The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1920-09-11
FRIENDS IN POLAND,
IN DANGER, HOPE TO
HELP DEFEAT PANIC

Arrival at the Friends Central Of
fees of letter from the American
Friends Service committee headquar-
tiers tells of the precarious position re-
lief units were in when the Bolshevik
forces threatened to take Warsaw
from the Poles.
There was a difference in opinion
as to whether the unit as a whole
should retire with all its equipment
and supplies with the retreating Pol
fsh army, or whether 1t should stay
in the district invaded by the Boil
sheviks in order that the civilian pop
u.ation thus enveloped might have con-
tinued assistance.
Some Wanted to Stay.
"A dozen workers, four Of whom were
Americans, addressed a letter to DR..
Haigh, chief of the Polish unit, say
ing they had conscientious reasons for
staying, even though the Polish army
was driven from Warsaw They based
their reasons on the fact that as the
world is changing, the intelligent out
come of the conflict between capital
and socialism could best be advanced
by trying to make Christ's spirit pre-
vail.
Miss Gertrude Simms, acting editor
s ~ sAA~ <ALSi ivan IIiCAus anu VIM III
over year was active in work in
Europe, said Friday, that even work
ers who left Warsaw when it was
threatened, did not do it through fear,
but because if American lives were
lost in the Bolshevik invasion, compli-
cations might arise between countries
that would be worse than the present
condition.
Letter Explains Attitude.
The following letter sent to DIR.
Haigh by the workers who stayed de-
spite threatening conditions, explains
their attitude:
Upon considering the fact that
there Is division Of opinion in the
mission on our duty in the present
crisis, we wish to declare our loyalty
to the great Quaker ideal of neutrality
in war and Partially to no principles
OF social state except those preached
by Christ-those of friendly cooper
alton and unselfish service for the
common good.
AS we feel very strongly that this
present crisis will be one of the great
historical tests Of Quaker loyalty to
conviction, we declare our intention Of
facing the dangers of war, so that
we may give our spirit and bodily
strength to the conscientious service
of this Quaker ideal by staying in
Warsaw as the representatives of the
only Christian society which is not
taking sides in this great conflict of
two social regimes.
Would AiIay Panic
THE Friends feel that the world is
changing and the intelligent outcome
of the conflict between capital and
socialism can best be advanced by
trying to make Christ's spirit prevail,
through themselves extending friend
ship, brotherhood and service to all
peoples and all classes.
I'VE are prepared to meet the Boil
shevists with deep sympathy for their
creative idealism, and federation and
patience for their mistakes.
Our presence will help allay the
panic. 1t can encourage confidence on
both sides. We can assist and give
moral support to all who are helping
the population at the peril of their
lives. Our impartial and observing
sense may be the only means Europe
will have of knowing the uncolored
facts. Friendship Of peoples comes
through understanding"