New-York tribune., 1919-04-07
Chaplain Reports
Y. M. C. A. Played
Man-Sized Part
Rev. Herbert Shipman Ad-
mits Grounds for Criti-
cism, but Gives Credit for
Good Work Accomplished

The truth about the y. Nj. c. A. in
France, as told last evening by the
Rev. Herbert Shipman in his sermon
at the Church of the Heavenly Rest,
included many specific criticisms of the
organization, but the conclusion that it
had played a man-size part in making
the life of the soldier in France a
bearable existence.
His statements were made on the
authority Of his own experiences while
serving as chaplain with the A. +. f.
While admitting that he had seen some
ground for most of the criticisms that
have been made Of the "Y," he said
that justice demanded that the asso-
citation be given credit for the great
work accomplished.
! "Ask any soldier what life over
there would have been if all the com
forts and luxuries supplied by the ~
had been taken away and | think he
will say it would have been almost
unbearable," said the former chaplain.
One of the interesting experiences
of his life abroad, he said, was his
first day in Brest.
We arrived in pouring rain,
which, of course, was nothing new
there" said Rev. MIR. Shipman "Aris-
ing in the morning our breakfast con-
sisted of one slice of bread and raw
onion. After eating that we went over
to the 'Y' to see what they had to offer.
l will say that the supply of food was
ample, but the prices were more than
should have been asked. Moreover. |
found that the various huts were en-
gagged in a friendly competition to see
which could make the best financial
showing, which was not the oest thing
for the men. This feature, ! am told,
was changed later.
II saw many other features of the
'Y' work which, if they had stood alone.
might have given ample grounds for
much criticism. | saw some men and
women workers come up close to the
fring line and, while moving picture
operator ground his machine, they
tossed cigarettes right and left to the
soldiers. This was the only place at
that front, however, where they were
being given away.
Had Picture Taken
II heard, but did not see, the story
of another 'Y' secretary who stepped
into the place of a stretcher bearer TO
have his picture taken, then stepped
out again and walked away ! found
certain hut to which | had gone to
hold services in filthy condition. II
was almost knee deep with mud. Two
StoNeo were iNiiS on Ine moor, DNl
never had been set up. | had the place
fixed up and told the secretary | would
hold services there the following Sun
day. He said that services would be
held there, but that his assistant would
hold them. He had not learned of the
regulations under which the chaplains
worked with the ~ The association
of the chaplains and the ~ | can
honestly say, was always very cordial
and pleasant.
"Those who complained usually did
not take into consideration the differ
ence between war and peace time con-
ditions. And the soldier always was
homesick and disgusted with the whole
situation, including this, the agency
that was doing so much for him.
But when you remember the things
he always got-the paper on which he
wrote home, the ink, the table on which
to write. the chair in which he sat, the
light, the heat-when you consider
those things you will see that he had
many tangible causes for real thank
fulness to the 'Y'."