The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1918-05-19
BAPT|STS PASS
SOFT RESOLUTION
ON ARMY TROUBLE
DELICATELY WORDED PA
PER DEPRECATES RESTRIC-
TICEIS PLACED ON BODY.

Ilot DPi <Aih.' %h'I 49,
vocates of the "delicately worded
resolution deprecating the restric-
tion which Southern Baptist leaders
declare is imposed upon their de-
nominational work by the war de-
partment in army camps here and
abroad, won out at the soXty-third
convention of the church Today over
those who had expressed desire to
see vigorous protest lodged againsi
the government ruling which limits
them.
The militant ones were"converted
by the appeal that military necessity
seemed to enter into the matter, and
that the Baptists must do nothing
which might tend to embarrass the
government in the prosecution OF
the war.
Text of Resolution.
That part of the resolution touch
ing upon the SITUATION, which, as
adopted, follows.
1--WE would declare and report our
tconvictions that as far as may be
consistent with military necessity
and efficiency, the largest freedom
fought to be afforded for religious
activity among the enlisted men, to
the end that they may have the best
possible opportunity for religious
guidance; and that in providing
such facilities all Christian bodies
ought to be treated with perfec;
equity.
I'VE shall rejoice if, as the or
ganzation of religious work among
the enlisted men grows more com
plete, time shall be found for the
great Christian denomination of the
world TO render, in addition to the
full participation OF their people, in
the. common enterprises, some dis
tinct service of their own, in their
own name and to their own charges.
( We are hopeful that in due time this
can be arranged.
The resolution, in setting forth
the attitude of the convention on
the war itself, declared that the is
sues at stake are in essence relig-
ious. They touched the very foun-
dations of the moral law.
If our armies and the armies of our
allies are decisively defeated, and
NAV God forbid, moral
distinctions, at which the rulers OF
Germany cynically sneer, will dis
appear. The creed of governments
will soon become the creed OF their
people, and the whole world will
thus fall into moral chaos.
Must Support Government.
with such issues as these in
volved, there can be no doubt OF
the fitness of our summon
ing our people to the full discharge
OF their high and holy duties.
We must support our justly con-
stituted authorities, with our great
President at the head. and all meas
ureS they take for the prosecution
OF the war. There must be
no limit to the ardor and complete
ness of our devotion. Every soul in
this land must be willing TO give all
that he has of time. labor and treas
,ure to this supreme interest.
"Fhppant criticism of the author;-
lties is dastardly and reasonable
We are compelled, regret
fully, to note that too many (peo-
ple) are taking advantage of ma
1ional distress to further their own
private ends. Let it be clearly seen
and plainly declared that the CRATER
and eXtortioner are as much traitors
as if they had betrayed our army to
its enemies.
This war may stretch on through
years to come. New and sorer tests,
faith and patience doubtless will
come to us. Seeming reverses may
come. but they will be mere eddies
in the current which must move
steadily on until the will OF God Is
done"
The convention finally held that
the home board should be in charge
OF the camp work throughout. be-
ginning in environments in America.
following the troops to France. and
then return home with them, vic !
toriously.'
\ resolution also was passed BY 4
the convention endorsing the work I
OF the American Red Cross. and 1
urging southern Baptists to respond /
as literally as possible.
Hot Springs. Ark. May lS.-At |
the session today OF the Southern /
Baptist convention discussion OF |
army camp work turned 10 immedi-
ate needs OF camps for Baptist chap.
lains and the difficulties that the
home missions board had encouu-
tered in obtaining assignments for
available chaplains.
1t was pointed out that since the
Southern Baptists are no: affiliated
with the federated churches,
through which many OF the chaplain
assignments are given. some COM
mission of Baptists to present the
denominational claims at Washing
ton should be appointed Accord
ingly. a resolution was passed max
ing the president Of the convention.
and the secretaries. members Of
such a commission which has been
instructed to work directly through
the war department.
Ii was announced this morning
that Mr.. and Mrs. George Bottoms