Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-07-26
EXPERT ON THEOLOGY
ON WITNESS STAND
At FORD LIBEL TRIAL

expert on theology was placed on
the witness stand today In the Henry
Ford. Chicago Tribune libel suit a.
a counter balance to Professor
Reaves Of the University Of Michi.
for the Tribune as an expert on po-
litical science.
Today's witness was Bishop
Charles D. Williams Of Detroit, head
Of the Eastern Michigan Diocese Of
the Protestant Episcopal church. and
he rather startled his hearers by stat
ing that Jesus Christ was a great
user Of half-truths for rhetorical ef-
feet.
Judge Tucker said today that he
expected the long hearing would be
finished and verdict returned the
latter part of the first week in Au-
gust.
The appearance Of Bishop Williams
in behalf of the plaintiff was to show
that. while Professor Reaves had
found that many of Mr.. Ford's ut
terances agreed in sentiment with the
writings of well-recognized anarch-
lists. these views were not peculiar
to anarchism, but in effect were
shared by many non-anarchists,
poets such as Tennyson, Philosoph-
ers such as Carlisle and by the Scrip
lures. Attorney Lucking contended
that no view Of Mr.. Ford's on Paci-
f1sm. disarmament and similar sub
Jects could be shared by anarchists
alone.
A statement attributed to Mr.. Ford
that he would abolish the American
army and navy (Which Mr.. Ford as
witness greatly qualified) was read
to Bishop Williams and he was asked
if it was anarchistic.
Pretty strong language, but I
have heard the same from Others"
said the witness. Il have heard it
from pacifists and others who felt
that if the United States set the ex-,
ample there would be a general dis
armament. I don't say that I agree
with their argument"
Mr.. Lucking was allowed to adj
duce what the witness meant by
strong language"
Il think 1t is rhetorical language.
such as orators use, such as every.
BODY has to use. When you state
a half-truth you state in strongly in
order to get 1t over"
Our Lord was the greatest example
OF stating half truths with tremendous
strength" the witness continued.
1T comes to my mind where our
Lord said once He that hateth not his
father and his mother and his brother
and his sister and kinsmen, he can not
be my disciple. That would show that
he taught hatred. whereas he was the
greatest promoter Of filial love. But
he was making a rhetorical statement
to show that natural affections must
not stand between a man and his 10y
atty to truth and righteousness"
The ecclesiastic. replying to further
questions. elucidated his commentary
on various writings and utterancEs on
pacifism by stating that any utter
ance must be taken in its context and
balanced by other utterances."
Mr.. Lucking asked If such views as
attributed to Mr.. Ford in magazine and
newspaper articles made a man an an.
archist or IL they made him a Chris
tan. but tho court did not permit re-.
plies. The lawyer then asked:
State whether the sentiments ex-
pressed in these articles are followed.
adopted End preached by thousands and
thousands Of Christians
That is rather a large order. but 7
should say in the main the articles are
distinctly Christian. commonly preach
cd in Christian pulpits. and that IL
they were lived UP to it would be a
pretty good Christian world"
attorney Stevenson. senior counzel
!of the Tribune. finished only a fart Of
the cross-examination and it was ar.
ranged that Bishop Williams should re.
turn next week