The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1905-09-22
WAS CONGRESS
A REAL SUCCESS?
Dr.. Hawthorne Writes Open Let
ter for Information On LON
don Meeting.
MAS ADVERSELY. CRITICIZED
Dr.. s.. c. Gardner States III Inter-
view That Harmony Reigned
Throughout the Meeting.

The open letter Of Or. J. 3, Ha wthorne,
pastor OF Grove Avenue Baptist olurch,
to Dr. w. w. Lahdrum OF Atlanta, Ca,
published In the Religious Herald yester-
day concerning the World 8 Baptist Con--
gross, will probably excite much comment
In the religious papers Of the denominn-.
tlon, and In other Baptist circles. Tho
letter, which, seeks to discover the true
status which the great Congress has tnkof1
In Baptist affairs, and the impress It. will
leave on this worldwide denomination,
Is inspired BY the charges made against
the convention through the columns OF II
Baptist newspaper Of another city. This
letter Is as follows: 8.a
AN OPEN LETTER TO DIR. WV LAM
DRUM. CONCERNING THE WORLDS
BAPTIST CONGRESS-.
Dear DR.. Landrum,-Reying upon your
kindly nature, your, Willingness to serve
your brethren, your love OF truth, and your
fealty to every interest OF tho great de-
nomination OF Christians In which you
are n recognized leader, venture to ad-
dress YOU this open letter through tho
columns OF tho Religious Herald, asking
for an expression OF your views In re-
gard to the Worlds Congress OF Bap-
lists. H,tG sgs.li .5ftst
AS the public suggestion OF this move
n1ent did not originate with YOU; as you
ming the organization and arranging the
programme Of exercises, and were only
IN earnest but silent member OF the body.
It will not, be immodest In you to give to
the renders OF the Heruld your estimate;
OF the character, spirit and work Of tho,
Congress and Of Its influence upon the
future sllfe of Our denomination.
would not conceal the fact that the
questions you are requested to answer,
\ t,1r,n% Nrt
Of the Congress In the editorial columns
Of one OF our most extensively cirou-E
lated Baptist newspaper.
l. Is It true that the Congress did
not represent the average intelligence
culture and responsibility Of the Baptist
denomination !? It has been said that the
newspapers and people OF London took
scarcely any notice OF the meetings Of
the Congress, beca use the men who were
announced to speak were too obscure to
attract attention, and that a. fi<al mis-
take was made IN tnot,ad'gnifylng, 1.-THE IN
body BY putting upon dts list of speakers
such pre- eminent Baptlsts as General
Miles and John D. Rocsefeller.45 I and
those whom represent in this commu-
nication have been led to believe that
such men as McLaren, Gardner MCNEIL, 4
Gray, Nlabie Henson, Stephens, Meyer
Carver Evans, Clifford, Strong, Mullins
and Whtsltt were not destitute OF rep
utntion and were competent to enter
tain and enlighten even O London audi
ence. ], !, /. ~. f.,-l a. ii{ ~ ,sfjl
2. Is 1t true. that the Attendance upon
the sessions were sadly disappointing? ~
3. Is II true that the negro members
were so much in evidence on the plat
form, in the pulplts and at social gath
erings MS seriously to embarrnss and Of
fend hundreds OF their white brethren
from the United States? It was proper
that negro Baptists should have repre-
sentation In the body, because they con-
stltutc about third OF the denomi-
nation. II we should exclude them we
could not have a worlds Congress- 2of
Baptists But were. tie .coored q mem
bers made too conspiouous7 Have you
any substantial reason for believing: that
those In control meant to support tho
doctrine OF social equality by giving spe-
cial prominence to the negro? zt
s. Was Dr. az; II. Strongs Introductory
sermon SO unpopular that many Of the
congregation left during Its delivery, and
that American PAPERS have published
only expurga ted editions OF It?
@. Is It true that the Congress, as a
body, had no voice In tho choice OF Its
officers: that the mombers had no lib
ehy except the liberty to go out;' that
the chairman had autocrntic powers, and
that he would allow no member TO SPEAK
until he had written out and sent to the
chair n satisfactory outline of his his
tory and his qualifications for entertain
Ing an audience?
7, DO you realize that you and the
other brethren who went from America
did great injury to the memory o.
Charles H. Sturgeon BY anlllating witt
such Baptists as McLnren and Clifford
DO you regard your aflliationlHin thai
body with such men as an endorsemen
OF Unitarian views Of Inspiration nnt
Atonement?
s. Finally, do YOU regard It as {
"strnining of words" to call the Con
gress Baptist organization?
Yours with high regard,
j. B. HAWTHORNE,
Dr.. Gardeners Statement.
DR.. c. s, Gardner. pastor OF Grac
Street Baptist church. who created sue
| sensation by his speech in the Con
| xx,.., ~ 40 a konipp ri Tn rnn WA