THE MODERN WAR.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 54, 6 March 1899, Page 6

THE MODERN WAR.

(To the Editor.)

&y t —xt seems a strange irony of late that the Americans who fought for their independence should be massacring the Filipinos as* they are now doing. Doubtless they think it is better the Filipinos should be in subjection to them, aiid it is costing them so much financially that their Treasurer reports a deficit, and their already heavily taxed people have further increase before them. But our own Mother Country aiso expects a deiicit, and the Wg-suffering Brftisli taxpayer having had the spirit of conquest, as in America, thoroughly aroused by the jingoites, is now to be still more ground down in order that money may be found to pay for inert) battleships and deadly weapons of destruction to maintain what is called military and naval supremacy. To do evil that good may come of it, although it has been the excuse for so many of the late wars, is directly contrary to Christian teaching. But, sir, when Christian ministers and leaders are found returning thanks to 'God ior so-called glorious victories, and praying that His kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy may cover the earth, how can we expect any check to the spread of the jingo spirit o( late years everywhere so rampant, this young colony being no exception. AY. T. Stead has set a good example in his new paper 'War Against War,' in which he is endeavouring to foment a peace crusade to support the Tsar's proposals to restrain an increase of armaments to save the bankruptcy of the whole of Europe. Though all should deny it, war is simply wholesale murder legalised, as duelling once was by the voice of public opinion, and the war spirit, like the horse leech, cries 'give, give, give.' The commands of the founder of Christianity are practically ignored, and Mohammed's teachings to propagate by fire and sword more acted upon in many of the recent wars of so-called Christian nations. Spurgeon said were he a native he should look with great suspicion on a religion bearing a sword in one hand and a Bible in the other. I would that in this city and colony some leader would arise to propagate among Christian churches and endeavourers that all war is opposed to the law of Christ, who told Pilate 'My kingdom is not of this world, else would my servants fight,—l am, etc., J. PECKOVEK.