New Britain herald., 1917-01-15
HITS MILITARISM FROM HIS PULPIT
Rev. Dr. Cross Not Opposed to
 Military Training Camps

SpcaklnE on the natlOnllly import ant question of military preparedness Rev. Earle E. Cross, at the First Bap tist church yesterday, expressed him. self in favor of summer camps for military training but specified that this training in arms should be in spirit of peace preservation rather than with a war-like and aggressive spirit.
 The Christian church stands cter- nally opposed to war and militarism, and the spirit of anti militia si2m is the true spirit of the American people, said Dr. Cross, who continued, NO less a person than Major-General Wood declares, We in this country do not want a large standing army, nor do we desire anything that sav- ors of militarism.' The question is as to how we may protect our citizens in their normal course of life, since this is the duty of every state, ana how can we do this without plunSlnE into useless waste of wealth and time. or flying ino a tumult of aggressive militarism?
 Favors Military Training Camps.
 "The sentiment of that popular song, I Did Not Raise My Boy to Be a Soldier echoes the voice of every mothers heart especially since we have seen and heard so much of hor- TOT and tragedy from across the sea. Let every energy be sent to the se- curing of world peace and the preven- tion of wars. Together With this, since 1t is not certain that all bar barians are removed from the world. nor that world peace can be assured. let us follow q sane. anti-militaristic course of preparation. The experts must tell us what that is. Possibly a modification of the Swiss system is ad- visable. Certainly the earlier years of life should not be imprcgnated with Warliltcness. Teach patriotism and national Sympathics. When tho time kindlc worldwide interests and inter- national sympathics. Whc the time comes for a few weeks Of military in struction each year, let it he given with the spirit of selr-rrescrvation and police duty rather than With a war-like and aggressive spirit. Let the handling Of guns and the mastery of evolutions be made with the spirit of life protection rather than with the brutal spirit of life-taking.
 International Police Necessary.
 'The day of the abolition of war
  all. Even the tragedy of today is revealing the futility of such a strus- gle. Until the world is perfect and all men and nations are following ideals like the golden rule, there will Sc need of strong. body of police, national Nand Ffnternatioral l.snaSWh ether. our uuota should be secured by uni- vcrsal compulsion' Is grave question dependent in no small degree upon the estimates of experts as to the number of trained men needed. Our part in the discussion is simply 10 pc!int out that the maintenance of a trained body of men for the protec- ton of the state is not inconsistent with profound antipathy to war. The most peaceful citizen believes in the maintenance of trained police force as long as there are hoodlums in ex- istence, and rightly so.'
 Will Answer Question.
 It has been the custom of pr. Cross, following his Sunday evening talks, to have an open forum dis cussion on the topics upon which he touches and last night several of the congregation expressed their opinions. Referring to the subject of compul- sory military training, Skidmore F. Seaman asked most pertinent ques- ton. He remarked that the ages of eighteen or nineteen years, when youth would have to enter the mili- tary service, is just the age when young man generally makes his en- trance into business. He asked whether or not 1t would disorganize business and hinder the advancement of the youth of the country to make his join the army. Dr. Cross was prevented from answering this ques- ton owing to the general discussion, but at next Sunday evenings service he will expound fully upon the ques- ton.
 Would Emulate Christ.
 Thomas James also spoke from the floor of the church and expressed himself as utterly opposed to militar- ism in any form. He was not in favor of military training. To strengthen his argument MT. James declared that Jesus Christ opposed force and fight ing and was not in favor of militar- ism. What Christ favored and be- heved certainly ought to DC good enough for us," the speaker said.
 Disagrecs With Pastor.
 Although Dr. Cross had expressed