New-York tribune., 1908-04-13
JOHN D. LIKES SERMON
AKED HITS RACETRACK.
Capitalist Compliments Minister.
But Won't GiUe His OzCn pieICs.

BUC " on UiCG IS OICU bNo-
In a sermon on Moral Effort the Rev DR.
Charles Aked, pastor of the Fifth Avenue Bap-
tist Church, yesterday besought his congrega-
ton to uphold Governor Hughes in his effort 10
suppress racetrack gambling, which he char
acterized 'One of the greatest moral efforts OF
our times"
Governor Hughes was formerly an active
member of the church. and this fact added to
the enthusiasm with which the congregation re-
ceived their pastors appeal
Among those who heard DR.. Aked's sermon.
which, according to opinions expressed by sew
eral members of the congregation, was the most
eloquent he has delivered since he came over
from Liverpool, England, John d. Rookie
feller. 1t Mr.. Rockefellers first visit TO
the church in many months, and his appearance
there caused a stir among the members of the
congregation. who, aeter the service, crowded
around him and congratulated him his ap-
parent good health.
The aged capitalist complimented Dr. Aked
upon his sermon, and declared that he had
greatly enjoyed IT, But when Tribune reporter
requested him to express a opinion for publica-
ton Governor Hughess anti-racetrack
sade Mr.. Rockefeller shook his head and replied
that ne did not to discuss the subject.
But the subject is one of great Importance to
young men. and expression of your views
would prove very helpful" suggested.
IMPORTANT SUBJECT SAYS OIL MAN.
Yes" replied Mr.. Rockefeller, after some de-
liberation 1t is really very important subject.
especially to the youth of this state; but I
really do not feel justified in making any state
ment to-day"
DR.. Aked spoke as follows
legislation the prohibition of racetrack gambling
IS one of the no5lest efforts Of our time Inspired
head of organized sin. I say advisedly of sin, for
the spirit Of the gambler is the spirit of the mid
We need not despair Of the results Of last weeks
vote. We believe the Governor is supported by
the moral sentiment Of the people Moral causes
!he e tuIness thereof For that reason we shall see
fs m b 4lI PVT put Ihrougn and We shall see it followed
ing out Of this broo- Of vipers hatched by the
We are assaied by 4 horde of cynics who tell
US that you cannot iegislate people into morality.
good We can at least eDea laws that make pf6ee fRem
the sc,,9ra h %t 6eas5 put an end to the rule Of
have never understood men VIII pray Lead us not
into temptation" and then vote or raise their
voices to rebuke the evils which lead other men
and other mems children into temptation.
What BenJamln DsraeH calls it, the gigantic angel
0t % ai naIqnaI on denoralzationn then laws must be
Those who sneer at the legislation which is now
of the fact that the injury which the wrongd6sr
lnfIcts falls upon those who did share his
# you Iegalze racetrack gambling you give to
couragement and free course II yo 5isco,rsee
It. you are leading the way 10 better social condi
/ Of Ganhling the racetrack will help mankind
even If the single bill which embodied this agita+
In In my own country. England We reclaimed lands
! golden sand. All this We did by the sweat Of our
the sea And in this struggle nor for public deoency enc =
the same CONDITIONS prevail. Let US see TO II that
dren viii rise up and cali us blessed because We
| from the enemy
FEELING YOUNGER EVERY DAY"
| Il am glad to see you back again, Mr.. Rookie
feIer" said Or. Aked. stepping UP after the ser
| mon. DO you expect TO be here with us long ?'
Il expect to be with you forever" replied Mr..
Rockefeller with smile. Il am feeling younger
every day. have never felt in better health"
/ Asked if he had liked the people down South IS
/ where he has been staying, he replied: I love
/ all humanity-North. South East or West-lt
makes no difference. am glad to be able to
say that I love each and every one Of my fellow
men. It is a great thing to be able to say that
! truthfully.'
| Have you been agitated by the recent reports
! of anarchistic violence?" somebody asked.
Nothing agitates me" replied the aged man
! quickly. Not even these gentlemen of the press
! here. My mind Is quite untroubled."
Despite his boast that he did not fear the
press representatives. however he looked some
what startled when he stepped out Of the church
! and found a battery Of cameras levelIed at him
/ His personal bodyguard appealed to a uniformed
, patrolman post outside the church 10 sup
: press the camera men, but the officer said he
did not have the authority to do $50.
WALKS HOME ALONG THE AVENUE.
Mr.. Rockefeller was so enthusiastic over the
beautiful spring weather that he dismissed his
| brougham and walked all the way from the
( church 10 his home in 54th street.
His progress along Fifth avenue was come
what impeded by the energetic newspaper pho
/ tographers. who We're continually stepping in
his path and swapping their cameras all along
the route.
! The angry bodyguard shook his fist at the
camera men, but did not attempt any violence
, and after while Mr.. Rockefeller appeared tc
become reconciled to the situation, and when he
reached his home and found that one particular
ly persistent snapshotter had followed him tC
his very doorstep he good naturedy turned fol
few seconds and posed for picture
Mr.. Rockefeller, in addition walking home
also walked TO the church. accompanied by hi:
little grandchildren, one of them hanging to eacl
hand as he walked along Fifth avenue
The Fifth Avenue Baptist Church was 81
! crowded yesterday that the rumor that a new
| and larger church IS be built was again re.
vived. Ono of the trustees told Tribune re-
porter recently that when the congregation gre,
big enough 10 fill every seat new church nigh
be expected.