New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-04-14


Young ministers possessing courage
and ability have been asked by tne
Christian Church To- offer their service
as chaplains in the army and the navy
It is pointed out that thousands OF
fine spirited young men arc rallying to
the defence of the country, and there
should now be no lack of response and
sclf-sacrihce on the part of equally &C
ceptable clergy TO this call.
AS chairman of the House of Bish-
ops" said the Rev. DR.. Alfred Harding
Bishop OF the Episcopal Church of Wash
ington, D. c., II would be glad TO hear
from any who may feel called upon 70
do service for the country at this time
They should be men of the best cHlibre'
well educated and having had expert
cnce OF work among young men.
The observance Of the anniversary
Of the Battle Of Lexington next week
is also being used by the Church 10
point out to the younger ministers the
vigorous and inspiring part certain
Yankee parsons played in modifying
and stiffening the Minute Men, called
together by the hurried warning OF
Paul Revere.
The Church on the Green was the
headquarters for the Minute Men OF
Dedham. Here they assembled and lis-
tened TO the prayers Of their clergy
men. When they started for Lexington
every male inhabitant between the ages
of sixteen and seventy went, including
the dominic. This must have been the
first town in the United States to have
practised universal military service.
Psalm Singing Satisfied
Such psalm singing as was done mat
dav bv the rank and file would have
satisfied the fiery prayer meeting appe-
tite of even Billy Sunday. All he
Abners. and Dayids, and Ezras, and
S:lases for forty miles around took
their Psalter in one hand and a muzzle
loader in the other and joined the
Crusaders headed for Lexington. One
needs only to read the sermons OF that
oav 20 feel that holy war had been
declared.
1--WE need to-day such ministers for
chaplains in our army and navy SAID
the Rev. Frank J. Hanscom, chaplain
Of the 23d Regiment of the New York
National Guard. eve want men with
the resolute spirit of Lexington IN
Il cir hearts; men who can inspire and
stir the consciences Of their men; ana
point out that our war to-day Is an
other holy war that will bring to hu-
manity liberty and freedom"
When the government appoints a
chaplain for each regiment It gives
him no equipment nor allowance for
providing such. The regimental chap
lain of to-day must become postmaster,
banker and purveyor of clean amuse-
ments as we'll as be the moral and re
hgious guide of the boys.
In fact, he must provide a good
amusement centre If he is to succeed
in caring for his men. With big
tent. a motion picture machine, motor
truck and a few incidentals costing
about $1,000, the chaplain car soon
make a social centre for the regiment.
Urges Trust in Arms
EFF we are to have an army said
Bisbop William Lawrence, "let US trust
il and give strong sympathy and sup
port TO the chaplains who are com
missioned for the work Modelling
camps near towns over whose commer-
cialized vice the army officers have no
control are sources Of great danger.
It is an open secret that in the early
part Of the war in Europe military
efficiency was checked BY vice and
disease.
"The men, most of them, want 10
keep straight, but without regimentaI
centres and amusement life is terribly
dull. am sure that the people
throughout the country, as soon as they
know the situation. will be quick 20
supply equipment to the army chap
lain"
The experience of all army chaplains
on the Mexican border with the
hquorless canteen indicated something
of the easiness and success Of chap
lain's work when he has proper tools.
The cnnteen IS prepared to give 'hTst