The leader., 1901-09-18
AN OPEN LETTER.
Addressed by Rev. j. \. Scar
borough to the Railroad
Companies of the
Country.

Ter IN behalf OF class OF men who are
commonly known throughout the
length and breadth of this land as
preachers: among whom have an
humble place as a Baptist, but am
quite sure that | voice the true senti-
ment of the ministry of all evangelical
denominations, when | say that your
many courtesies toward us are gladly
received and highly appreciated. The
neighing of your iron horses is heard
through the valleys and across the
mountains, and there is scarcely ever
a train speeding its way over your
lines that bears not a preacher whom
you are carrying at reduced rates,
which makes it easier for him to bear
the message of salvation to a sim
cursed world. All! it is an inspiration
to the wayworn preacher when he is
made to feel that he has the co opera
ton of great corporations in the
glorious work to which he feels that
God has called him.
We are not the men who burn church
houses, rob the trains and lead the
violent mobs whose delight it is to hear
the piteous cries of their helpless vic
Tins, No, We dare not lay our hand.
to anything that is not for the better
ment of the human race.
These are the two great elements in
our land, to-wit The constructive
and destructive. The former builds
up, the latter breaks down. To the
constructive element, regardless of
creed, belongs every preacher in the
land. and with might and main we are
in favor of faithful administration of
the law, which guarantees safety to the
life and property of all men. True.
our government is sometimes corrupt
in its administration, but in theory it
is just and right, because founded on
the principles of liberty and equality
and guarantees the rights of all. Such
a system is not known where the story
of the NaZarene is unheard. "and how
can they hear without a preacher"
Rom. lo:li is question asked by the
great Apostle Paul nearly two thou
sand years ago. Now, gentlemen, the
preachers represent the churches, So
cial institutions. etc. of this country,
which form the heart and core of the
constructive element in our land, who
build the churches, high schools and
colleges and hold sacred the sanctity
of the family circle, with its tender
father, loving mother, the happy chill
dren, etc.
Now, sirs, we want to call your az
tention to the fact, that without this
sentiment created and backed up by
the aforesaid constructive element.
you could not run your business for
day. Then. does it not stand to reason
that from business standpoint, at
least, you should cooperate with us in
trying to make the world better: In
proportion as the world grows better.
there will be a corresponding decrease
in crime in all of its phases. We know.
sirs, that you want to feel safe in your
large investments aud in your business
in general, and if there is anything
that you think the preachers ought to
do which they have not done, will you
kindly indicate it: Or, if We are doing
anything that you would have US leave
off, please so inform US and we will
prayerfully consider the matter.
Now, sirs, in the name of God. and
in behalf Of the preachersof this coun-
try. | want to kindly suggest that you
leave off just a few things that you
are doing, which are calculated to count
eract all the good that we are trying
TO do. In the first place. We kindly ask
you to stop the sale of a low grade of
literature which is showed in the face
of every passenger that you handle.
Bad books make bad men" is as true
as gospel. 1t was the reading Of bad
book that sent on their deadly mission
the two leaden bullets, tearing through
the body of our beloved President.
Show me what man reads
and | will tell you what he i. You
are peddliug, or allowing to be ped
died certain class Of literature, the
object Of which is TO besmirch and be-
foul the character of every preacher
in the land and destroy his influ-
ence for good, and when this is done,
you have certainly killed the goose
that laid the golden egg. Not all of
the literature circulated on your trains
IS bad, am free to say, for | have
bought several good books on them
from time TO time, books that were
destructive only as they were designed
to destroy the works Of the devil. 1t
j. in your power, gentlemen. to make
your railroads either a blessing or a
curse to our country.
Just one other matter and l am
done. You are either selling liquors
on your trains or else somebody has
lied On you. Everyone knows that
whisky is destructive in all of its
ramidcations.
An old woman once took her first
trip over one of your lines. When the
train was under full speed, the old
lady caught hold of the back of the
seat III front Of her, and holding on
with deathly grasp, she screamed for
the conductor, and informed him that
he was running too fast.
"Oh, no." answered the conductor,
you must adapt yourself to our
speed"
well. | have helt this critter on the
track just as long as l can" responded
the old lady.
Now, gentlemen. as sure as YOU live.