The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1905-04-05

To the Editor of The Washington Times:
/ had hoped that after the expressions
made at the first meeting that the agi-
tation incident to introducing religious
teaching in the public schools would
cease and the subcommittee which was
intrusted with the matter would arrive
at that conclusions; but It seems during
my absence FROM the city another meet
ing was had end the resolutions report
ed were adopted by a majority, and the
conclusion of that majority has been
forwarded to the Board of Education Of
the District of Columbia asking them
to take favorable action.
This agitation is not new in history
nor is it foreign to the wishes Of GER
tain ministers Of Christian oelief-
Periodically and spasmodically the ques-
ton Is brought to the attention of the
public, and like Banquo's ghost. at
will not down. Curious it is, but never
theless true, that this spirit made itself
dominant and manifest by the very men
who fed from persecution, and as has
been wittily said by the late Senator
Hoar: 1.-The Puritans, when they landed
On Plymouth Rcci., fell first on their
knees and then on the Aborigines," and
from that time up to this. in various
parts Of the United States. ministers OF
the gospel Of Peace on earth, good will
to men," have given utterance to
thoughts conducive of persecution, the
perpetuation of prejudice. and an utter
disregard Of all the principles upon
which our Government is founded.
Teachings in the Home.
The fundamental principles of religion
are taught and perpetual ted in the home
and accentuated in the church. No pub
lie instructor of our educational system
can instill love of or for any particular
faith. Morals, ethics, and humanities,
can and ought to be .nculcated by the
public instructor, ana no doubt, are
Patriotism for the flag and the country
and its institutions. which are bearing
such splendid fruits all over our land
are also contributory Is the loftiest con-
ception of religion and morality. But
all these things have been brought about
and can only be retained by an absolute
non-interference on the part of any sect
The very capstone and Fundamental
groundwork of American institutions
have their origin ir that spirit: to at
tempt Tic NC5ANN ~ 1885,
mine that structure Is not only crime
but A 5lunder. AS has been well SAID
and cannot be too often repeated
Eternal viIisance Is the price OF lib
erty." It is the first attempt that has
to be guarded against4 and this seeking
| for the Introduction OF religious tram
| ing In the public schools is a first stel
| in that direction
| To the student of history 1t IS re
markable what a close analogy there Il
| between the arguments of Dr. Mchlm
| and those who side with him, with tina
attempted by some Of the virginia
| colonists prior to the Revolution II
| GAYLORD Hunts life of James Madison
the early religious liberty in Virgins
| is graphically depicted. and the high
made by Madison and others shows con
| clusively that there is nothing new
under the SUM-" that history repea-s
| itself. and that which was deemed es.
sential in those days is again attempted
now. The reasons for the Legislation
| of those days in matters of unitins
church and state, and interference witt
religious beliefs, was "a decline II
church attendance and an increase d
| immortality, and it was conceived thai
| legislative interference to help tn
| churches would improve the moral tone
| Of the people Could any words b'
more significant and apropos-alraos