The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-07-28
APPEAL FROM sCHLIEMANN
Chaplain Goth Kansas Wants Money
to Buy Tent.

to Buy Tent.
The following is an appeal from Rev.
J. G. Schliemann, chaplain of the Tween
ueLn kansas volunteers for the people
or Kansas to interest themselves in the
religious welfare Of the Kansas volun-
teers:
Amid the various notes of war both
major and minor, there is one other as
yet unheard that may fifty come to the
good people of Kansas.
The religious condition of the Twen-
tteth Kansas and it's religious needs
have hardly been noticed so far by the
home press and people. Yet there is no
part OF reg1mental life which is more
important and no part which will be
more 1ar reaching in its results both
for the immediate and distant future.
I'VE have in our five acre lot more
than 1900 men. For the religious work
of this good sized congregation the gov
eminent makes absolutely no provision
apart ffom the appointment of a chap
lain. No meeting place; no books; no
music. Only the open sky and a John
the Baptist crying in this moral wilder
ness of San Francisco bay district. Per-
maps right here a few lines on the re-
Hgious condition of the regiment will
help to an understanding of what we
wish to do.
There have been religious services
of some kind at least twice every Sun
day since I have been with the regi-
ment. Every Sunday an invitation has
been given to those who desired to be-
there has been a response of from one
to twenty. We have held a few services
in the open air but the climate is too
trying, apart from other drawbacks, to
make that feasible as a rule. Generally,
we have been under shelter. Some times
in a Y. M. c. A. tent. Some times in the
G. E. headquarters. Some times in one
of the down town churches. Memorial
Sunday we had the use of the California
street NJ. E. church. Last Sunday we
had the use of the First Baptist and
twenty men expressed their desire to
lead a Christian life. These churches
are a long distance from camp. In
most cases it is too far to walk. We
need some place in our camp large
enough for $50 to 300 men. Every even
Ding for four weeks. excepting the Fourth
vice, either social or religious, or both,
with a number of our boys. The num-
Der going ranged from % to 500 men.
In addition to this we aim to have three
devotional evenings a week in my small
tent on the grounds, one evening being
given to each battalion. Last evening
there were SO present who filled the
tent to it's limit While a good numbe
go outside of camp to church a good
many object to going, as they say, I'M
der guard to church. They go under
my charge and am expected to ac-
count for them and while there is no
need for that feeling of cOnstraint it
actually exists on the part of many.
What we need is our own equipment
consisting OF a tent, DdDy organ anu
a supply of singing books.
"Col. Funston has assured me that if
we can get the tent we can arrange to
have it sent with US as regimental
freight. 1t will take in the neIghbor-
hood of 5000 to get the tent but the
money spent in that way will be worth
more to the regiment in it's productive
results than ten times the amount spent
for the physical needs of the men
will the churches in the towns that
have men in the Twentieth Kansas, call
attention to this matter and take up a
collection from the congregation for
this purpose. The need is urgent, the
opportunity great. Camp life teens
with temptation, but on the other hand
the soldier is often susceptible to re
ligious influences. From $25 to $50 from
each of several cities, whose men are
with us, will make all the money need
ed. This tent would also be used as
reading and writing tent and place
for social meetings.
IF we get away to Manila before the
money comes it may be forwarded to
us there. The receipt of all money Will
be acknowledge. (Signed).
REV. ]. G. SCHLIEMANN."
at heartily endorse the above. All
contributions for this purpose should
be sent to the chaplain. (Signed),
FREDERICK FUNSTON,
Colonel"