New-York tribune., 1918-06-11
Resolutions Denounce Pub
Usher for His Attitude
Toward War
Adopted Unanimously
Clergymen Say Action Will
Have Farreaching Effect
in Two States

ELMIRA, n Y.,June 10.-The Elmira
Methodist ministers meeting, in ses-
sion at Elmira Heights to-day, opened
its afternoon deliberations in the Oak
wood Methodist Episcopal Church by
condemning William Randolph Hearst
and denouncing the purchase and sale
of THE New York American" "The
Evening Journal and other Hearst
newspapers as "highly unpatriotic
act"
The meeting. an organization repre-
senting more than fifty Methodist cler-
gymen with charges in Southern Cen
E, tral New York and Northern Pennsyl-
yania, includes among its members
ministers from Elmira and Ithaca and
three Pennsylvania towns, Toy, Bloss-
burg and Towanda. Bishop William
Burt, of Buffalo, was present when the
anti-Hearst measure went through.
This official recording in resolutions
of disapproval of Hearst's attitude tow
ard the war is the first concerted step
taken by an organized body of clergy
men Of any denomination against the
publisher.
1t was said here to-day that the min
listers action will carry the fight
against Hearst into new sections of
New York and Pennsylvania. Local
clergymen declared it's effect would be
farreaching, and characterized it one
of the most important Developments in
the fight against Hearst and his pol
icies.
Adopted by Unanimous Vote
The anti Hearst resolution, which in
cluded a proviso aimed against the
German language press, was offered by
the Rev. Albert E. Legg, pastor of
Hedding Methodist Episcopal Church,
of Elmira. Scarcely had he finished
reading when several clergymen called
out, seconding it.
Then the Rev. De Witt S. Hooker, pas
tor of the First NJ. E Church of Ell
mira. and president of the meeting,
called for those favoring the resolu-
tion to raise their hands. They did
Opposed ?" Not single hand went
up and the resolution was pronounced
passed by unanimous vote. 1t reads:
Whereas, 1t is the sense of this
body that The New York American
and New York Evening Journal and
other papers published by William
Randolph Hearst are obstructing the
full prosecution of the war against
Germany by attacks on our allies,
and by obstructing Our full co0pera-
tion with them; and
Whereas, Papers printed in the
German language are likewise harm
full to Americas cause and are in
fuenccs which work subtly against
unified public opinion in our coun-
try; therefore be it
Resolved, That we condemn the
attitude of these papers as un-Am-
erican and inimical to the interests
of American and world democracy
and serious menace to America in
its hour of trial; and be it further
Resolved, That the purchase and
sale of these papers is a highly un-
patriotic act and a help and COM
fort to the enemy Of our country.
Ministers Hear Marlowe
At the beginning of the afternoon
session Richard Marlowe, Elmira at
torney and leader of the anti-Hearst
forces there, spoke on the double
faced Americanism" in the editorial
pages of "The New York American. :"
There was an outburst of applause
when he finished.
blshop Burt, who sat in the middle
OF the auditorium listening attentively
while the Hearst question was under
discussion, left when the resolution
was adopted.
It was announced here to-day that
Bible Glass No. "a, of the First Meth
odist Episcopal Church, Elmara. passed
resolutions calling on the common
Council to act against Hearst in this
community at its regular meeting yes
terday.. 1t is the third local organiza-
tion of it's kind to urge the Council
to curb Hearst here Their resolu.
ton, signed by Charles H. Wallis and
NJ. 0: Utley, president and teacher of
the class respectively.