rians, Presbyterians, Universalists, and Congregationalists; and the general opinion is summed up in the words of Bishop Satterlee, of the diocese of Washington:

The public will never object to the recognition of a man who has done something that is worthy. Neither will it applaud as wise statesmanship such legislation as may block the advancement of a worthy chaplain while the way is opened for every other class of officers regardless of their merit.

The departmental approval of this bill is contained in the following letter:

WAR DEPARTMENT,

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF,
Washington, December 29, 1908.

SIR: I have the honor to return herewith for the Secretary of War Senate bill 2424, Fifty-eighth Congress, second session, "to recognize and promote the efficiency of army chaplains," which was referred to the Department by your committee, and to invite your attention to the views expressed by the Secretary of War on a similar bill in the Fifty-seventh Congress in favor of this measure, published in Senate document No. 215, Fifty-seventh Congress, second session, S. B. M. YOUNG, Lieutenant-General, Chief of Staff.

Very respectfully,

The CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AFFAIRS,

United States Senate.

The views of the Secretary of War favoring this legislation, as referred to in the foregoing letter, were submitted in a communication dated January 22, 1903, in which the Secretary said:

I think the idea embodied in the bill, "to recognize and promote the efficiency of army chaplains," is a very good one. Í should like to see it applied to the whole Army.

INDORSEMENTS.

Hon. William H. Taft: "I have read the bill to recognize and promote the efficiency of army chaplains. I have known much of the good which army chaplains have done in the Philippines, and should be very glad to see any bill passed which would recognize their usefulness and their devotion to duty.'

Brig. Gen. Geo. B. Davis, Judge-Advocate-General of the Army: "I have read the copy of the bill which you were so kind as to leave with me for examination, and desire to say that it meets with my entire approval.

"If the multifarious duties which are imposed upon chaplains by law and regulation are properly performed, and this is almost certain that they are, they should not be precluded from all hope of advancement, simply because they have proved themselves to be competent and efficient chaplains, as a measure calculated to contribute to the well-being of the military establishment,

"I think the bill will receive the approval of officers of the Army generally." Brig. Gen. J. C. Breckinridge, Inspector-General of the Army at time of writing (February 12, 1903): "The opinion of the Inspector-General of the Army having been asked relative to the merits of a bill now pending in Congress, entitled 'An act to recognized and promote the efficiency of army chaplains,' I beg to say that I have examined the measure and am familiar with the conditions it is designed to meet. "The proposed legislation seems calculated to accomplish results that are far-reaching and beneficial.

"Twenty-two years' experience in the Inspection Department, fourteen years of which I have been the Inspector-General, have led me to note a considerable improvement in the personnel and value of the chaplaincy.

"The records of this Department contain many references to the services of chaplains which might well be coveted by any class of officers. But the great defect of existing law is that there is no method of recognizing special efficiency.

"The grade of major for not more than 15 officers out of a total of 57-men so conspicuous in their fidelity as to have received the approval of their military superiorsis but a modest provision in view of the increased efficiency to which it would lead. "The proudest honor of a soldier is that which manifests the approbation of his

government. And to the chaplain, who now is an officer of his regiment and must serve with it in any clime and be the bearer of many burdens and the sharer of many perils, and to whom changed national conditions have brought new possibilities of usefulness, an advance in grade, as a tribute to meritorious service, seems not only to be demanded by national justice, but to remove from the chaplain the stigma and penalty which denial of promotion imposes upon him because he is a chaplain." Maj. Gen. E. S. Otis, U. S. Army, late military governor of the Philippines: "I have seen the proposed Congressional bill entitled An act to recognize and promote the efficiency of army chaplains,' and am much interested in its provisions, deeming them just, timely, and calculated to greatly benefit the service.

"From my long experience, and especially my experience in the Phillipines, I can state that no class of officers receive so little reward and encouragement for duty performed as our chaplains. There is nothing to incite them to unusual effort, nothing to call out their best work, except their conscientious regard for faithful performance.

"The labors often put upon them are delicate and onerous, requiring tact, intellectual equipment, practical ability, and, in a very large measure, those sympathetic qualities which attract and make them welcome to the sick and dispirited.

"No body of men in the Philippines worked harder or endured greater privations than our chaplains, at least while war was in progress.

"I should be greatly pleased if the proposed bill for the relief of the corps could become law."

Maj. Gen. Arthur MacArthur, U. S. Army, commanding Department of California: "I read with interest the bill inclosed with your agreeable note of August 15, and take great pleasure in expressing approval thereof, and concur with General Otis in respect of the merits of the work done in the Philippines by the chaplains, and hope, with him, that the proposed bill may be accepted by Congress and made a law." Brig. Gen. Tasker H. Bliss, U. S. Army, Army War College, Washington: "I feel sure that other officers will agree with me in expressing the hope that this very commendable bill may become a law.

"In every other branch of the Army such provision for advancement is made as will tend to call forth the best effort of every officer in it.

"Hitherto this principle has had no application in the corps of chaplains alone. "The character of their services with the troops in both peace and war certainly entitles them to the same treatment that is given other officers.

Brig. Gen. J. F. Weston, Commissary-General of the Army: "The bill now before the Senate asks for the modest grade of major, and has the approval of the Secretary of War. I take the greatest pleasure in stating that the duties, the position, and the excellence of the men holding the position in every way merit this recognition.

"I think, too, that the creation of the grade of major among chaplains of the Army will meet with the approval of the entire service.

"These men have been commended (and especially during the war with Spain) as having done not only their duties in a spiritual way, but having in every way rendered service which befitted the charity of their calling.

"Many of them I could name, but it is not necessary here.

"Personally and officially I can not too strongly recommend the creation of the grade. When done, it will be simply a recognition of those who have been commended, and an incentive to those who are under them."

Brig. Gen. A. W. Greely, Chief Signal Officer of the Army: "The best and most efficient chaplains should receive that recognition in promotion and pay which is accorded every other class of officers.

"Certainly labors in the interest of morality and righteousness should be placed on an equal plane with those for physical and material interests.

"In forty-two years of service I have never known the force of army chaplains to be as efficient and self-sacrificing as now. The labors of the best of them should be recognized as proposed by this bill."

Brig. Gen. F. C. Ainsworth, Chief Record and Pension Office, U. S. Army: "Under existing law the chaplains of our Army have no hope of advancement in rank or increase in compensation, no matter how long or how meritorious their service may be.

"It is to supply this lack of incentive to special and sustained effort that the bill in question proposes that not to exceed 15 chaplains may have the rank, pay, and allowances of major.

"The increase that is asked for is so small, and the reasons that can be urged in support of it are so strong, that I do not see how there can be any serious opposition to the measure.

"I think that officers of the Army generally will approve it and, like myself, will be glad to record themselves as in favor of it.'

Col. C. R. Edwards, Chief of Insular Bureau, War Department: "In my judgment the bill is a good one, and it meets completely many practical difficulties which have existed in the status and the service of chaplains in times past. I am sure that the Army generally would concede it to be just and proper to give recognition to chaplains, just as it is given to other officers, when they have distinguished themselves because of special efficiency, and that some of them have done this I can emphatically testify.

"Nothing leads to stagnation or inefficiency more surely than a denial of promotion or advancement or recognition.

"If a chaplain must serve always in the same grade it is necessary for him to be a remarkable man in order to do his best. If, on the other hand, the possibility of promotion (even though it be by one single grade as provided for in this bill) is before him, it will lead to greater efficiency and more vigorous service, and the whole Army will be benefited thereby.

"My answer, therefore, is that in my judgment the bill meets a real need of the service and in a just and practicable way."

Brig. Gen. J. Franklin Bell, U. S. Army, commandant General Service and Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.: "It appears to me to be but an act of equity to give some recognition to services of exceptional length and efficiency rendered by chaplains in the service.

"I do not well see how anyone could expect ministers of first-class attainment and preparation to accept commissions as chaplains in the Army with so little inducement and reward as at present exist for army chaplains.

"I concur in the remarks and views expressed by Generals Breckinridge and Otis.” Brig. Gen. Frederick D. Grant, U. S. Army, commanding Department of Texas: "It seems to me that there should certainly be some method adopted to reward in this life the services of chaplains who do good work.

"In all countries where the church and state operate together it is accomplished by advancement in church dignity, but in a nation like the United States church and state are so entirely separated it is difficult to suggest a way in which our able and hard-working soldiers of the cross can be rewarded.

"The copy of the bill which you inclose to me seems to meet the desired end, and I assure you that I am heartily in favor of the 'act to recognize the efficiency of army chaplains.'

Col. A. L. Mills, Superintendent United States Military Academy, West Point: "In reply to your letter, I take a great deal of pleasure in expressing hearty approval of Senate bill which is intended to recognize and promote efficiency among chaplains of the Army.

"That a measure of this kind is a necessity is clearly shown in the many letters already published in support of the bill.

"I believe the bill as framed will accomplish its purpose, and I sincerely trust it may become a law."

Maj. Gen. S. 8. Sumner, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Missouri: "The proposed bill for promotion of selected chaplains strikes me as fair and just, and as the recommendation of ranking officers is requisite to such selection, it is probable that the spirit of this law will not be violated.

"I have met many capable and admirable chaplains in the Army, and promotion should be given to those found most deserving."

Col. Edgar S. Dudley, U S. Army, professor of law, United States Military Academy, West Point: "At present there is no reward for special service by chaplains over and above their usual routine duty, except the approval of their own conscience and the commendatory letters or orders of their superiors.

"I think it would be an excellent thing, and no more than just, that such exceptional service should be rewarded by promotion to the higher grade."

Brig. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, U. S. Army: "I have seen them in war, far to the front on the battlefield, assisting in carrying off the wounded, and afterwards ministering to their spiritual and physical comfort in the hospitals.

"I have witnessed their gallantry in the fight. The first cavalry charge I participated in, in the civil war, a chaplain riding by my side was killed; while between the battles their faithful, conscientious work has often appealed to me.

"In times of peace their quiet, unostentatious work is being constantly carried on. "In the discharge of all their duties the zeal, activity, and earnestness of some are most conspicuous.

"The act proposes to recognize such chaplains by promoting them one grade, and though meager, is an acknowledgment of faithful service to God and man."

Brig. Gen. Joseph Wheeler, U.S. Army: "It gives me pleasure to join in the above recommendation of General Lee, and concur in his appreciation of the work done by chaplains.

"I appreciate very highly the importance of the work of chaplains in the Army, and think we should seek to draw high talent to the corps of chaplains."

Maj. Gen. Frank Wheaton, U. S. Army (since deceased): “I heartily indorse and recommend the passage of the bill referred to. I am glad to add my name to the long list of officers who have had, through many years of active army experience, frequent occasion to express their high appreciation of the important service rendered by your corps.

"With your own fine army record I am quite familiar, and any bill that gives you an advancement you have long since earned will be welcomed by your old commander."

Brig. Gen. James H. Wilson, U. S. Army: "I take great pleasure in saying that I have read 'An act to recognize and promote the efficiency of army chaplains,' and regard it as one which ought to receive the prompt approval of Congress.

"It does but tardy and incomplete justice to a very worthy branch of the military service, and how it could have been delayed so long I do not know.

"It should surely become a law without further delay.”

Maj. Gen. M. I. Ludington, U. S. Army, late Quartermaster-General of the Army: "I am in entire sympathy with any efforts to give the rank of major to such chaplains, not exceeding fifteen in number, as shall have been commended as worthy of special distinction for exceptional efficiency by regimental or post and department commanders.

"Such recognition of those chaplains who have done the work of the Master in such a way as to command the appreciation and commendation of the proper authorities would only be a just tribute to men, who, by precept and example, strive to lead to a higher plane of moral and religious thought and action."

Brig. Gen. A. S. Burt, U. S. Army: "In forty-one years' continuous service in our Army I have had exceptional opportunities of closely observing chaplains in garrison and field, in war and peace, on the march, on campaigns, in battles, and in hospitals, and I can honestly state that with few exceptions the chaplains of our Army whom I have had under my command and otherwise observed have filled the peculiar office with zeal, humanity, and as Christian gentlemen.

"In times of sorrow and distress they have done their duty nobly as comforters and sympathizing friends. I have seen this over and over again. I say it, therefore, earnestly, from my sincerest convictions, that our corps of chaplains deserve, for their past good work and as an incentive to further effort, such recognition as this army chaplain's bill gives them."

Brig. Gen. Charles C. Hood, U. S. Army: "Having had a command in the field at Mobile and Tampa, and later in Porto Rico and the Philippines, from 1898 to 1902, I have had excellent opportunities to judge of the work performed by chaplains, which has been worthy of the highest praise and commendation, and I think as a class of officers they richly deserve promotion and substantial recognition, for which the bill alluded to provides."

Brig. Gen. George M. Sternberg, U. S. Army, late Surgeon-General of the Army: "I am heartily in favor of the proposition to give chaplains who have rendered distinguished services an increase in rank, and believe that the efficiency of the corps and the interests of the service would be promoted by such legislation.

"The bill which has been drawn appears to me to be reasonable and just, and I trust that it will receive the favorable consideration of Congress."

Brig. Gen. R. M. O'Reilly, Surgeon-General of the Army: "The inclosed bill, entitled 'An act to recognize and promote the efficiency of army chaplains,' has my cordial approval and sympathy."

Maj. Gen. Wesley Merritt, U. S. Army: "The copy of the bill you inclose seems to be excellent. I wish I could help you with it."

Brig. Gen. Samuel Ovenshine, U.S. Army: "I have read the bill 'An act to recognize and promote the efficiency of army chaplains,' and I believe its enactment would be for the benefit of the service."

Brig. Gen. Marcus P. Miller, U. S. Army: "I believe all chaplains, after a certain number of years' service, should get another grade to enable them to stand increased expenses, and in a measure advance in rank and pay correspondingly to other officers of relative age."

Maj. Gen. Henry C. Merriam, U. S. Army: "Referring to the movement for an act providing for the selection and promotion of a limited number of chaplains, the selections to be based strictly on official reports setting forth exceptional zeal and efficiency in the discharge of duty, I beg to say that in my opinion such a provision should make for improvement in the military service.

"Hope of recognition and reward is conceded to be an essential in calling forth the best effort and highest achievement in all human activities and professions.

"I can not see why there should be an exception in the case of the Army chaplain." Maj. Gen. John R. Brooke, U. S. Army: "I most heartily approve the Act to recognize and promote the efficiency of Army chaplains.'

"I know from long experience the valuable work which chaplains can and do perform.

"They have no incentive now in the way of promotion or increase of pay, both badly needed as they advance in years and feel the effects of long service, often the result of disease contracted in the line of duty.

"What is needed in a chaplain is youth, health, strength, which, coupled with the true Christian spirit, can not but be of great advantage to the Army generally." Gen. Edwin S. Greeley, late colonel Tenth Connecticut Volunteers, presidentgeneral National Society Sons of the American Revolution: "My experience in the Army during the war gave me opportunity to witness the faithful and helpful service of Army chaplains. I have seen exhibitions of bravery and sacrifice in the discharge of their duties on the battlefield that would have brought honorable mention and rapid promotion to officers of the line or staff performing like service.

"The chaplain of my own regiment was often found at the front under fire, attending the wounded and dying.

"A good chaplain is indispensable in assisting the commanding officer in maintaining discipline and morals of the regiment or at the military posts.

"I think it but tardy justice that the chaplains who have faithfully served their country should receive the rank and pay proposed in this bill."

Brig. Gen. Irving Hale, U. S. Volunteers, Denver, Colo.: "I appreciate highly the splendid services rendered by army chaplains, both regular and volunteer, in general, and cordially indorse the objects of this bill to give these able, conscientious, and efficient officers some better recognition and possible promotion."

ECCLESIASTICAL INDORSEMENTS (IN PART).

UNITARIAN.

Rev. Clayton B. Bowen, New Hampshire: "By recognizing reality in the ministers of religion it will promote reality in religion in a general way and give us more of conscience and character in army life."

UNIVERSALIST.

Rev. W. H. Trickey, New Hampshire: "It gives me pleasure to indorse the measure as one of justice to the chaplains personally, and, more important still, one of genuine benefit to our Army."

LUTHERAN.

Rev. E. J. Wolf, D. D., LL. D., president General Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in the United States, Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, Pa.: "In discriminating against the chaplains of the United States Army the Government not only dishonors a most useful arm of the service, but virtually contributes to its inefficiency. "My deliberate judgment that the act now before Congress to promote the efficiency of army chaplains should early become a law, voices, I am sure, the sentiment of the large body which I have the honor to represent."

Rev. Harlan K. Fenner, D. D., secretary General Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in the United States, Louisville, Ky.: "I have seen the proposed Congressional bill entitled 'An act to recognize and promote the efficiency of army chaplains,' and am heartily in sympathy with its purpose.

"It would afford me and many of my fellow-workers great pleasure to know that you are willing to give the bill your earnest interest and emphatic support."

ROMAN CATHOLIC.

Cardinal Gibbons, Baltimore: "In my judgment the measure you propose for the benefit of army chaplains is most just and worthy of favorable consideration." Archbishop Ireland, St. Paul: "I am sure it is a very good work in which you are engaged in striving for the better recognition of army chaplains. I shall be only too glad to do anything within my reach to second your efforts in this matter." Archbishop Farley, New York: "I have carefully read the proposed act and am profoundly impressed with the justice of the measure, and sincerely trust that the Military Committees of Congress will pass upon it favorably."

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