New-York tribune., 1908-06-01
ROCKEFELLER At CLASS
Says He Likes Reporters, Though
They Misquote Him.

John D. Rockefeller visited the Bible class Of the
Fifth Avenue Baptist Church yesterday morning.
It the first time he had appeared at the class
in many months He took seat In a corner OF
the class room just as of the members was
declaring that the arrogant rich described by the
psalnnist were deserving Of scoru and censure
To this the Rev. DR.. Aked replied that instead
Of scorn and censure the unfortunate deserved
pity and sympathy. He the victim of the
standards of life of that day, instead Of the Chris
tan idea he said.
Mr.. Rockefeller seemed to enjoy this discussion
greatly. More than he looked as if he were
almost inclined to take part in II.
Although invited by the Rev Mr.. Richardson,
the leader to address the class, all he would say
was that he hoped the young men OF the class
would go to church often and prevail upon their
friends to do the same
Yesterdays lesson the last Of the season
At its close the formally adjourned until Sep
ternber. John D. jr., who sat beside his father.
read some statistics of the class. and announced
that the enrolment up to date is, of which
IA were church members
At this the Rev. DR.. Aked jumped to his feet
and said:
Il glad 20 hear those figures They
splendid. Just think Of it-1A church members
out Of enrolment of 1ss! I wish that fact
could be spread far and wide, that everybody
would know it. 1t would be healthy corrective
TO the impression generally found. owing the
marvellous and veracious reporting encounter,
that the members OF the class gathered here
The spreading of this fact that IA out of 1ss
Of are church members and mob gath
cred together for Interior motives ought to in
crease standing in the eyes of others"
DR. Akeds hit at the reporters seemed to please
the elder Mr.. Rockefeller. He leaned over and
with the point of his poked Tribune reporter
in the ribs.
After the meeting Mr. Rockefeller and his son
adjourned to the vestry room. where they held an
informal reception. Mr. Rockefeller was asked
what he thought of DR. Aked's remarks concerning
the newspaper uler.
We'll like you boys he replied LAS rule
deem YOU all good fellows; but I must say that
very often l am misquoted by you, and sometimes
some of you will quote the extent of a whole
column two when, matter of fact l never
opened my mouth. 90.
Then again. you will ask me questions when l
off my guard, and publish my replies without
any authorization. You will come to me while l
am playing golf. for instance Now, golf is a very
interesting sport and when is in the middle of
game, he is so absorbed in it that if he is asked
a question he is liable to it absentmndedly
before he realizes what he is doing
Thus. the other day reporter a woman re-
porter ii was in this case, came to larry
town and caught I the middle of A
game Of golf I much interested in the
game that absently answered every question she
asked me. and allowed her to take a SNAPSHOT OF
me, besides, before realized what had happened
That is why cannot trust you newspaper chaps
1 have TO be so strictly my guard against You
all the time.
Il don't altogether blame you. though" he add
ed. Probably IL l were in your place would do
the same you do
Regarding DR.. Akeds statement about the Bible
class and the newspapers, said a reporter; don't
you think that the newspapers largely respon-
sible for the numerical strength of the class?'
Yes do" Mr. Rockefeller replied. you do good
work boys, despite your failings God bless YOU
for the good work you do, ana forgive you for the
evil you do
How would you advise a poor young man to
spend his vacation If he couldn't afford 20 go to the
country" asked reporter
IF you won't laugh I'll tell you what used TO
do under those conditions" said Mr.. Rockefeller
WHAT" asked the reporters.
Il didn't take any, said Mr. Rockefeller with a