Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1908-09-18
APPEAL TO
CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Made by Judge Taft In Behalf Of
the Filipinos.
"a Great Missionary Work That Is
Certain to Promote Christian Civ
uization."

The extension Of a vitallzing Chris
tianity among the Filipinos as advo-
Gated by Judge Taft both before his
speech Of acceptance of the nomina-
ton to the presidency and in that doc
ument itself has been widely com
mented Upon in the pulpits Of the
United States. The voice Of the cler-
gy has given earnest commendation
to the attitude Of Judge Taft, who
when governor general Of the islands
exerted the utmost influence for
amelioration Of the condition OF the In
habitants Of the archipelago, and that.
too, al h cost Of great self sacrifice
IN his w part in refusing the seat
On the supreme bench, to which he was
both called and commanded by Presi-
lent Roosevelt.
Never since he first assumed the IT.
den Of the governorship Of the Philip
pines has the welfare Of the Filipinos
ceased to be close to the heart Of
Judge Taft. In his speech Of accept
ance again he reminded the Americans
that it Is tho duty Of this country as
a strong, Christian and enlightened ma
ton to give spiritual as well as ma
terial aid to the distant brown breth-
rem.
Taft's Appeal to Church.
Rev. Albert Hurlstone, pastor Of
Roberts Park church, Indianapolis,
Ind, In a recent sermon thus spoke Of
Judge Taft's appeal to the Christian
people Of America:
Mr.. Taft used words Of wisdom In
referring to this question in his mott
fication speech. His appeal 10 not only
to his party, but 1t II to the Christian
church Of America. 1t seems to me
that every man whose heart beats
legally to Jesus Christ must rejoice in
he statement SO truthfully made. Mr..
government with effective and honest
executive departments in the Philip
pines and a clean and fearless admins
tration Of justice; we have created
and r maintaining a comprehensive
school system which Is educating the
youth Of the islands in English and in
Industrial branches; we have con-
structed great government public
works, roads and harbors; we have
induced the private construction of 800
miles Of railroad; we have policed the
islands so that their condition as to
law and order is better now than it
has ever been in their history
"Mr. Taft Is better fitted to speak
on this question than any other man
in the government to-day by virtue Of
his close connection with the problem,
his experience and personal observa-
ton Of the work being done; hence
what he says will be needed by the
Christian church with intense interest.
Influence of Christian Civilization.
more than ten years before Dewey
sailed into Manila, Bishop Thoburn,
our missionary bishop for fifty years
in India, predicted that ere long the
missionary would find an open door III
the Philippines, but God alone knew
how the door was to be opened.
"Now we hear Mr.. Taft saying: we
are engaged in the Philippines in a
great missionary work that does our
nation honor and is certain to pro-
mote In q most effective way the in
duence Of Christian civilization. It is
cowardIy to lay down the burden until
our purpose is achieved. True, nor
do we believe that the American peo-
pie will allow this to be done. The
sacrifice has been made, the song Of
the redeemed people will ere long fill
heaven and earth with gladness. The
selfish are ever lonely and joyless, but
they who bring the sacrifice to the
altar will find the joy OF the Lord arise
within them"