Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1914-10-08
Civilize Christendom.


patch, there is not a trace of the
fundamental ideas of Christian civiliza.
ton. Might is right stronger nations
should conquer and despoil weaker
nations; territory should be seized
whenever it is wanted by nations able
to take it; honorable intentions and
treaty obligations must be thrown
aside when national interest and ex-
psnsion requires it; everything should
be sacrificed to 'tnecessities' of mill
tant Imperialism; force as a means Of
realizing national ambitions and ex-
panding national power should not be
limited by feeble and foolish notions
of liberty, justice and humanity-all
obstacles to these ends must be crush
ed.
Yet foreign as these doctrines are
to Christianity it must be admitted
that in varying measure they govern
the conduct of most nations which
profess to be Christian.
The nations as organized peoples
distinct from the individuals compos-
ing them are uncivilized. Before we
can hope for permanent peace we
must civilize them. We will not say
Christianize them, because Christian
ity has so many phases and angles.
But we must bring them to that stand
ard of civilization which great bodies
of the populations of C~hristendom
have reached as individuals and com
munities.
There are so many gods in Chris
tendon the nations are still wander
ing in the wilderness of tribal gods,
Each one has it's god who directs itt
councils, supports its policies ano
fights on the side of its battalions,
Each Emperor has a divine aid on his
staff and a divine ally on the battle
field with his army. The rulers Of
each of them, whether imperial OF
republican, find justification in the
will of the national god. They invoke
his help against the gods and the
armies of their foes. They cherish
the savage sense of separatenes, sseii
interest and antagonism.
Is there one nation which believes
in the validity of the golden rule? Ii
there n which in it's general policy
does not act upon the theory that ii
is invalid and foolish?
If we could only bring the nations
to recognition of n God with a per-
ception of the unity of all mankind as
his children under his spiritual gov
eminent wars would cease. Surely
that is a hard task which invites the
best energies of Christian peoples
living under unchristian govern
mentS.
But on the secular side nations still
maintain the silly code duello. Hon
or must be indicated by force and
bloodshed. Questions of honor can
not be submitted to arbitration. Ma
tions swagger about heavily armed
they are still revolver toters. They
live by the barbaric rule of might in
stead of the civilized rule of reason
which they enforce upon their citizens
and subjects. Nations do not refer
their disputes to courts; they are
just beginning to establish courts
which are as yet without authority to
enforce their decisions and DEGREES.
They are dependent wholly upon the
will of the d~isputants.
In short there is no community of
nations under laws governing their
relationships and adjusting their in
terests. The rich fruits of organized
cooperative civilization is denied
them. International ethics ia a vague
and varying standard, neither defined
O enforced.
Under the guidance of the wise and
good, mar clear of mind and sound of
heart who is now in the White.House
we have set up a rule of national con-
duct which approximates the stand
ard of Christian civilization. We
have publicity and definitely put be-
hind us conquest and speliation of our
weaker neighbors; we have exempli-
fed voluntary fair play in dealing
with another nation. We have placed
the interest of other peoples above
commercial spoils and sordid self in
terest.
To maintain this standard and i'm
prove it and to set it up among all the
~so-called civilized nations is a work
to which all men of good will in the
world should devote their energies.
1t is especially the task of the press
and of all the forces which direct and
mold public opinion. Out of the
present appalling conflict should come
a new world opinion which will over
throw the false theories and sophisms
of the a~utocrats and the militarists
and will compel governments to
recognize human relationships and
ethical standards in the conduct of ma
tons as well as of individuals.
We must civilize C~hristendom.
Good Opening for a Hotel.
My place for sale. Reason for sell