The daily morning journal and courier., 1903-03-30
SOME POLITICAL

SOME POLITICAL PRAYERS.
 The maintenance of chaplains of legislative bodies is a well-meant con- cession to the religiuos sentiment of the country, but one that encounters some opposition and~a good deal of contempt. Many of the chaplains are doing all they can to get their offices abolished, and with the church people not too strongly determined upon maintaining one religious act in very nonreligious assembly the reckless chaplains may easily succeed.
 Only few days ago the Republican chaplain of the Utah Legislature prayed for blessing upon the minor ity members of the House. We got un- der no obligations to them, but realize that they have been neglected, and are in sore need of help" There is presi- dent enough for this sort of mingled inn pudence and irreverence, and the only wonder is that chaplainships have not been abolished. On the eve of the Spanish war the chaplain of the House of Representatives at Washington prayed God to make the people quick to resent any national insult" which was not offensive partisanship, but most offensive Christian ethics. Nine years ago chaplain prayed God in an Iowa Republican Convention "to hasten the day when the infamous Democratic party should be exterminated," with good deal more of the same sort of thing, which evoked cheers from the delegates. It was inoffensive, but in poor taste, when a chaplain in the Della ware Legislature prayed: O Lord, they servants are in deadlock. Give them the key.'
 Seven years ago the chaplain of the House of Representatives prayed for additional protection to American manufacturers" During the last Gu ban instruction a chaplain in the New York Legislature prayed 'that the United States might supply with arms, if necessary, those in Cuba who were struggling for liberty and that we might insist upon upholding the Mon- roe doctrine" During the silver ex- citement the chaplain of the Missouri Republican Convention prayed the Lord Ito preserve the nation from financial dishonor." and the chaplain of the Illi- NOlS 1OuSe prayed trOu to contract the capacious maw Of the penal, reforma- tory, charitable and educational institu- tions of Illinois. May they learn to be content with less money, and may we who refuse to worship golden calf also refuse to worship gold in any other form"
 The chaplain of a Populist convention in Arkansas prayed that the State might be delivered from Democratic control. In the Colorado Legislature Dean Peck prayed that the Populists and Democrats might be resigned to their fate. A Populist chaplain in Kan sas prayed God to palsy the brain, and still the heart of the reasonable con- spirators," to wit, the Republicans.
 It was many years ago that the Rev. Moses Shinn of Iowa prayed for sound currency, pure water, and undefiled religion" In @ Massachusetts cam paign a minister prayed for the triumph of righteousness and then broke out: 70, Lord, what's the use of beating about the bush? Give us Briggs for Governor" Almighty God" said the clergyman in opening a court with prayer, i've beseech thee to bestow on the presiding Justice the wisdom which he so greatly needs. s."-Phliadelphia Record