deal more
than South Africa. Lord Roberts and
Lord Kitchener are the men TO DO It,
and they win carry with them the full
confidence OF their queen and their
countfymen."
This reflects public sentiment. The
Spectator thinks there IL nothing yet,
and there Is not likely to be anything
In the course OF events in South Africa,
which could justify feeling Of dsmay.
Mt Stead Is about the only one OF
the notable writer's, who takes sombre
view Of the situation. He calls atten-
ton to the fact that a visit Of 100000
Frenchmen would not be desirable at
time when the strength OF the coun-
try Is fighting nightmare" IN Africa.
With this almost solitary exception
England wants war TO a finish. She
wants peace. but the treaty must be
written In Pretoria. Under the cir
cumstances, what can the ministers do2
How can they defy public opinion?
They would be denounced by the great
majority Of the people, as traitors, or
at least as lacking in patriotism The
ministers Of country are not to be ex.
pected. as a rule. TO place themselves in
opposition to the majority, even for the
defense of truth. A jeremiah did not
hesitate to oppose both kings and
princes when their policy was wrong.
Paul had the courage Of facing alone
the multltudes that sometimes clamored
for his life. But that was different.
They were the servants Of power in
anitely higher than that possessed by
men, or any body Of mortal beings.