Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1915-08-11

and more thought to this phase Of the
work of the church. We have been
spending too much time With the in
dividual and overlooking our duty to
society,"" -.
'There Is truth in your statement
that we need social reforms in our
American life," answered Allan Rut
ledge earnestly. Il have studied the
subject Of sociology for years. and ever
since my college days have been con-
vinced that our economic world needs
to be saved. The church, the school
and politics have all been democratized
and Christianized in our modern life.
but the business world of modern times
is neither democra tized nor Christian.
ized'
'Those are exactly my beliefs" re-
piled Mr.. Townley enthusiastically. ~
have just been reading in regard to
that investigation in Pennsylvania,
where the great steel industry has a
plant The report showed the darker
side Of our prosperous country" He
took up pamphlet, from which he
read:
"'Here are the facts about the big
strike in Pennsylvania. Nine thousand
men are employed in the immense
plant making steel for wealthy cor.
poration which Is paying 40 per cent
dividends. These enormous profits are
In part possible because more than
half of these workers toll twelve hours
day, most Of these working seven
days in the week. Over 80 per cent of
these men earn less than $1.68 for this
long day of labor. Three men protest
ed to the management against the Sun
day labor. They were at once dis
charged. and this caused the strike
The wage scale makes the herding of
men together the only method Of living
possible for them. Under such condi-
lions decency is impossible. to say
nothing of Christianity
"A report like that" continued Mr.
Townley, "gives rise to serious
thought"
my blood boils hottest" responded
Allan Rutledge. when l learn Of the
exploitation of women and children by
modern industry"
'"That Is just what We have on
small scale here in Bronson" respond
ed Mr.. Townley quickly. Il feel there
Is no regeneration possible for Bron-
son until we have some social readjust-
ments."
"You remember you diagnosed the
spiritual condition of Bronson for me
few days after arrived here" said
Allan Rutledge, changing the subject.
II remember our conversation very
WELL" said the other "Have you
found my diagnosis correct?'
"Your diagnosis, according to my in
vestigations, was absolutely correct"
said Allan Rutledge, with determina-
ton. II am now ready to apply the
remedy, and propose to begin a cam
paign which will result in Bronson's
regeneration"
Albert Townley stared at his COM
panion.
What Is your plan?" he asked.
Bronson needs new men more than
1t needs anything else," responded Al
Ian, with decision. "Otherwise we
need an old fashioned revival of real
religion. The first thing for US to do
is to unite our Protestant churches in
genuine religious campaign. II you
can get the other churches in Bronson
to cooperate with the Peoples church
and the Central church will guaran-
tee regeneration. Do you think you
can gain the cooperation of the other
Protestant churchesY'
Explain your plan further" said
Mr.. Townley, with perplexed look.
"1f we do succeed In getting our Bron-
son Professionalism united what do you
then proposeT'
Here Is what PROPOSE" said Allan
Rutledge. I'VE will build tabernacle
capable of seating 10000 people. We
will not build this tabernacle on the
top of any mount, but right down in
the valley among the common people.
Then we shall have a strong, capable
leader take charge of the situation for
five or six weeks, holding meetings in
the great tabernacle night after night,