New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-03
THE ARMY CHAPLAIN.
HIS MANY DUTIES MAKE THE POST no
SINECCRE

Tampa. Fla. June q (speciaD.-As is the case
With his brother IN civil he the Army chaplain
Hncs actual services the saies. part 0. his duties
Inc regulations prescribe that each regiment shall
have an opport unity on Sunday 10 attend divine
worship but the chaplans find much 20 DO all the
seven days OF the week. In the first place there
are often affairs OF TIE regimen; be looked after
Tradition associates the chaplain with the pos;mas-
tersh!p; II he doesn't always attend TO al the de-
tails OF this place, he may exercise q general
supervision. In the hospital he can be OF the
greatest service. Days dull and hours are long
TO the poor fellows stretched there and the
presence and conversation OF kindly clergyman
may be substantial aid to convalescence.
Just how much good the chaplain do depends
not only on mis- desire be helpful but his know
edge OF human nature. Soldiers are no re-
ligious than other .olk perhaps they less
either, but they don't fancy having the Gospel
poked at them ;he end Of stick. In fact. re-
ligion Is o. the last things the chaplain should
talk about. First o. all, he must show himself a
sympathetic friend OF the solder. The right sort
OF Chaplain is soon appreciated by the men.
In the beginning however. IL would not always
be easy TO get good terms with me priyates n
the Regular Army were Il not Tor the chaplain $
rank He has captains commission. and mis-
compes certain respect and attention. What
would be looked upon an Intrusion on the part
OF ordinary clergyman meets with At least
passive submission when the man OF the cloth is an
officer as well. Thus discipline Is AZ the bottom o'
the chap.ans Original reception at the hands OF
the enlisted men % course. this Is only az nrst
II he shows himself good sort Of fellow who talks
about the ordinary affairs OF camp or post lie and
not always about the Bible. ne Is In time IN posi-
ton 20 DO the particular work which Is the prime
object OF his calling
a chaplain can get along with doing Nttle II he
cares co. and the Office IS filed with different KINDS
OF men. A Jealous one whose sympathies are keen
and broad can ind occupation for every holT
OF the day The hospital comes IN for good part
o. MS time = II Il only cheer up The patients
with MS conversation. Those who are TOO III 70
read t0r themselves he entertains with newspaper
or book the Bible. T. j; seems desirable. lie reaI-
their letters TO them and writes replies In time o.,
battle his natural function Is 70 aid IN bringing IL
the wounded and IN caring for them.
There are also well men who need the chaplain s
voice ~ encouragement Some are homesick, even
In the Regular Army this ailment l. no. unknown.
The brac.ng Up ot a frank tax WIN MINIS" -
often remarkable. Courage ~ also lnstAlei ~
MIN. They are curious study. thee persons
mas come they believe In hard hghtlng 30 ones
chated more un5er the delay IN starting me FNth
Army Corps tor Santiago DE- cuba than taesr zane
When hghting begins. however. many backbone
VII nave been st!renet by Their warAke words ans
In he regulations genera control o, ne post
schools is also g.vei. 70 the chaplain. He may not
30 the actual ,eaching but exercise super
vision. The Government offers facilities t9r en-
Ing and writing taught those wno are ignorant
OF them these AL men % lonS service a. TIE
Qualifications of recruits have for some time H.
Guided a certain amount ~ efucation. Frivates
VINO can Rad and write may WISH 20 lrarr more.
and instruction H. given them. some study io %"
able - pas civii service examinations. and thus
10 improve their condition when their terms expire
All slcn - aUbit on should receive rom -"
chaplain trrourageuent and advice
In the volunteer regiments especially. rflatifes
write 20 the chaplain asking him 60 look atfer on
Young man or another or 20 inquire after ~
health and what tree t-nent ne - receiving Ire
minister is apparently looked upon a. a bureau ~
Information tOr the regiment. Perhaps be - 70
sar3e5 as % mIcn i"E.re being gree from
so many parish iuties letters pou- IN fOr him
on all conceivable uh)ects one chaplain not long
ago wrote Afty replies 20 inquirers IN one day
letter commencing 10 the cnapa.ns attention some
beloved son brother involves a call on The man
and invitation 10 MIN % visit he chaplain when
IN trouble OF any kind. Thus acGua'ntances are
comforting and encouraging talks
Gifts for the soldiers are usually distributed by
the chaplains Some vouniee- regiments have re
ceved supplies % stationery. stamps reading mat
ter delicac-s and other rernenhrances from trends
a; home which the chaplain - called on ~ deliver
In the list NcwYork Or. Van De Water is a.so
in charge Of th- officers Some ne~ 90
regimen. mas Young Mons CHristi1r Association
tent where me mer invited 20 write ;hei- let
tiers and read their books and paper. Who're this
- the genera charge o. the esta bish n~nt
also falls on the chaplains overhurden"d shoulder