Archbishop Quigley, Chicago: "The measure now pending in Congress is in my opinion most just, and I approve of it."

Archbishop Chapelle, New Orleans: "Having had ample opportunities in the Antilles and the Philippines to appreciate the signal services which good chaplains render to our Army and Navy, I am in full sympathy with the proposed legislation to recognize and promote their efficiency. I hope, therefore, that Congress will readily adopt the measure."

Archbishop Ryan, Philadelphia: "I entirely agree with the prelates who have expressed their approbation of the measures proposed in favor of army chaplains * and I earnestly hope that they shall be favorably considered by the Senate and House of Representatives and be enacted as the law of the United States." Bishop Spalding, Peoria: "Your proposed act * * * has my unqualified approval, and it will, I feel confident, commend itself to the military committees of Congress."

METHODIST.

Bishop Cyrus D. Foss, D. D., Philadelphia: "I have not, until very recently, been able to command the time to read Senate Document No. 215, relative to a bill to recognize and promote the efficiency of army chaplains.

"I hasten frankly to say that the bill commends itself completely and emphatically o my judgment as a move in the right direction in recognition of the services of a very important arm in the military service."

Bishop A. Coke Smith, D. D., Norfolk, Va.: "The necessity for the services of chaplains in the Army is recognized by all who think; and the need is for efficient and strong men for such service. To withhold from them the recognition of their work which this bill contemplates is to do them an injustice and to cripple them in the discharge of their duties as well as to lower the esteem in which they are held by their comrades, since the Government puts so low a value on their office and work."

Bishop Daniel A. Goodsell, D. D., Chattanooga, Tenn.: "I am wholly in favor of the bill. I have made a study of the conditions under which the chaplains work and know the difficulties. Men who surmount them by character and efficient service ought certainly to have the recognition contemplated in the bill."

Bishop Henry W. Warren, D. D., University Park, Colo.: "Army chaplains are an essential and effective part of the Army. They can be made much more efficient and useful by the act now before Congress becoming a law. I hope it will be done at once after the assembling of Congress.'

Bishop William W. Duncan, D. D., Spartanburg, S. C.: "I heartily approve of the proposed legislation. Such legislation, I think, is needed. For the greater part of the war between the States I was a chaplain, and I feel assured that the Government can not do too much wise legislation in the interest of increasing the efficiency of so valuable an arm of the service."

Bishop Edw. G. Andrews, D. D., New York City: "Considerations of justice and of policy indicate to me that every means should be used for holding in these services those who have proved themselves successful and faithful in the work."

Bishop Charles H. Fowler, D. D., Buffalo, N. Y.: "I most heartily approve the bill. Growth is the law of intellectual and spiritual life. Keep the way open. Take off the lid."

Bishop John H. Vincent, D. D., Chautauqua: "Certainly the bill deserves the serious consideration of the authorities, and it is difficult for me to even imagine an argument of any weight against it."

Bishop E. E. Hoss, D. D., Dallas, Tex.: "It is only naked justice, and ought surely to pass and become a law."

Bishop Earl Cranston, D. D., Portland., Oreg.: "I believe that the sentiment of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Oregon, as throughout the country, is unanimous for the measure.'

"

Approved also by Bishops Thomas Bowman, D. D., East Orange, N. J.; Henry C. Morrison, D. D., Louisville, Ky.; Charles C. McCabe, D. D., Omaha, Nebr.; Charles B. Galloway, D. D., Jackson, Miss.; Isaac W. Joyce, D. D., Minneapolis; John C. Granbery, D. D., Ashland, Va.; W. F. Mallalieu, D. D., Auburndale, Mass.; J. W. Hamilton, D. D., San Francisco; O. P. Fitzgerald, D. D., Nashville, Tenn.; W. A. Candler, D. D., Atlanta, Ga.; E. R. Hendrix, D. D., Kansas City; B. W. Arnett, D. D., Wilberforce, Ohio; Abraham Grant, D. D., Indianapolis.

CONGREGATIONAL

President Samuel B. Capen, LL.D., Boston, American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions: "The history of all our wars has shown the bravery and supreme H R-58-2-Vol 4

value of such men, and they fully deserve the recognition which will come with the legislation proposed."

Rev. Joseph H. Twitchell, Asylum Hill Church, Hartford, Conn.: "What the bill proposes appears to me almost immoderately moderate. I wish that a chaplain who has given the strong years of his life to the service might in his old age be retired a colonel. To make him, after ten years, a major, and stop at that, is certainly a modest measure of reward of merit.'

Rev. Howard MacAyeal, First Church, Akron, Ohio: "I am heartily in favor of the bill. Anything that will make the service attractive to the best and strongest men in the ministry will be heartily approved by the great majority of ministers." Rev. T. Calvin McClelland, Moderator Rhode Island Congregational Conference, Newport: "I am most heartily in favor of the bill. One must feel that the present unhappy situation is the result of oversight on the part of our legislators, and that when the matter is presented to them, they will speedily recognize the hardship of the present law, and hasten to amend it so that our chaplains will receive the promotions as officers serving in the other capacities receive theirs."

Rev. Elmer T. Blake, Charleston, N. H.: "The prospect of recognition by promotion for specially good work will do much to dissipate the gloomy conviction that no good work is possible, and it is to be feared that both officers and men are in danger of regarding an officer who can never under any circumstances receive that natural reward of promotion, as an officer whose duties must be of no particular account."

Rev. Amory H. Bradford, D. D., Montclair, N. J., moderator National Council of Congregational Churches of the United States: "It has my hearty indorsement; and that not so much because I think the chaplains need such recognition, but because the service itself needs to render it."

Rev. Prof. Arthur L. Gillett, D. D., Hartford, Conn., Hartford Theological Seminary: "I have long felt that there was need of a suitable, deserved, and adequate incentive to the best kind of effort in this important service, as well as a fitting means of rewarding those who have already rendered services of a distinguished character.

"This the proposed bill, at least measurably, does, and I can not help feeling greatly interested in its passage. I therefore take the liberty of expressing the hope that it may have the active support of one who has, in the past, both exemplified and urged the highest ideals of military character and efficiency.

George B. Merrick, esq., Madison Wis.: "It was my good fortune to serve during the civil war in a volunteer regiment whose chaplain earned promotion, although he did not receive it. His services in healing were as valuable to the men, morally and physically, as were the services of those whose duties lay in the opposite direction. "The bill now before Congress proposes to correct similar injustice in the future, and while no faithful officer in any class perforins his duties with an eye single only to the rewards which may follow, it is not right that the faithful in one class should be deprived of the incentive which is common to all other classes of officers in the service.

"I am heartily in sympathy with the ends sought by this legislation."

Rev. L. H. Hallock, D. D., Plymouth Church, Minneapolis: "It is high time that heroic, self-sacrificing men, who serve as chaplains in the Army with no chance of military glory or fame, but in the spirit of Christ and for the spiritual good of their men, should have merited recognition such as is contemplated in the bill, in whose modest provisions I most heartily concur.

"I believe that its enactment will not only be a recognition of worthy service, but will improve the quality of the same by the justice of its provisions. There can be no reasonable opposition to such a measure.

Approved also by Presidents Arthur T. Hadley, LL. D., Yale University; Henry C. King, D. D., Oberlin College; George Harris, LL. D., Amherst College; Henry Hopkins, D. D., Williams College; Edward D. Eaton, LL. D., Beloit College, and J. Ĥ. George, D. D., Chicago Theological Seminary; Rev. Prof. W. H. Ryder, D. D., Andover Theological Seminary; Rev. Prof. Geo. P. Fisher, LL. D., Yale Divinity School; Rev. Prof. A. H. Currier, D. D., Oberlin Theological Seminary; Rev. John L. Withrow, D. D., LL. D., Boston.

BAPTIST.

President E. Y. Mullins, D. D., LL. D., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Ky.: "I believe the passage of the proposed bill will be a means of promoting the efficiency and usefulness of the army chaplains."

Secretary C. E. Hewitt, D. D., Divinity School, University of Chicago: "It promises increased respect for the chaplains and the religion which they represent and will at the same time be a stimulus urging them on to the most efficient service. It

seems likely also to open the way for the entrance of a higher order of men into this service."

Rev. Wayland Hoyt, D. D., Philadelphia: "Certainly efficiency in service should be door to promotion for chaplains as well as for other army officers. It is simple justice."

Rev. Geo. C. Lorimer, D. D., New York City: "That nothing has been done earlier in this direction is at once a matter of surprise and regret."

Rev. R. S. MacArthur, D. D., Calvary Church, New York City: "It seems surprising that such a bill was not passed long ago. It is certainly remarkable that no provision now exists for the promotion of chaplains, many of whom have so commended themselves by heroic conduct and by noble character."

Rev. Cortland Myers, D. D., Baptist Temple, Brooklyn: "I sincerely hope that our officials will have the spirit and vision of statesmen and do this righteous act speedily."

Rev. Henry M. King, D. D., Providence, R. I.: "The bill has my hearty approval. It is a movement in the right direction, and if the bill is passed it can not fail to increase the efficiency of this important branch of the public service.”

Rev. W. A. Hobson, D. D., Jacksonville. Fla.: "I favor the proposed bill as an appeal to merit in selection and efficiency in service."

President W. T. Stott, D. D., Franklin College, Indiana: "I see no good reason why chaplains should be an exception to the rule that merit deserves promotion." Rev. G. W. Lasher, D. D., Editor Journal and Messenger, Cincinnati: "I find myself in hearty accord with the proposal to give a better standing to the faithful chaplains. Having myself served for a time as a chaplain in the volunteer service, I can see that the proposed legislation may be of great value."

Hon. H. S. D. Mallory, President Alabama Baptist State Convention, Selma: "To my way of thinking, the army chaplain is a most important factor in military life, and while he has contributed in a large measure to create and maintain a good standard of morality in the Army, his services are not of the kind to largely attract public attention, and hence, it may be, have not received the public recognition they so well deserved."

Rev. Albert B. Coats, Akron, Ohio: "No class of men in the Army are more useful or hold a more responsible position than do the chaplains, and any law that will secure for them larger opportunities and increase their influence ought to receive the support of all."

Rev. Albert Foster, D. D., Newark, N. J.: "It is a step in the right direction and a just acknowledgment of the meritorious service which such men are rendering." Gen. Zimmerman Davis, treasurer South Carolina Baptist State Convention: "It is a just recognition of long service to men who have faithfully performed a noble duty to God and their fellow-men."

President P. W. Crannell, D. D., Kansas City Baptist Theological Seminary: "Added to the spur of conscience and duty should be the spur of opportunity. The man who has a chance to rise will seek to rise."

Rev. Robert F. Y. Pierce, D. D., Scranton, Pa.: "It is to be regretted that a measure so manifestly just has been so long deferred. Our chaplains form a most important and valued arm of the United States Army, and they have many times performed heroic and distinguished service."

President J. P. Greene, D. D., LL. D., William Jewell College, Liberty, Mo.: "I regard it as a proper measure. I think these men who give their lives to this hard service and prove themselves worthy ought to have the recognition provided in this bill."

Rev. L. Walton Terry, Tacoma, Wash., corresponding secretary Northwest Baptist Convention: "I desire to assure you of the great interest manifested by our leading Baptists in west Washington. We believe that this additional inducement to better service would be of large benefit to the Army, by stimulating the chaplains to greater efficiency and rewarding those who show themselves to be worthy by meritorious

service.

Rev. O. A. Williams, D. D., Minneapolis, Minn., superintendent of missions for Wisconsin, Minnesota, North and South Dakota: "In my opinion this bill proposes to do only that which is an act of justice to public servants who are devoting their time and strength to the highest welfare of our soldiers. It is my opinion also that a prospect of promotion of this kind will increase the efficiency of that noble service in the Army.

E. J. Brockett, esq., East Orange, N. J., president New Jersey Baptist State Convention: "I am quite surprised to find that action in regard to recognition of efficiency on the part of chaplains has been so long delayed. I can see no good reason why merit should not receive promotion in that important branch of public service."

Rev. Charles Colman, pastor Eleventh Baptist Church, Philadelphia: "I gave my two sons to the service during the late war with Spain, my oldest son coming back from Manila a complete wreck, my second son brought home from Cuba in his coffin and now resting on the heights of Arlington. As a result of this experience I have learned to esteem the work of chaplains more highly than that of any other officers. The fullest recognition of the valuable services rendered by them should be made by the Government."

Approved also by Presidents Henry G. Weston, LL. D., Crozer Theological Seminary; James M. Taylor, D. D., Vassar College; N. E. Wood, D. D., Newton Theological Institution; F. W. Boatwright, LL. D., Richmond College; Emory W. Hunt, D. D., Denison University; J. J. Taylor, D. D., Georgetown College, Ky.; T. G. Brownson, D. D., California College; C. E. Taylor, LL. D., Wake Forest College, N. C.; J. D. S. Riggs, LL. D., Ottawa University, Kans.; A. P. Montague, LL. Ď., Howard College, Ala.; J. T. Henderson, A. M., Carson and Newman College, Tenn.; W H. P. Faunce, D. D., Brown University; J. W. Conger, A. M., Ouachita College, Ar and J. F. Forbes, Ph. D., Stetson University, Fla. Dean E. B. Hulbert, LL. D., Divinity School, University of Chicago; President W. H. Harrison, A. M., Bethel College, Ky.; Rev. Prof. Č. R. Henderson, D. D., Chicago University; President J. A. Leavitt, D. D., Ewing College, Ill.; President Rush Rhees, LL. D., University of Rochester.

PRESBYTERIAN.

Rev. Prof. Henry Van Dyke, D. D., LL.D., Princeton University, late moderator Presbyterian General Assembly, United States: "It seems to me that in an institution organized as our Army is, on a conservative and orderly basis, with rewards proportioned to length and value of service, it would be of great advantage to have the religious service regulated and reorganized in the same way, with proper provision for the promotion of the men who have done good work in this sphere.

"If the chaplain's work is belittled in the organization, or slighted in any way, or treated as merely superfluous and ornamental, it will be difficult to get the best men for chaplains or to get the best work out of them.

"Certainly we should wish and expect to have for chaplains in our Army men who, upon completion of an equal term of service, will be qualified to stand on a level footing with majors, and do their work with fidelity, precision, and effectiveness which has brought so much honor to the higher officers of our military force." Rev. Robert F. Coyle, D. D., Denver, Colo., moderator Presbyterian General Assembly in the United States: "I sincerely hope that some action may be taken by the forthcoming Congress of the United States to give dignity to the position of chaplains in the United States Army.

"The work which they are called upon to do is of very great importance, and they should have all possible encouragement given them to make their work efficient." President E. D. Warfield, LL. D., Lafayette College, Easton, Pa.: "I have very strong reasons for believing that this bill is an important one. My uncle, General Breckinridge, who, as Inspector-General, had very unusual opportunities for information, was strongly in favor of it, and recent remarks from Admiral Sigsbee brought to my notice the fact that the high officers are much concerned for the improvement of the esprit du corps of the army chaplains.

"The same idea underlies the whole field-the importance of distinguishing those who have rendered efficient service."

Rev. James M. Ludlow, D. D., East Orange, N. J.: "The proposed bill is admirable. Its provisions are only just to faithful chaplains, and, moreover afford an incentive to the best service. The way to promote the efficiency of any office is to dignify it."

Rev. Samuel J. Niccolls, D. D., LL. D., St. Louis: "I have carefully read the bill and it meets my hearty approval. As I was at one time an army chaplain, I can realize the necessity of such an action as this, and I have no hesitancy in saying that it is not only just in its provisions, but also that its passage would tend to promote the efficiency of army chaplains. I think they are worthy of this recognition."

President M. B. Lowrie, D. D., Omaha Theological Seminary, Nebraska: "I am heartily in sympathy with the purpose of the bill. Having had personal acquaintance with many chaplains during the civil war, I am confident they are excelled by no class of men in their devotion to duty, and that their work and influence are of inestimable value."

Rev. Prof. David S. Schaff, D. D., Lane Theological Seminary, Cincinnati: "Virtue, it is true, is its own reward, but where, to the recognition of this ethical principle, the principle of promotion for meritorious service is added, the chaplain should be included."

Rev. Herrick Johnson, D. D., LL. D., McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago: "If God holds out reward as an inducement to fidelity and efficiency in service, I see no reason why, in principle, incentive may not be used among men, provided the reward is worthy and in recognition of meritorious, worthy service."

Principal D. J. Waller, D. Ď., Indiana Normal School, Pa.: "The principle of recognition of meritorious service by promotion is, in the Army, almost fundamental. To make the chaplaincy the only exception in the application of the principle is an invidious distinction that reacts against the office."

Rev. Geo. D. Baker, D. D., Philadelphia: "I very heartily give my word in favor of the proposed measure to accord the army chaplain the same rights and privileges granted to other officers."

Rev. Stephen W. Dana, D. D., Walnut Street Church, Philadelphia: "We need as chaplains men of fine talents and consecrated spirit who shall have every inducement to render the most efficient service. It is fitting that they should have proper military recognition."

Approved also by Presidents George E. MacLean, LL. D., Iowa State University; George B. Stewart, D. D., Auburn Theological Seminary, and M. B. Riddle, D. D., Allegheny Theological Seminary; the faculty, Theological Seminary of Kentucky; Presidents W. D. Thomas, D. D., La Crosse College, Wis., and S. B. McCormack, D. D., Coe College, Iowa; Rev. Prof. W. G. Craig, LL. D., McCormick Theological Seminary; Rev. William Henry Roberts, LL. D., stated clerk general assembly; Rev. Edward B. Hodge, D. D., secretary board of education; Rev. E. R. Craven, LL. D., secretary board of publication; Rev. Charles L. Thompson, D. D., secretary board of home missions; Robert E. Speer, esq., secretary board of foreign missions; Harvey C. Olin, esq., treasurer board of home missions.

EPISCOPAL.

Right Rev. Henry C. Potter, D. D., LL. D., bishop of New York: "I beg, with unreserved confidence, to commend it to your friendly interest. An army or a navy without ideals of duty and honor is simply force without adequate control. The better the man who brings these ideals of a divine standard of duty and honor within the horizon of the soldier or the sailor the better may wisely be the rank and pay by which the Republic rates and recognizes him."

Right Rev. Alexander Mackay-Smith, D. D., bishop-coadjutor of Pennsylvania: "I beg to say that it commands my assent, and I trust it may be passed by Congress. There seems to me no good reason for making the chaplains in the Army an exception to the general rule that merit should be encouraged by advancement. When the true purport of the bill is understood I see little reason to doubt that it will commend itself to the sense of fair play which exists in either House when its attention is thoroughly roused."

Right Rev. William Lawrence, D. D., bishop of Massachusetts: "Each year the Army is reaching a higher standard of intelligence and character. The corps of chaplains must more than keep pace with the improvement. The bill for the moderate promotion of army chaplains, by its recognition of efficiency and character, is one good step in the movement. I am very glad to send this line of approval."

Right Rev. William M. Brown, D. D., bishop of Arkansas: "There is a very general feeling on the part of our people that our chaplains are as much entitled to recognition as any other class of officers when special efficiency gives title to their claim, and it will surely help the church to give the Army a superior grade of ministers for chaplains if this bill can be passed."

Right Rev. W. E. McLaren, D. D., D. C. L., LL. D., bishop of Chicago: "It seems to me that the proposed bill is an eminently desirable measure and can not fail to do tardy justice to worthy men and keep unworthy ones out of the service." Right Rev. Theodore D. Bratton, D. D., Bishop of Mississippi: "The proposition seems to me both just and wise-just, because this branch of the service has been faithful and true to duty, though no reward has been provided, and wise, because such provision of just reward will foster and perhaps increase the faithfulness of the service rendered.'

Right Rev. William H. Hare, D. D., Bishop of South Dakota: "I have long felt that chaplains in the Army have been left without those inducements to excel which are found helpful, if not absolutely necessary, by other mortals, and I hail, therefore, with satisfaction a proposed Congressional bill entitled 'An act to recognize and promote the efficiency of army chaplains.'

Right Rev. William F. Nichols, D. D., Bishop of California: "I venture to think that this bill will enable both the Army and the church to take even more seriously the provision of military chaplains, and to foster and be satisfied with none but the best."