Evening star., 1939-09-17
Rainbow Chaplain
BaIks Peace Plea as
S|acker's S Oath
Move to Pledge
Roosevelt Support
Is Sidetrucked

A peaceful gesture by Washing
ton veterans organization-in which
the group would have pledged its
support to President Roosevelt in his
efforts to keep the United States out
Of the European war-fell short OF
its mark last night when militant
clergyman branded the move rs a
r"slackers oath"
Following this opposition by its
chaplain, the Rev. Arlington A. Nc
Callum, pastor of st. Pauls Episco-
pal Church, the District Chapter of
the Rainbow Division Veterans voted
to put aside the controversial reso-
luton.
Action at the meeting, held at
Veterans of Foreign Wars Head
quarters, 1700 L street NV, unfolded
slowly. First among the speakers
was National President, Elmer F.
Neagle. who said he hoped that
through some miracle the United
States can keep out Of Europe's
troubles"
Then Harold B. Rodier, national
editor of the Rainbow Reveille, arose
and said he was about to introduce
resolution, one he personally con-
sidered 'trite-since all of you un-
doubtedly share these sentiments"
Chaplain Protests.
When he finished reading the
paper "pledging loyal support" to
the President in his efforts to keep
this country out of another war,
there was silence for a few moments.
Without rising to be identified, a
veteran seconded the motion.
But before vote could be taken,
DR.. McCallum-appearing to bristle
with lndignation-was on his feet.
Il won't take that slacker's oath"
said the clergyman. leaning forward
and bracing himself on a chair in
front of him. Let's leave that
question alone"
Continuing. the chaplain said III
effect there was no point in the
chapters expressing such sentiments
because so many other people are
D., afraid"
Refers to Pacifists.
| He made pointed reference to
pacifists by saying he wondered if
/ pacifist organizations hadn't fur
nished the funds for recent radio
peace talks.
There was scattered applause as
DR.. McCallum sat down. And then
Mr.. Rodier remarked that he agreed
with the chaplain and offered the
suggestion that perhaps the reso-
luton could be amended to meet
approval.
| Then said DR.. McCallum, add
paragraph saying: But if the time
comes when 1T seems necessary for
the President to declare war, then
We'll be where we were in 1917"
At that point, however, another
veteran interrupted the proceedings
with the observation: Let's leave
it alone-let's let sleeping dogs lie"
And so it was voted to table the
resolution, the partial text of which
| follows
Whereas we (the Rainbow Vet
/ cl dLioj u1lOC1 ny OcCll tAiC piCoS
and radio war exists in Europe to
such an extent it has been desig-
mated the second world war. and
Whereas. We. the members Of
the valiant, history making 42d
rainbow Division, A. E. F.. back
in 1917-18 materially aided the
United States and her allies to win
the first World War, which was
supposed to make the world safe
for democracy and to be a war to
end wars and
Whereas, most of our previous
allies and former enemies are mixed
up in the current fracas, and
Whereas the swivel chair vet
erans' of the previous war are now
clamoring for us to again unite with
our former allies.
I'VE do herewith pledge our loyal
support to you, Mr. President. as
our Chief Executive, in your ef-
forts to keep us out of the present
war, and to that end We do here
with extend to you our vote of con-
fidence."