The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1917-04-26
WAR STAND OF QUAKERS
Position of the Sect Is Stated by
the General Secretary.

Richmond, Ind, Apr. 19.-Ameri-
can Quakers are pacifists, but not
passivists, according to statement
from the central office of the Five
Years Meeting of Friends in America
issued here today by Walter C. Wood
ward General Secretary. The Friends
may be expected to maintain their
historic position against war, he de-
clares, both as a matter of principle
and of policy. They are none the less
loyal to the government and will be
found doing their bit in ways conso-
nant with their convictions. Atten-
ton is called to the heroic and self
sacrificing service rendered by En-
glish riends in Belgium, France and
Russia as indicative of the practical
constructive policy tibet may be ex-
pected of the disciples of Gorge Fox
on this side Of the Atlantic. A ma
tion-wide organization of Friends to-
ward this end is projected. The state
ment Of the. general secretary fol-
lows:
1.-THE Friends in America enter Wig
orous protest against the tendency in
the present cricis to identify pacifism
with disloyalty. There may be dis
loyal pacifists, but we maintain that
the history of Quakerism should place
its pacifism above suspicion. We
Friends are pacifists, but not passi-
visits. We believe all war wrong as a
matter of principle and wrong as q
matter of policy, and must therefore
refrain from bearing arms. We are
conscientious objectors," but we are
more. We do not propose to stop with
objecting. Though against war,
Friends are for the nation and hu-
manity, for which they are prepared
to suffer and to sacrifice. They are
ready to prove their patriotism no
less than their pacifism.
"As proof that this has been their
record in the past, Friends point to
their course in the Civil War. Though
they could not as a body enter the
military service, they rendered inval-
liable aid to the government in other
ways and no people were regarded as
more loyal In the present war, the
English Friends, through various
kinds of constructive relief work,
both at home and on the continent,
and financed and manned by them
selves, have commanded the respect
and commentator of the world.
Their loyalty is beyond peradventure
of doubt.
GAS a national organization we are
already taking steps looking toward
Quaker Mobilization; not to the ac-
Compartment of drum and oratory,
with a quiet conviction none the less
impressive and effective because less
spectacular. The young men of our
colleges are being called upon, some
for hospital service and for relief
work. Others will serve in the fields
of industry and agriculture, yet 9TH
ers in the Y. M. G.. A. at the front.
A systematic canvass Of the church
will be made to secure adequate
funds for various phases of war re-
lief, to be carried on both here and
abroad. Since with Friends this work
is a matter of conscience, and since
they cannot directly or indirectly par
ticipate in war, such service as the
majority of them render cannot be
performed under the auspices Of the
military branch of the government.
The fundamental doctrine Of Quak-
erism is that of the inviolability of
the individual conscience. We do not
therefore presume to tell our men,
bers what they shall do or not do, as
individuals, but in the assurance that
in the present as in the past, Friends
will render their full measure of de-
votion,' we confidently pledge the
Friends of America to this their i'm
mediate task"