B. B, & MALJNDA Kl^f 1
NENNOFOTES IN HE WORLD WAR
OR
Non resistance Under Test
By J. S. Hartzler
Assisted by a
Committee Appointed by Mennonite General
Conference
"The weapoMs of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God."
MENNONITE PUBLISHING HOUSE
Scottdale, Pa.
1921
ZUG MEMORIAL LIBRARY
ELIZArETHTOWN COLLEGE
PREFACE
As many have undertaken to write the history
of the recent World War and the issues involved, it
seemed good to some that we also should write upon
that phase of it w'hich most vitally affects nonresist-
ant people, especially the Mennonites of America.
AiiQoi% the first to suggest siich a work was
J. S. Hartzkr, the principal writer of this vokime.
As one of those who were actively engaged in
looking after the welfare of our young men who for
conscience' sake could have no part in carnal war-
fare, he with others felt that there should be a care-
ful writetip of events, a clear statement of issues in-
volved, and a record kept of what our nonresistant
people did to meet the problems arising from the
war. Alter one of his trips to the camps he gave
expression to his convictions in this matter. The
proposed book was thoroughly discussed from every
angle, and all who expressed themselves gave voice
to the conviction that it should be written.
But who to write the book was the question.
Most of those who had gnven the problems arising
from the war the most serious attention were encum-
bered with other duties and therefore not in position
to undertake the work. Brother Hartzler was finally
chosen lo write the book.
Soon after this, letters came from brethren in
4 MENiNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
different communities who (without knowing any-
thing about this which we have just mentioned) de-
scribed the identical book and urged that it be writ-
ten. Accordingly a committee, including those wh*
had thus written, wais formed, and after fuirthcr con-
sultation it was again decided that Brother Hartzler
should be the writer. The committee thus formed
was as follows: J. S. Hartzler, N. H. Mack, S. G.
Shetler, Vernon Smudker, Daniel Kauffman. The
work was prepared as rapidly as circumstances
would permit. The manuscripts about completed,
we found ourselves near the meeting of another ses-
sion of General Conference. This body discussed the
advisability of publishing such a woilc at some
length. The concensus of opinion expressed was
that a work of such general interest should be pub-
lished by authority of General Conference and an en-
larged committee was appointed to take charge of it.
Following are the names of those on the committee:
S. G. Shetler, J. S. Shoemaker, George R. Brunk,
N. H. Mack, Vernon Smucker, J. S. Hartzler, Daniel
Kauffman. By action of the committee it was de-
cided that Brother Hartzler should rewrite the book
in conformity with the views expressed at General
Conference, and with the aid of the committee the
work was completed. Thanks are due, also, to a
number of other brethren and friends who aided ma-
terially in furnishing the necessary data and com-
piling the work.
This book, having been more than two years in
the making, is before you. It is dedicated to the
cause of peace and good will, to the cause of truth
and righteousness. The imperfections of men are
apparent in the makeup of the volume, but we trust
MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR 5
that the strength and importance of the cause may
make this a valuable reference book. With the hope
that God may use this effort to the strengthening of
His cause among men, and with confidence that He
will always care for His own, we submit this message
for your prayerful consideration.
D. K.
Table of Contents
Chapter Page
Preface 3
Introduction 9
I. Early History of the Church 13
II. Mennonites and Other Wars 23
III. The World War 39
IV. The Issues Involved 49
V. Important Meetings and Their Results 55
VI. Our Brethren in Canada 70
VII. Our Brethren in the Draft 86
VIII. Our Brethren in the Draft (Continued) 99
IX- Our Brethren in the Draft (Continued) 112
X- Some Experiences in Camp 122
XI. The Disciplinary Barracks 135
XII. Home Experiences which Grew out of
War Measures 150
XIII. Camp Visitations 167
XIV. Relief Work 177
XV. Lessons Taught by the War 215
XVI. Problems for the Church 226
Index 239
INTRODUCTION
It has been a 'great pleasure to me to read the
manuscript for the new book, Mennonit-es in the
World War, written and published under the direc-
tion of th« Mennonite General Conference. The
brethren who were made responsible for this work
have all had practical experience, have been more or
less prominently connected with the leading move-
ments and organizations of the Mennonite Church
for a number of years, which, with the deep interest
they took in preserving and safeguarding our peace
policies, serves to qualify them for the production of
this book. In principle the book brings no new
story; it merely reiterates the teachings of Christ
and His followers down to the present generation.
During these years the faith was severely tested and
the Gospel of peace was preserved only after many
severe struggles an-d a great cost of human life. The
tortures of rack, the flames at the stake, and the jaws
of the wild beasts in the arena were all brought to
bear on this faith but unable to destroy it. The
marvelous heroism of the "Apostle" and "Prisoner of
the Lord," facing the darkest world with no weapon
other than "The sword of the Spirit;" a Livingstone
in benighted Africa ; a Paton among the South Sea
Islanders; a Menno Simons among a fanati<:al and
unrighteous priesthood ; a William Penn in the midst
of savage Indians — have been constant sources of
inspiration to the unfaltering spirit of the ardent
10 MiENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
supporters of the message : *'0n earth peace, good
will toward men."
The opposition of Mennonites to war is not of a
sudden growth, but it is an abiding conviction in the
Church ibased on the teachings of our Savior and
traces back to some of the persecuted Christians out-
side of Romanism to the times of Christ and His
apostles. The principles of peace and opposition to
war have been deeply implanted into the very life-
blood of every true Mennonite through four cen-
turies, and to violate this now would rob them of a
sacred religious principle, giving them a guilty con-
science before God. Their unfriendly attitude toward
war is not founded upon disloyalty to government
but upon the conviction that the Gospel of Christ Is
a Gospel of peace and that ''They that take the sword
shall perish with the sword."
The Mennonites gratefully recognize the good
will of our government in the enactment of such laws
as offer continued protection and religious liberty —
laws which attracted our forefathers to this country
and has been the occasion of constant joy and thanks-
giving to Almighty God.
Years have come and gone, and whatever the
trials of faith may have been, today we stand on the
threshold of a new era. The untried future with all
its mysteries and opportunities lies before us. We
review our past experiences and try to understand
what this has meant to us individually and collective-
ly. Thinking of the experiences as recorded in this
book, we marvel at what has been done. We have
just begun to realize what can be accomplished by
careful, prayerful, united eflFort.
In connection with this spiritual awakening we
MENNONITES IX THE WORLD WAR 11
owe a debt of gratitude both to our church leaders
who have had the rule over us and to those who have
manifested in their lives that composure of soul and
that intimate connection with their Lord in the noble
defense of the faith. The influence from the lives of
our sincere young brethren has been woven by in-
visible hands into the very texture of our souls and
into the life of the Church. We have come to under-
stand and appreciate each other and to "know Him"
better by having witnessed His handiwork in these
noble lives.
Joy and sadness mingle as voices call and hands
beckon us to penetrate spiritual darkness in the na-
tions that lie prostrate before us. We must needs go.
We are His witnesses. Around the Prince of Peace
we must rally. In pursuit of it we must gather our
forces and set our hearts to the "regions beyond" and
proclaim the Gospel which "is the power of God to
every one that believeth."
I have read the manuscript for this book with
profound interest. Tears flowed freely at times, then
again my heart throbbed with praise and thankful-
ness to God. The simple, pathetic way truths and
experiences are told adds much to its effectiveness.
May God's choicest blessings accompany this mes-
sage and all who in bold defense of the faith shared
to bring a seemingly lost vision of the Prince of
Peace anew to a dying world.
Albert J. Steiner.
CHAPTER I
EARLY HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
B^innings.
Jesus Christ built His Church upon the Rock.
K«i>twithstanidin'g waves of persecution, infidelity, and
iEBdifference which have swept over it, it is still
tfeere, and we have the assurance that the gates of
bell shall not prevail against it. The Church grew
rajpidly from the beginning, with Jerusalem as a
ccictter around which the believers flocked until per-
scicution began to rage, when "They that were scat-
tered abroad went everywhere preaching the Word."
With all that the followers of Christ became very
fBKaaneroiis in some places and passed through ten
gimera] persecutions before the time of Constantine,
nether sacred nor profane history shows that
they avenged wrongs or tried to protect themselves
€»r their government with carnal weapons. On the
exwitrary they professed to be "strangers and pil-
gffims," and their lives corresponded with their pro-
fession. Matt. 5:21-26,38-48; Luke 6:27-29; John
18:36 and kindred Scripturres were the basis of one
<yi the tenerts of their creed.
Heresies.
A number of 'things led away from the simple
fejth. First, heath>en customs had crept into the
Charch already in Paul's time an<i continued. Sec-
14 MENXONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
ond, heresies became more numerous. Gnosticism,
Montanism, Sabellianism, and Manichaeanism are
among the most striking examples. Third, the idea
that it required an elevation to the priesthood to
rightly interpret the Scriptures led common people
away from the Bible instead of to it, and naturally
the people became less and less devoted to its teach-
ings. Fourth, the Roman Church became somewhat
idolized. Cyprian said, "One visible Church and one
only, can be right. In it and not beyond it, is the
abcKie of the Holy Spirit." This held nominal
membership in a visible church so high that it be-
came an end in itself rather than a means to an end.
These things tended to make the Church more
worldly, and at the same time caused the truly de-
\ out to lament the conditions and finally to with-
draw fellowship from Romanism. They could not
fellowship the corrupftions that naturally came into
the bod}-, and the once persecuted now became the
persecutors. Those who dared to stand against
those things were at once branded as heretics. This
was perfectly natural in the light of Cyprian's state-
ment.
Church and State.
But even a corrupt Christianity has same ad-
vantages over a pagan religion. The number of
adherents increased until the State courte<l alliance
with the Church. Just before going into battle with
?vlaxentius, also one of the rivals for the Rcrnian
throne, Constantine declared himself in favor of
Christianity, won a signal victory, and ma^e Chris-
tianity the religion of State. That wa? a sad day
for the Church.
EARLY HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 15
Persecutions, hard as they were to bear, were
a blessing in keeping- out those who were not true.
But since Christianity had been made the religion
of State, it had also become popular to "belong to
Church." Many became Christians in name for
pversonaJ gain. A form of piety was all that was
necessary for office whether in government or in
religkrus wor^. Church ordinances became a means
of salvation in the minds of people — baptism to
wash aw^y sin; the communion to eat the literal
fiesli of Qirist and to drink His literal blood as a
means of purification, and in itself a great virtue;
alms-grving a means of placing accounts on the cred-
it side of the ledger in hea\*en.
Developments of the Papacy.
Step by step conditions developed which led to
the reign of a few in spiritual matters. Then rivalry
did not cease until one was considered superior to
all others. He was called the father of the Church
on eairth, the papa or pope. Hereafter no one was
expected to find fault with him or his work. When
SymmadnLs was pope, a member of the s\Tiod was
appointed to try him for some charge brought a-
gainst him. Symmachus said, "God alone should
try the Bishop of Rome.*'
Persecutions from within
In all ages after that there were those who
wouM not boAv to the mandates of the Roman
Churcb but ratlier suffered terrible persecutions.
Faber, in speaking of the Paulicans (so called be-
cause they so often quoted from the Apostle Paul)
says, *"Il»e firmness of their religious adherence to
16 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
principle was marked by their frequerut and ready
submission to martyrdom. Hundreds of thent were
burned alive upon a huge funeral pile."
John Haynes Holmes, in his book, "New Wars
for Old," gives some illustrations of the position of
the early Christians He says, '*One said, 'It is not
lawful to bear arms.' Another, 'Because I am a
Christian I have abandoned my profession as a
soldier.' A third, 'I am a Christian and therefore I
can not fight.' A fourth, 'I can not fight if I die;
I am not a soldier of this world but a soldier of
God.' " Speaking of the time when the Church was
largely won by the Roman Empire, he says, "One
of the most surprising results of this conquest of
Christianity by the Empire is the practical annihila-
tion of the doctrine of nonresistance, which had
played suc'h a conspicuous and heroic part in the
early history of the Qiurch."
The same author, speaking of the Catharists or
Cathari, says, "It is a matter of record that when
the persecutors of Rome fell upon them with fire
and sword and rock — pillaged their homes, tortured
their old and young, and slaughtered men, women,
and children, all alike without compunction — they
died for the faith that was within them."
Peter Waldo, the Waldenses and Kindred Sects
Peter Waldo was a rich merchant in the city
of Lyons, France, who lived in the tvsnelftii century,
became converted and devoted his entire fortune to
translating the Scriptuires and placing them within
the reach of the common people. He went forth to
preach the Word with the power of the Holy Ghost.
Chamber's Encyclopaedia contains the following re-
EARLY HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 17
garding Waldo : "He was less the founder of a sect
than a representative and leader of a wide-spread
struggle against the corruptions of the clergy." In
speaking of the "struggle" it must not be understood
that this was with carnal weapons, for this would
be contrary to the claims made in his preaching. He
held that the nonresistant principles of the New Tes-
tament had their roots back in the decalogue. His
followers were hunted like wild beasts of the forest
and hundreds of them sealed their faith with their
life blood, but they would in no wise use physical
force in self-defense. Chamber, in speaking of the
Waldenses, says, "They are shown to be identical
with the followers of Waldo, but they must not be
confounded with the Albigenses who were persecut-
ed at the same period. The protesrt of the Waldens-
es against the Church df Rome only related to prac-
tical qnestgons, that of the Albigenses related to
matters of doctrine." Both these bodies were non-
resistant.
Alphonsus, King of Airagon who made a decree
against what he called heretical sects — a decree of
death — further says, "If from this day on any one
shall receive said Waldenses or other heretics
•of whatsoever confession, into their house, or hear
their pernicious preaching in any place or give them
food, or dare show them any other favor, be it
known to the same that he has incurred the disfavor
of God and of tis, that he is ptinishable for the
crime of "leze-majesty," and that his goods shall be
confiscated without appeal." Regardless of this the
doctrine spread and believers and teachers found
reftrge and food. This was very trying to the au-
thorities mho in some cases offered piardon to the
IJ MEXNONITES JN TilE WORLD WAR
heretics if they would only tell who gave them shel-
ter, but the language of one seemed to be the
thought of all. A woman was on trial for her life^
Her persecutors said : *'\\'e want to know w^hom
you have taught." She simply said, *'Let me in
])eace with this, but initerrogate me concerning my
faith of whith I will gladly tell you." In some bur-
roughs half of the people were either murd-ered or
imprisoned for their faith, but their only defense
was the Gospel of Jesus Christ which they gave
with earnestness to those who persecuted them.
Reformers and Nonresistance
Martin Luther's position on nonresistance was
a very peculiar one. He held that the Bible taught
nonresistance, and in ordinary life should be prac-
ticed; but tha.t citizens of a country are obliged to-
hght at times. In other words, nonresistance is our
duty as Christians, but as citizens we can not live
up to the teachings of the Bible.
Ulrich Zwingli, the Swiss reformer, in his "Ad-
monitions to Those at Schwyz," says, "But if we
locyk at it from a Christian viewpoint, it is by no
means right for us to go to war. According to
Christ's teachings we should pray for those who
speak evil of us, and when we have been smitten on
one cheek, turn the other also; for thus we shall
be sons of our heavenly Father" (Vol. II, Page 294)
At the same time he held that Church and State
should be one, but he found this impossible if he
was going to carry out his own writings, and hence
from this standpoint admitted that war was neces-
sary at times. He wras required to take part in a
battle between the Catholic cantons of Lucerne and
EARLY HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 19
the canton of Zurich. The latter army was defeated
and Zwingli was among the slain.
Both Calvin and Erasmus, both men of learning
and prominent in the reformation in France and
Holland as well as beyond the borders of their own
country, taught nonresistan-ce. The former said,
"Trust in the power of man is to be unconditionally
renounced; if there is need, God will work a miracle
to save His Church." But then, as now, nonre-
sistance was not a popular doctrine, and Calvin
finally yielded the point, but Erasmus continued a
firm advocate of that doctrine to the end of his life.
His "Plea for Reason, Religion, and Humanity A-
gainst War," was scholarly, clear, and convincing.
Menno Simons
What Luther was to Germany, or Calvin to
Switzerland, Menno Simons was to the Netherlands
— and more. Menno's heart was stirred because of
the many believers who were as "sheep having no
shepherd," their leaders having been imprisoned
or killed. For these he sufifered agonies of body and
mind. One quotation from his writings shows much
regarding the disposition of the man. "This is my
only joy and the desire of my heart, that I may ex-
tend the borders of the kingdom of God, make
known the truth, reprove sin, teach righteousness,
feed the hungry souls with the Word of the Lord,
lead the stray sheep into the right path, and win
many sotrls for the Lord through His Spirit, powe^
and grace."
Menno and Nonresistance
On the question of nonresistance, Menno said,
"O beloved reader, our weapons are not swords and
20 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
spears, but tpatience, silence and hope, and the Word
of God. With these we musit maintain our cause
and defend it. Paul said, 'The weapons of our war-
fare are not carnal; but mighty througfi God.'
With these we intend and desire to resist the king-
dom of the devil ; and not with swords, spears, can-
non, and coats of mail Behold, reader, such re-
bellion we seek to cause, but never a rebellion of
calamity. .. .True Christians know no vengeance,
no matter how they are maltreated."
His Work and Death
Menno was a great organizer. With him it was
not a question of name l>ut of faith and belief. In
his interviews he found Waldenses, Anabaptists,
Hussites, etc., who agreed with him on the teach-
ings of the Scriptures and he received them into the
body as members of the Church. In this his work
readied far beyond the borders of his own country.
He was hunrted like a wild beast. Criminals were
promised pa-rdon for any crime whatsoever, if they
arrested or even killed him. His sacrificing dis-po-
sition was not appreciated regardless of his desire
to help man'kind and glorify God. Thirty years of
active service, under the greatest persecution, with
a reward offered for his head, under privations and
exposure, ali for Christ's sake, was too much for
his mortal body, and in his sixty-sixth year he
passed to his reward.
Menno's Followers
These (principles iraplanted into the lives of his
followers made them as despised as he himself was.
In times of war they would have no part in the
conflict. During* the religious wars of Europe both
EARLY HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 21
Protesttants and Catholics suspecte-d them of treach-
ery. Both persecuted them because of this, but that
did not prevent them from following the beautiful
example of their Master in forgiving, and praying
for their persecutors. They fled to other countries
for refuge (Matt. 10:23) only to be driven from
there later.
From Germany to Russia
At the invitation to Catharine II, Czarina of
Riissia, a great many Mennonites moved from Ger-
many to her country with the promise of freedom
of worship, freedom from military service, freedom
of education, and exemption from certain taxes cm
conditions that they settle in a part of the country
which required a great deal of work to bring under
cultivation This began in 1788 and continued at
intervals, so that (accorrding to J. J. Wiens, an evan-
gelist from that country) there were at the begin-
ning o^ the late war, eig^ht settlements in Russia
and three in Siberia, several of them quite large.
Considei*ing the fact that there was a large exodns
of Mennonites from Russia to America, Germany
must have lost thousands of these people to Russia.
From Europe to America
For various reasons there were periods of un-
rest in Germany. During one of these, thirteen
Mennonite families left there and settled in what is
now Germantown, Pa., in 1683. During the next
thirteen years quite a number more came. William
Penn offered the Mennonites of Europe freedom of
worship and exemption from military service if they
would move to Pennsylvania. The news spread
rapidly and between 1710 and 1735 possibly five
21 MBNNONIHES IN THE WORLD WAR
hundred families left Europe, most of them from
(Germany and Switzerland, and settled in Lancaster
county, Pennsylvania. Still later the Napoleonic idea
•of conscription aroused the nonresiatant people
ag-ain, and wthile there was no immediate danger,
many people felt that this was their time to leave
and turned their minds toward America. Between
1800 and 1850 a larg^e number left Europe and set-
tled in different parts of the United States.
Militarism and Emigration
Military i>ressure was not directly responsible
for all the emig-ration, but in many cases the cause
can easily be traced to it indirectly. Thes-e emi-
grants were among the best tillers of the soil, and
were a class of people which the country could ill
afford to lose. Helping the needy, honest work, fair
dealing-, and living quietly were all traits of the Men-
-iionites — 'traits which make for good citizenship
notwithstanding the fact that they would not fight.
Hie efforts to strengthen the military laws of Eu-
rope took many of these people away and thus only
weakened the country. ''Except the Lord build the
house, they labor in vain that build it."
CHAPTER II
MENNONITES AND OTHER WARS
Growth of Militarism in Europe
The barbarous practices of war had been in
vogue in Europe as far back as one can trace, re-
;gardless of the advancement made along the lines
of education and science. As a country excelled in
one thing, its rival must excel in some other as a
means of protection. Fear an<i jealousy were gen-
eral. More and more military laws were being
passed and it was becoming almost impossible for
nonresistants to get exemption. Practically all the
countries had some form of military training. In
course of time Germany surpassed all the others in
this. The Mennonites of that country accepted the
oiniforni and drill under protest, but in course of
time protests grew less and these things were not
considered so objectionable from the standpoint of
nonresistance. The glitter of the uniform, the glare
of the gun, an<i the thrill of the music helped to qui-
et the conscience, so that as the }-ears rolled by
many young men were glad when they were old
<!nough to begin the course of training.
Effect of Military Training
Having on*ce taken the training there was little
use to plead conscientious objections, and as a rule
the Mennonites accepted some form of quartermas-
24 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
ter service or Red Cross work. Wiith the attractions
held up before theni in song and sermon, the glory
of the empire and the duty of loyalty were made to
stand out very prominently. With these conditions,
and the idea of divine right of kings, it is easy to
see how the doctrine of nonresistance became a sec-
ondary matter, esipecially when accompanied with
the idea that if war was not right the responsibility
rested with the offtcials who were resfHDnsible for
the war and compelled the individual to serve.
However, in some parts of the German empire the
C. O.'s received more consideration.
Russia Rescinding her Promise
The privileges accorded to the Mennonites who
went from Germany to Russia caused many of the
Russians to become jealous. Complaints were
brought to the government regarding such discrim-
ination, and in time it withdrew these privileg:eSy
one of which, as will be remembered, was exemp-
tion from military service. At once the Mennonites
began to look for new homes. They sent commit-
tees to different parts of the world to find favorable
countries and conditions. This resulted in a large
number going to America. The Czar regretted los-
ing so many of his most prosperous subjects, and
on hearing that many more were going to leave, he
sent one of his best diplomats among them with a
].'romisc of certain exemiptions. After some nego-
tiations the following was granted : "The Menno-
nites who shall be called out for military service
shall be assigned to duty only at other places than
at the front, as in hospitals, in military works and
.similar establishments, and s-hall be exempt froi»
MENNONITES AND OTHER WARS 25
bearing arms. This provision shall not include sucli
Mennonites as shall unite with the Church after the
new military law sihall have come into force, or such
2S shall come into the Russian Empire from any
foreign country."
'Many of the Mennonites accepted this and re-
mained in the country, and in case of war they
were allowed to take forestry instead of service at
the front. They planted trees and cut out under-
brush and dead timber. They were under the di-
rections of a man who had military training but
who at that time was a civilian. This did not prove
very satisfactory. It gave no protection to those
who became members of the Church after the law
went into effect. Parents saw that their son's were
destined to accept combatant service or suffer per-
secution at the ihands of government. Also, that if
they remained their posterity would soon k)se the
principle of nonresistance entirely. This brought
on the -second wave of emigration to America.
European Trend and Nonresistance
With such strong counter-currents against them,
not only in Russia but in Holland, Germany, Switz-
erland and France, the Mennonites of Europe either
emigrated or largely lost their nonresistance. Tak-
ing any kind of service a few decades ago meant
noncombatant service for tiheir children and com-
batant service for their grandchildren. It meant
compromise on a Grospel principle, and while that
may be a seeming advantage for the time being, it
invaria'bly means disadvantage in time to come.
True nonresistance is not a matter of taste, ease, or
26 MENNONITES IX THE WORLD WAR
trial, but of obedience to the teachings of Christ and
His apostles on this subject.
Nonresistance Affects Actions
Nonresistance is inseparably connected with fair
dealing because the party knows that he can not de-
fend himself, and he must be careful so that there
will be no occasion to resist. That was William
Penn's way of dealing Avith the Indiana, and the
very small amount of blood that was shed in the
early settlements of Pennsylvania compared wnth
marauding and murders committed in other colo-
nies tells its own story. Incidents could be given
where the nonresistant attitude of a lew faithful
people saved whole settlements from these ravages.
Ancient and Modern Councils of Defense
The following show^s that in Revolutionary
times these same classes of people were required to
suffer for their faith, — and compared with condi-
tions in some localities during the great World War
it is an evidence that the improvement has been
comparatively small regardless of our boasted
growth in civilization :
"AT A MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF IN-
SPECTION AND OBSERVATION OF THE
COUNTY OF LANCASTER,
at Lancasfter, Penna.. on the 2()th day of May, 1775. Edwin
Shippen, Esq., Chairman.
"The Comniittee hav-inp; received information that di-
vers persons, who-se relig^ious tenets forbid their forming
IhemseJves into Mili/tary Associations, have been mal-
treated and threatened by some violent and ill-disposed
peo])le an the County of Lancaster, notwithstanding their
williiitgniess to contrilxite cheerfully to the commoti cause
otherwise than by taking up arms.
"The Commit/tee, duly considering the sajfne. do most
heartily recoaiwnend to the good inhabitants of the County,
MENNONITES AND OTHER WARS 27
"that lli€y use every possible means to discourag^e and pre-
vent sudi licentious proceedings and assiduously cultivate
that harmony and union so absolutely necessary in the
presonjt crisis in public afifairs. At the same time they
consider it to be their indispensabile duty to intimate to
the public their entire disapprobation of any abusive, op-
p-robrious or insulting expressions that may be made use
of 'by any person whatsoever against such of the respecta-
"blf inlhabitatuts who may think proper to associate for
the defense and support of their inestimable rights and
privileges.
"The Committee wiill find means to bring such im-
pudent persons to a proper sense of their misconduct.
Yet they ardently wish and hope that no further \nolence,
threaits or animosities may appear, but that every member
•of the Community will readily use his utmost endeavors
tvf -promote peace, good order and unanimity among the
inha'biitants of this respectable county."
LANCASTER. Printed by Francis Bailey, King
Street, 1775.
The above is a verbatim copy of the Eng-lish
part of a handbill which is now on exhibition in
East Wing- of Independence Hall, Philadelphia. The
German translation is printed on the same handbill.
Some of the Councils of Defense serving during'
tlie late war and winking at mobs and mob vio-
lence might have learned a lesson from their great-
grandfatihers that would have been worthy of their
stiuly.
Memionites and Tories
At the time of the Revolution there was a
class of people living in the various colonies which
sympathized with the British, called ''Tories." They
naturally opposed the war. Others, among them
Amish and Mennonites, were also opposed to it.
"but were not at all in sympathy with the actions of
the Tories. Many of the colonists could not under-
stand 'how any one could be opposed to what they
'Were doing* and not be in sympathy with the enemy.
28 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
The Tories kit sure that these nonresistants were
helping the colonists, and that their opposition to
the war was simply a means of hiding their true
position. This meant persecution from both sides,
as is shown in the report of the Committee of In-
spection and Observation, just given.
Some Trials
The following from Hartzler and Kauffman's
"Mennonite Church History" shows some of the
trials which came upon this people:
"Durin'g the war many of the able-bodied Amish
brethren of Berks counfty (Pa,), were drafted into service.
Refusing to serve, tliey were imprisoned at Reading. So
many were thtx>wn into -prison that the women were com-
pel'kd to work in the fields to support their families. Ac-
cording to tradition those who were imprisoned for re-
fusintg to do military service were sentenced to be shot,
and the day was set for their execution, A meeting was
held in the Reading prison to administer the Lord's sttppcr
to the condemned brethren. But the execution was never
carried into effect. Throug-h the Heading of a kind Prov-
idence, friends interfered (particularly Henry Hertzel, Pas-
tor of the Reformed Church) who appeaJed to the author-
ities in behalf of those who had fled from Europe to escape
military service and who could not be expected to do
what their conscience forbade them to do in their former
country. The appeal was heard and the peace-loving pris-
oners were set free."
Exemptions: Letter of Thanks
As early as 1775 the Pennsylvania Assembly
passed a law exempting the Mennonites and Qua-
kers from military service under certain circum-
stances. The Mennonites wrote a letter of thanks
to the Assembly and had a number of the bishops
to sici^n it. The following are extracts from it:
"To the Honorable Asscm'bly In the first place
we acknowledge us indt^btcd to the most Ivig'h God, who
■created heaven and earth, the only 'good Being for all His
MENNONITES AND OTHER WARS 29
great goodness and manifold mercies and love through
our Savior Jesus Chriist
* * * *
"Further, we find ourselves indebted to be thanlcful to
omr late worthy Assembly for theiir 'giving so g-ood an ad-
vice in these troublesome times to all ranks of people in
Pennsylvania, parli-cuilarly in allowing those who, by the
doctrine 'of our Savior Jesus Chrisit are persuaded in their
ccMi'Science to love their enemies and not to resist evil to
enjoy the liberty of their 'conscience The advice to
those v^'ho do not find freedom of conscience to take up
arms, that they ought to be helpful ito 'those who are in
need and distressed circumstances, -we receive with cheer-
fulness towards all men of what station they may be — it
beirug our princi'ple to feed the hungry and give the thirsty
■drink; — we have dedicated ourselves to serve alil men in
everything that can be helpful to the preservation of men's
lives, but we find no freedom in giving or di&iug, or as-
sisting in any thing by which men's Lives are destroyed
or hurt. — We beg the patience of all those who believe we
err in this point."
Records are still extant, 'giving the names with
their respective amounts paid in money fines to be
freed from military service on the above basis.
The war spirit ran ihigh. Mob violence was
not uncommon even in communities where the prac-
tices of the Church should have been well known.
Government protests did little good as the parties
who carried them on did them in the name of loy-
alty, not realizing that they were encouraging an-
archy instead of good citizensihip.
Fines, War taxes, Oath of Allegiance
There were some Mennonites who objected to
paying fines, war taxes, and practically all of them
objected to taking the new oath of allegiance. They
objected to the last one, not because they were dis-
loyal but because they objected to the oath under
any ctrcumstances. Finally an agreement was
reached between them and government which was
CO MENNONITES IX THE WORLD WAR
fairly satisfactory to both, but many people couiil
not (or at least would not) understand why any
concession should be made because of What to them
seemed like a mere whim.
Finances and Mennonites
While government was in need of good meats
for the army, many of these prosperous farmers iiad
fat cattle and were offered very high prices for them
but were not willing to accept continental money
because it had depreciated so much and no one
knew how soon it might be absolutely worthless.
Xot any one of these things was responsible for
the feelings against the Mennonites, but all of them
together. Mobs took away horses and cattle with
seemingly no intent of ever returning them, and in
many cases never did. Another condition whiclv
meant loss and sufifering was, that some of the bat-
tles were fought in Mennonite communities. Smith's
"The Mennonites of America" says, "The little
stone church at Germantown which had been built
just a few years before occupied the very center tA
the battle-field in the battle of Germantown. The
winter quarters at Valley Forge, made famous be-
cause of the intense hardships endured by tihe Amer-
ican troops, was in a Mennonite community. Some
Mennonites were compelled to do hauling" for the
army during that time. The adage that 'trials nev-
er come .single handed' seemed to be verified a-
mong the Mennonites in Southeastern Pennsylvania,
but as is always the case, those who bore them in
the right way and with the right s'pirit were made
the better for them. They drove the victims closer
to Him who bears our griefs and carries our sor-
MENNONITES AXD OTHER WARS 31
rows, and who promised, "I will never leave thee
nor forsake thee.' "
Emigration to Canada
A large majority of the Mennonites and Amish
in the colonies were in sympathy with the ends
sought by this country in the war, but not with the
means used to attain them. However, there were
those who questioned ; First, the right to take away
British territory even if England did the wrong
thing in oppressing the colonists ; and, Second,
the advantages of any other form Off government
over that of a kingdom. ^lany of those who held
lo the latter idea and had prospered under King
George decided that they would not forsake him
at that time, even if they could not iig^ht for him :
hence they moved to Canada, where they might
btill live under his reign.
Lesser Wars of America
The war of 1812, sometimes called the Second
War for Independence, the war of 1848, known as
the ^lexican War, and the war of 1898, known as
the Spanis-h-American \\*ar, were all fought by vol-
imteers so that there were no serious trials for
those who could not take part in them.
The Civil War
For many years the slavery question in some
form was discussed in every congress, and many
people beli-eved that the matter would some time
lead to war. That time came AVhen Abraham Lin-
coln was elected president of the United States, in
the fall of 1860. He took the oath of office on the
fourth of March, following, but before that time
2>2 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
seven of the southern states had called conventions
and seceded from the union. Others followed after
that date. April 12, 1861, Fort Sumpter v^as taken
and the w^ar begun.
Pre-War Military Lav^^s
Before the Civil War, in some of the southern
states, especially in Virginia, the military lav^^s reg-
istered all able-bodied young [men as belonging to
the militia and required them to drill at certain
times of the year or pay a fine for each absence.
This seemed very easy and the Mennonites paid
their fines without complaint; but when the Con-
federate government called for all the militia to
come to the front and take up arms, it included
Mennonites as well as others. A few went, but a
far greater number went into hiding in tlhe moun-
tains and forests, and some remained at home and
decided to simply await the results. Some of those
who remained on the farm were taken into the
ranks under protest, and it wa» understood between
theti that none of them would do anryr fighting. Al-
though they were soon in battle, they remained true
to their pledge. The officers in command threat-
ened them with court-martial and death, but the
threat was never carried out.
Christian Good
Among those who ipassed through some of these
trials was Christian Good, later a faithful minister
of the Gospel and bishop in the Mennonite Church,
but now gone to his reward. He had promised his
widowed mother that he would never fire a gun
at any one. In the first battle he was discovered
and reported to the higher officer and charged with
MENNONITES AND OTHER WARS 33
disobedience to orders. He was sent back with a
court-martial and death threat hanging over him
if the act was repeated. Battles followed in rapid
succession but he would not shoot. Other-s seeing
his courage also withheld fire. He was again
brought before the officers with the charge of not
firing his gun when commanded to do so. He told
the officers that his gun would never be fired at his
fellowmen, even if his position cost him his own life ;
that his widowed mother expected him to be true
to his promise. He was later exempted on tihe pay-
ment of five hundred dollars. Quite a number of
others had similar experiences. The Church paid
these exemptions, but Brother Good worked two
years on the farm to pay his part back.
The Second Call for Men
In the spring of 1862 the call came for every
able-bodied man betwen the ages of eighteen and
forty-five to take up arms. Again a number went
into hiding. Some seventy of them, Mennonites and
Dunkards, made an effort to escape to the northern
states, but were captured and finally landed in the
dreaded I^bby Prison. Two of them escaped and
reported the matter to the home Churdh. That was
a time of prayer and supplication. Through some
of the ©flficers of the Confederate government who
knew something about the Mennonites and their re-
ligious principles, a law was passed which gave
them exemption. L. J. Heatwole sa>"s, "This bill
provided that all people professing the peace doc-
trine as 3. part of their religion residing within
the Confederate States wotild be exempt from mili-
tary duty oo conditions that each male member of
34 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
^uch religiotis body who was subject to bear arms,
should pay into the treasury the sum of five hundred
dollars." This was paid, **and all the brethren lib-
erated from their confinement." In 1864 the word
came that the Confederate government had repealed
her exemption iaws, and that all able-bodied men
between the ages of seventeen an-d sixty should at
once report for service. Many went into hiding
again and some made their way to the northern
states.
The Shenandoah Valley; Sheridan's Raid
In none of the other Southern States did so
many Mennonites live as in Virginia, and by far
the greater number of them lived in the Shenandoah
V^alle}^ The soil is fertile and many of the farmers
were quite prosperous. Both armies looked toward
this vaHey for part of their supplies and in order
that tJhe South could not get any more from here
the Federals decided to destroy all the food in
sight in the valley. Another quotation from Bro.
Heatwole exjpress it very graphically : "Then to
cap the" climax, there came the never-to-be-forgotten
Sheridan's Raid.... From the evening of October
^'th, to the morning of the 8th nearly all t)he barns
and mills. .. .were set on fire in that part of Rock-
ingham county w^herc the Mennonites were located."
Lincoln*s Call for Men
The next day after the fall of Fort Sumpter,
President Lincoln called for seventy-five thousand
men to serve three months. Many of the people in
the North expected that the war would be over in
a month or two. Instead of that it lasted four
years. So long as he simply called for volunteers
MENNONITES AND OTHER WARS 35
the nonresistant people kept quiet and there was
no trouble; but drafts were frequently made, calling
for a certain number of men from each state. These
were apiportioned out to counties and townships.
For a certain amount of money a wtiole township
could be bought off. This was frequently done, and
in this the Mennonites did their full share. Substi-
tutes could often be gotten. Some men paid a
thousand dollars to have some one else to take their
place. People who had conscientious scruples a-
gainst war and could satisfy the recruiting officer
that they were members in good standing in a non-
resistant organization and lived as well as believed
the doctrine could be exempt by the payment of a
fine of from two to six hundred dollars each, but
that only freed tihem until the next draft when
they were liable to be drafted again.
Testing the Draftee
One /illustration will show some of the methods
used by the examining boards in testing the sin-
cerity of those who claimed a right to exemption :
A young' man came to such an office with a view
of proving his rights to such exemption. When he
came up to tlie desfk and stated what he wanted he
was told t^at the officer who had that part to look
after was out, but that he would be back soon, and
pointing to a desk his informant said, "When you
see a man come in and sit down at that desk yon-
der, then >go and tell him what you want." The
young man sat down on a long seat provided for
those who were compelled to wait. Soon another
man came in and went wp to a desk, but was told
that he too should be seated. He sat down near
36 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
the young man and the following conversation took
place :
Young man. — "Well, are you here about the
draft too?"
Farmer. — *'Yes, and I can hardly go on account
of conditions at home, but I suppose wlien they
get a person's name on the list there is no such
thing as getting excused. He simply must go."
Y. M. — "I'm expecting to get off."
F. — "You are? Please tell me how you are
going to do it. Possibly I can get ofif the same
way."
Y. M. — "I am conscientious."
F. — "What do yoti mean by that? Who ever
heard of suclh a thing?"
Y. M. — "Well, I believe it is wrong to fight.
All war is wrong."
F. — "Well, how peculiar. Then, too, I have
crops out and no one to take care of them."
Y. M. — "Can't you get ofif on that?"
F., — 'No, I tried, but it seems to do no good.
Then what makes it harder for me to go, I have
a neighbor who is very angry with me about a line
fence, and I wanted to reason with him about it,
but he began to curse me an-d call me all kimls of
names. I was sorry and angry at the same time.
What would you do if a man would talk that way
to }ou? He is just as mean as he can be."
Y. M. — '(Much interested, and forgetting him-
self) "Ha, I'd slap him too quick."
The farmer (?) lifted his coat and said, "Young
man, you see that star? Your conscientiousness is
not very deep. Come with me ; you can fight, all
rit^ht. The young man had to go.
MENNONITES AND OTHER WARS 37
Then, as in the late war, there were "slackers"
who ' tried to hide under the cloak of religion, but
many, like this man, were caught at it and made
to do military service. The imposters usually do
not gain what they hope to, but they surely make
the road harder for the genuine.
The Poor Draftee's Fine
After the young men had met the examining
board and proven to them that they were sincere
there was still another problem for them to face.
Many of them were poor and could not pay the
fine. But the Church stood together, and in all such
cases furnished the necessary amount for their
brethren. They sought to follow the teachings of
Holy Writ, "Whether one member suffer, all the
members suffer with it."
Contrasted Effects of Exemption
These trials broug'ht the Church very close to-
gether. Old and young were knit together as one
man. The young appreciated the help of the older
and the older appreciated the attitude of the young.
Trials from without can not greatly harm if there
is the right spirit within. In some communities
there was much ill feeling because of these exemp-
tions. There were those who did not want to go
to war, and who even believed that war was wrong,
but they were not members of any Church which
held nonresistance as a tenet of therr creed. They
felt that it was unjust to grant such privileges to
some and not to others. Mobs were not an un-
common thing, and in a few localities there was
some bJood shed. Nonresistance costs; sometimes
the price is exorbitant, but, "There is no man that
38 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
hath left houses .... for my sa'ke and the Gospel's
but shall receive an hundred fold now in tiiis time,
houses. .. .with persecutions; and in the world to
come eternal life."
CHAPTER III
THE WORLD WAR
The Seeming Cause
"Behokl how great a matter a little fire kin-
dleth." A dozen policemen meet a mob and a battle
follows. Two of the policemen are kilkd. Several
arrests are made, the newspapers give a thrilling
account of the affair, the criminals are tried and ex-
ecuted, another account is given in the newstpaipers
and the matter is soon forgotten. No one thinks
of startiag a war on account of the riot. But not
so, when on June 28, 1914, Archduke Francis Fer-
dinand, heir apparent to the Austro-Hungarllan
throne, and hts wife were murdered while driving
througih tiie streets of Sarayevo, the capital of Bos-
nia. The deed was committed by a Serbian youth
who rushed up to the automobile in which the royal
pair were riding and fired the two shots, both of
which proved fatal.
Underl3nng Causes
Sudi deeds are always to be deplored. They
are never justifiable, but the slaying of one man
and one woman could not for one moment be con-
sidered sufficient cause for a declaration of war, had
there not been other and more deeply rooted causes.
Yet the war had been in progress for some time
before its real causes were fully understood.
40 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
War was fast becoming unpopular — -too much
so to suit the war-lords of Europe. Jealousy was
encouraged. "National honor" was disgraced and
must be avenged, and just one month later (July
28, 1914) Austro-Hungary declared war on Serbia.
Alliances had been formed between nations so that
rivals were on opposite sides. Some countries re-
mained neutral for a time but were finally drawn
into the conflict.
Jealousy was not alone responsible. Greed also
had a large part in bringing on the conflict. Ger-
many had a decided lead in the manufacture of cer-
tain articles which were used the world over, and
lier favorite mark was, ''Made in Germany." Eng-
land also had the lead in some articles. The same
might be said of some other countries. Nations
were jealous of eadh other's commercial aggrandize-
ment as well as of their man power. Secret recipes,
geographical advantages, and a number of other
things tended to fan into a flame the smoking em-
bers. Germany saw an opportunity to humiHate
Russia during the Russo-Japanese war, and Russia
never forgot that. A little fanning on the part of
the war-lords soon had all Europe ablaze. Thus one
nation after another became involved until twenty-
three nations of the world had either declared war
or announced that a state of war existed between
them and some other country.
(Germany had a superior army, England must
have a superior navy. France had 'her possessions
in Africa, Russia must get a part of China, especially
Manchuria, and thus it goes on almost indefinitely.
The real cause for the war was in these things,
much more than in the murder of a man and his
THE WORLD WAR 41
wife by a young anarchist. In addition it should
be remembered that constant military training and
study in the intrigues and strategies of war create
a desire to try the practicability of such knowledge.
The thought of superiority creates a desire to show
it to others. The study of the methods of warfare
are no exception to this rule.
The United States Drawn in
For a time the United States was not involved,
but she was too influential to be left in quietude.
Complaints came from both sides of the conflict
asking President Wilson to use his "good offices"
to get the other side to cease its injustice. There
was a cry for humane (?) warfare, but almost with
the same breath came Germany's "Schrecklichkeit,''
which implied that she expected to terrify the ene-
my. She committed insults at sea against other na-
tions without considering whether they were neu-
tral or foe. Many people became jealous of Amer-
ica's national honor, and frequently in the halls of
congress, in the pulpits, and in common conversa-
tion came cries for war and revenge. On the other
hand, there were a great many people who were
seriously opposed to this country allowing itself to
be drawn into the struggle. In 1916, the Presi-
dential election came on, and one of the favorite
expressions of the campaign was, "Vote for Wilson ;
he kept us out of war." ^Nlany ascribe his re-elec-
tion to that claim.
War Declared — Preparation
This gCA^ernment, and especially the President,
was blamed by both parties for secretly favoring
the pther side. This was not only an unpleasant
42 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
situation, but in time was bound to bring on com-
plications. It will always remain a question as to
what part politics and covetousness had in the mat-
ter of drawing America into the war. On April 6,
1917, the President declared that a state of war ex-
isted between the United States and Germany.
From that moment this gK)vernment took active
measures to supply botih men and money. The
war department and the general public felt that the
Mennonites and other nonresistant bodies were un-
der obligations to furnish their full share of both
while such bodies felt that a nonresistant church
could not consistently furnisih either.
Position of the Church
Here was a new problem. The Churcli had
been vitally and prayerfully concerned for the breth-
ren in Canada, whose country had already been in
the war more than two and a half years. She could
not forfeit her position, nor did she waver. But to
make immediate, wise, and practical applications of
the principles of nonresistance to the ruling's of
congress and the war department which came in
such rapiid succession required a careful study of
the subject. She sougiht to go just as far as she
couild in complying with the demands of govern-
ment without violating a Gospel principle. With
the best of care she realized that there were trials
ahead.
Nonresistants* Position — True and False
Numerous efforts were made by newspapers and
public speakers to define the position of the nonre-
sistants, but in most cases l^hey utterly failed be-
cause they wanted to place it on the basis of, "Pass-
THE WORLD WAR 43
ive resistance," "Noncoercion," ''Cowardice," "Pro-
Germanism," etc. The Church would have spurned
eiithcr of these. Since her organization she has
based her position entirely upon the Word of God,
znsi not on any psychological proposition. "Thus
saith the Lord," was her basis. She takes it that
CKrrist meant what He said When He commanded
MS as His followers to love our enemies, to bless
them which curse us, to do good to them that hate
rr.s. and to pray for them that despitefully use us
and persecute us (Matt. 5 :44) ; that "All they that
tzke th'e sword shall perish with (not by) the
sword" (Matt. 26:52); that in John 18:36 He laid
down a rule which all Christian people should obey;
that Paul's teaching regarding revenge (Rom. 12:
17-21), going to law (I Cor. 6:1-8), and "The weap-
ons of our warfare" (H Cor. 10:4) were for all
peopie and for all time ; and that no argument,
however plausible, could ever form a substitute for
the plain teaching of God's Word.
Most Mennonites hold that it is inconsistent
for Christians to support war measures ; that there
i- really no suoh thing as "noncombatant" service
in aid of war; but that the man who made the gun
and the man who pulled the trigger, or the man
viTho drove the team and the man who loaded the
cannon, all of them having in mind the overcoming
of the enemy by means of violence, share in the re-
sponsibility before God.
Position Towards Government
This position does not imply rebellion to gov-
eirament. On the contrary, the Church believes that
wr should obey magistrates, pray for our rulers and
44 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
never speak evil of them, to **give honor to whom
honor is due." Her teaching on nonresistance has
always emphasized the duty of submission to the
governments v\^hich provide us shelter, holding the
single reservation that we should always remember
that God's law is first and should be obeyed first,
and that whenever these two laws oppose each
other, "We ought to obey God rather than men."
The Load of Militarism
Conquering nations and conquerors do not long
survive the era of their conquest. Babylon, Persia,
Greece, Parthia, Rome, and Germany; Alexander,
Hannibal, Napoleon, and Wilhelm are monumenls
of this truth — a collateral proof of the doctrine of
nonresistance, and of the truth of the statement
that, *'A11 they that take the sword shall perish
with the sword."
Another Reason for Opposing War
But even those who will not accept the Bible
teaching on this point have ample reason for C-p-
posing war. Think of the war just past. It lasted
four years, three months and thirteen days; it cost
the combined nations the enormous sum of two hun-
dred billion dollars; it swept millions of people in-
to eternity; it has left millions more cripples for
life ; it has left some once powerful and wealthy-
countries all but bankrupt, and all of those involved,
decidedly poorer; and now calls for reconstruction
work requiring the expenditure of hundreds of mil-
lions of dollars and many years of time. Besides
this, thousands of people have died of starvation
brought on by the war, and will require the co-
operation of Christendom if thousands more do not
THE WORLD WAR 45
die from the same cause. War has been variously
defined by General Sherman and others, but lan-
guage fails one to define this war.
Orchard and Holmes on War
Last, but not least, notice some of the spiritual
effects. E. W. Orchard, in his book, **The Outlook
for Religion," presents the thought that less than
a decade before the war a general idea prevailed
^*that progress was inevitable to humanity ; an ir-
resistible and quite mechanical power was working
in the world which was forcing men upward, wheth-
er they would or not.... We were progressing, the
dark ages were over,.... a path of steady moral ad-
vance lay before us. And now? Well, one is not
sure. We are once more back to barbarity. The
war has developed a ferocity and inhumanity which
would have been thought impossible a few years
ago. We have had to consider the spectacle of
the most educated, advanced nation in the world
perpetrating the most frightful horrors, crashing
through an innocent country with awful brutalities.
and this justified by her statesmen on the plea of
Tnilitar>' necessity."
John Haynes Holmes, in his book, "New Wars
for Old," says : "See for example the experience of
Dr. Frederick Lynch, as narrated in his little book,
'Through Europe on the Eve of the War.' One day
he tells us, he saw merchants, clerks, farmers, peas-
ants, husbands, fathers, and brothers in France and
Germany, going quietly about their business. On
the next day had come the declaration of war, and
instantly these men were transformed into beasts."
The author then goes on to say what these same
46 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
people did after war had been declared, but it is
too horrifying to be recorded in a work like this*
He further states: "And all this before fighting had
begun, or a single drop of blood had been shed.-..
Talk about war purifying, ennobling, strengthening'
men! Talk about war instilling patience, sacrifice^
heroism in the human heart! War is the corrupter
of virtue, the despoiler of purity, the murderer of
courage, honor, and chivalry."
Smoking and Profanity
Thousands upon thousands of soldiers at the
end of the war are accustomed to using profane
language who were never known to utter an oalth
before. This is shown by a military man who in-
vestigated the cause. From a very lai^e number
of answers there were several causes sug^sted,
but nearly all of them admitted that profanity had
greatly increased in the camps. Possibly an equai
numiber have learned to smoke who were clean men
before the war broke out. The tobacco trust put
out the idea that the people in America should
soothe the boys in the trenches and show that they
were being remembered by sending them cigars^
cigarettes, tobacco, pipes, etc., and a great many
Christian peoj^jle fell into the trap, and helped the
trust to turn clean men into inveterate smokers^
Surely there will be a day of reckoning.
Immorality
'Iliis is another menace, shockingly apparent itt
many places. For illustration, let irs quote from a
liovcrnment document, ''A Message from the Gov-
irnmrnt to the Churches of the United States.*^
Among other things it says, '*The war made ft nee-
THE WORLD WAR 47
essar}' for the nation to face frankly and courage-
ously the menace of venereal disease. .. .Drastic
measures must be taken to prevent during this per-
iod (demobilization) those conditions in civil life
which made these diseases the GREATEST CAUSE
FOR DEBILITY IN THE ARMY." Two things
are certain ; First, it must be true, or the govern-
ment would not have put out the statement; Second,
it must have been alarmingly general, or the gov-
ernment would not have gone to the expense and
labor of sending out pamphlets asking ministers to
preach sermons on the care of soldiers after their
return.
"Trench Salvation"
The profanity and immorality already noticed
are an evidence of the wide-spread disregard for God
and His Word. The "trench salvation" often
preached from pulpit and press and camp encour-
aged this trend. According to this unscriptural doc-
trine the giving up of one's life in the cause of hu-
manity is an act so noble that God will extend to
such an one His salvation independent of the kind
of life that such an individual may have lived — this
by men who were professedly set for the defence of
the Gospel, and in the face of such plain declara-
tions as, "No man cometh unto the Father except
by me," "There is none other name under heaven
given among men, whereby we must be saved," and
"Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."
Thus was the doctrine of salvation only by grace
through faith, as well as the life of individuals,
corrupted through the exigencies of war.
At its best, war is cruel and inhuman, and is
48 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
constantly becoming more so as the weapons are
becoming more deadly and the whole is done with
more iprecision. At one time it might jusitly have
been called war, but today with the modern equip-
ment, and the definite calculations it should no more
be called war, but scientific butchery.
CHAPTER IV
THE ISSUES INVOLVED
Nonresistance the Only Issue
National honor, safety for democracy, and a
few things of lesser moment were usually given as
the issues at stake in this war, and it should be
clearly understood that the nonresistant people were
not unmindful of these issues, buit there was another
issue which they were made to face, and which
vitally concerned them just at this time. Govern-
ment was making demands without regard to class
or religion. Nonresistant people wanted to comply
with these requirements just as far as they could,
but they were nonresistant. They held that the
Bible taught them this. They must obey God at all
hazards. This brought on an i-ssue between them
and Government.
It should also be clearly understood that the
only issue that was between the Mennonites and
Government as to the war had its root in the one
word, nonresistance. That was the issue in the
home community and in the camtp. The Church
aimed to maintain this time-honored, Gospel-founded
principle. It was deeply planted into the old and
young. Peopk who did not hold to that doctrine
could not understand this attitude, and be-lieved that
these nonreststarits were slackers, cowards, proX^er-
man, or to say the least, were not properly taught.
50 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
The slogan of many in the home community and in
the camp was, "Ureak his will/' little realizing that
when one was tortured so that he would yield to
what in his miind was opposed to a vital principle,
that the injury was permanent. Many a younia,-
rnan will be worth less to himself, to his country,
and to the Church, both mentally and physically
because he was compelled to pass through such dire
experiences that he finally yielded.
It was not a question of the Church giving up
her young men, much as she loved them — no, not
even if she knew that she would never see them
again — if she could be conscious that she was giving
them by divine approval. But she could not be-
lieve that God would have her give them to take
human life, either directly or indirectly, under any
circumstances. She felt that war was wrong in
principle and contrary to the teachings of tlie New
Testament. With her it was absolutely, "God first."
^fhe main issue with the Church was not boys, not
money, not sacrifice, but obedience to God.
Noncombatant Service Defined
Evidently Government considered that there
was quite a difference between combatant and non-
combatant service, but the Church considered that
the j)rinciplc involved was the same. No doubt
Government supposed that most of the relignous ob-
jectors would consent to noncombatant service, and
til at at best the iK>litical objector would have to be
dealt with individually. March 20, 1918, nearly one
\ ear after this country had entered the war. Presi-
c'ent Wilson officially defined noncombatant service.
'Ihc text of his definition is as follo"ws :
THE ISSUES INVOLVED 51
"I 'heT'ey d'eclare the followdng miHtary service to be
noncom batant s e rvi c e :
a. Ser^ke in the medical corps wherever performed.
This includes service in the sanitary detachm-ent attached
to com'batanrt: units at the front; s-ervice in the divisional
sanitary trains composed of ambulance companies and field
hospital comlpanjies, on the line of communication, at the
base in France, and with the troops in the hospitals in
the United States; also with the service of supply and
repair in the Medical Department.
"b. A-ny service in the Quartermaster Corps, in the
United Staites, may be treated as noncombatant. Al'so in
the rear <yi zone operations, service in the following: Stev-
adore companies, labor companies, remount depots, vet-
erinary hospitals, supply depots, bakery companies, the
subsistence service, the clothing renovating service, the
sho« repair •seT\nce, the transportation repair service, and
motor truck tcompanies.
*'c. Any engineering service in the United States may
be treated as noncombatant service. Also in the rear of
zone operations, service as follows: Railroad building, op-
eration, and repair; road building and repair; construction
of rear-line fortifications, auxiliary defense, et;c., construc-
tion of docios, wharfs, storehouses, and of such canton-
ments as -may be built by the Corps of Engineers; topo-
graphical work; camouflage; map reproduction; supply de-
pot service; repair service, hydraulic service and forestry
service."
Attitude toward Noncombatant Service
It was very clear, even heiort noncombatant
service was defined, that it could not be generally
accepted. While it would not be carrying a gun, it
would be directly connected with and under the
military department, and that had for its purpose
the taking of human life and the destruction of
profperty and therefore coxM not be consistently
accepted by nonresistants. Again, a careful scrutiny
of much of this work suggests service back from the
line of danger. This was spurned by many of the
nonresistants since it would suggest thait they ac-
cepted it because they were afraid of danger, and
52 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
that was not true. With them it was not danger,
or even life, but prtinciple.
Human Reconstruction
When it was found that this line of service did
not meet the issue the War Department offered
work in the reconstruction hospitals of the medical
corps. Evidently this plan was expected to be sat-
isfactory. The text reads :
"It is found that there are certain men, evideii'tly sin-
cere in 'theiir cubjections to accepitinig 'any existing form of
noncombaitan't service, womld be willing to accep^t vvork in
the aid of men wiho them'selves are not to 'be returned to
military service. Men assigned to such work should be
granted a certilicate limitirkg their 'service to 'this p-artic-
uiar service of the mediioaJ ico'r,ps."
This had many commendalble paints. It was
not fitting men for war; it was hel^ping humanity
and especially those in need, and it gave excellent
opportunity to do relig'ious work. All these our
brethren would have been glad to do, but from a
nonresistant viewpoint there were too many ob-
jectionable features. It required the wearing of the
military uniform, was directly under the military
establishment, and the work must be accepted vol-
untarily. To willingly taike up any activity so
vitally a part of the war was simply to endorse the
whole miilitary affair — not by the service rendered,
but by willingly becoming a part of the military
establishment.
Misrepresented Motives
Some have made capital of the pvosition of the
nonresistatits, charging that they would not work
in the camps because they were lazy, stupid, dull,
bovine, or because of a number of other reasons not
very comjpVimentary ; that they would not buy lib-
THE ISSUES INVOLVED 53
erty bonds nor war saving stamps, not donate to
the Red Cross, Y. M. C A., etc., because they re-
fused to part with their money. Thirs is so far
from the trutli that it would be useless to try to
refute it. Witnesses to the contrary can be pro-
duced by the hundreds. The issue was not money,
not wor'k, not mental incapacity, but the unscriptur-
alness of war.
A few did not take this position. A small per
cent considered it a duty to buy bonds and donate
to Government. Some of the young men thought
that they owed it to their government and to their
fellowmen to take some part, even though they
could not kill. They applied for noncombatant
service on arrival at camp.
There were members who did not live up to
the standard of nonresistance upheld by the Church.
Here and there were those who thought it their
duty to support such war measures as the purchase
of liberty bonds, Avar stamps, etc., some of the draft-
ees took, noncombatant service -willingly.
On the other hand there were those who put
rt more rigid construction u-pon the doctrine of non-
resistance than the body of the Church was willing
to do, even questioning the right of nonresistant
people to register, and in camp absolutely refusing
to do anything, even to keep their own quarters
clean or to prepare their own food.
Application of the Principle
Some of the brotherhood made stringent appli-
cations of the nonresistant doctrine, refusing to sell
horses for war purposes or to sell their produce to
parties who were known to buy expressly for the
54 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
war. They refused to in any way support war meas-
ures except in the payment of taxes, etc. Some of
the youngs men in the camps refused to do anything,
even to keep their own quarters clean or prepare
their own food. (The latter were principally from
one of the smaller branches of the Mennonite
Church.)
All along the line 'between these two extremes
the greater body of the Church was to be found.
Some with very little persuasion were ready to do-
nate to war charities or purchase interest-bearing
\v3.r papers; others yielded only at the threat of vio-
lence, while the great majority stood for the prin-
ciple of doang nothing which would have for its
prime purpose the helping along of the war and suf-
fered rather than yield to what they believed to be
wrong. All believed in the main issue — nonresist-
ance — but in minor details they did not all maicc the
same application of that issue to the conditions at
hand.
More will be given concerning the attitude of
the brotherhood with its results in later chapters of
this book.
CHAPTER V
IMPORTANT MEETINGS AND THEIR
RESULTS
Meeting at Kitchener
Since Canada was in the war for some time be-
fore the United States was, it fell to our Canadian
brethren to bear the burden of the conflict the long-
est. Meetings were called for prayer and consecra-
tion. One not soon to be forgotten was called at
Kitchener, Ont., for prayer to know what to do.
While on the way to the dhurch a letter was re-
ceived from Government which granted some con-
cessions and the meeting was changed to a praise
service. The brotherhood dn the United States
prayed nruch in behalf of our brethren in Canada,
at the same time praying earnestly that the awful
carnage in the East might be made to cease. An-
other subject of earnest prayer was that this coun-
try may nort be drawn into the war. We were vitally
concerned from the beginning, but doubly so after
the President had declared that a state of war ex-
isted between this country and Germany.
From the beginning of the war, district con-
ferences nearly all gave some expression on the ques-
tion of nonresistance and militarism, reaffirming
their position and some of them sending letters to
the Presi<le«t setting forth the tenets of the Church
56 MEl^NONITES IN THE WORI.D WAR
on these 'points of doctrine, but naturally the broth-
erhood looked to the General Conference for a
statement.
General Conference of 1915
The Mennonrite General Conference met near
Archbold, Ohio, August 18-20, 1915. One of the
questions which came before that body was, "Will
this Conference state the position which the Men-
nonite Church holds with reference to carnal war-
fare?" The folloAving answer was adopted:
"We believe that in the ligrht of the life and teaching
of Chrisrt; and tbe apos-tles, no Christian should engag-e in
carnal warfare -under any circiim stances nor for any cause.
Matt. 26:51, 52; John 18:36; Rom. 12:17-21; II Cor,
10:4. Our testimony should be for peiace ajid our life
should correspond nnth our testimony, II Tim. 2r24.
This wa-s the position of the Church in Refformation time*
as seen in Article XIV of our Confession of Fauth adopted
in i6j-2; in the Civil War (1861-65); and at other times
when the tdal of our faith meant persecution and death.
"When our governonent becomes in\x)ilved in war we
should pray for our rulers (I Tim. 2:1, 2); have a
meek, quiet and submissive attitude toward our <?o\'ern-
ment (Rom. 13:7); rdHeviing suffering whenever and wher-
ever opportunity affords (Gal, 6:10); but under ao cir-
ciimstances should we enlist as soldiers and fiegiht, clioosing
rather to suffer affliction and persecution than to inflict
violence upon others,
"Brethren drafted for military service sihould state
their position on ncmresistanice meekly but unhesiitatinigiy,
i^et re^i-cved if that is possible, but if forced by violence
into the army, should suffer themselves to be imprisoned
or court -ma rtial-ed rather than do anythin^g w^ich could
in any way result in the loss of life at their hands. As
a Church we sihould disown aill members who bear arms
as soldiers as that term is commonly undeirstood, but at
the same time we should sitand by ail of our brethren in
trouble (Gal. 6:2, 10) and lend assistance to all breth-
ren who soiffer 'because of conscription laws. Our position
should be plain to our governments and out (Srayers
should ascend for peace.
IMPORTANT MEETINGS 57
Letter to President Wilson and Premier Gordon
A letter was drawn up to send to President Wil-
son, and one to be sent to the Governor General
of Canada. These letters were the same except as
the circumstances required a change in the wording
suitable to the conditions. The one to President
Wilson is given here and from it the other one can
easily be imagined.
"To the President of the United States:
"Inas^nuch as these are days of stress and trial owing
to the conditions of war existing amon^ the leading na-
tions of the world and the threatening conditions which
seem to imperil the peace and safety of stUl other nations,
and since the existing conditions invoilve the sparitual and
moral Irfe as weU as the material -welfare oi the citizens
of these nations, and especially those whose religious con-
victions are opposed to the use of carnal weapons, and
engaging in carnal warfare, and who hoM that the teach-
ings and exampHe of Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace
should be followed in loving one's enenxies and doing
good to aU men, in returning good for evil and suffering
wrong rather than doing wrong, which principles and prac-
tices are dear to many Christian people, and especially to
the Mennonite Church,
"Therefore, we the Mennonite General Conference, rep-
resenting congregations in the United States, Canada, and
India, assembled at Anchbold. Ohio, August 18-20, 1915,
reaffirm our position on carnal warfare, and believe it to
be the Christian duty of our people to refrain from taking
up arms.
"We hereby express our appreciation o-f the religions
privileges hitherto enjo>'ed by our people in the United
States during the previous occasions of war. We desire to
commend the President in his efforts to secure and main-
tain peaceable reflations with Europe and Mexico.
"We also desire to express the loj-alty of our people
residing in the United States in the support of the nation
in every Christian duty in the practice of peaceable voca-
tions, respecting authority and praying for divine guidance
of those who rule over them, praying also that God may
preserve the nation from war and continue her beneficence
to her people."
It will not be practical, for want of space, to
give all the decisions of the district conferences on
58 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
nonresistance and war. One will be given which
is quite rerpresentative of a numiber of others:
The Ohio Conference
The Ohio District Conference held near Lima,
Ohio, May 23 and 24, 1917, discussed the question :
''Since the conscription bill has been passed, what
iidvice has this conference to give to the young
men of the Church?" After some discussion the
following was passed :
"Whereas, our nation has become involved in 'the p-res-
ent conflict of nadions which necessarily adds tiiateriallly to
the already greart: responsibility of our chief maigristrate.
the President, and,
"Whereas, some of the basic pninciples odt the Metino-
nite Church are vitally' affected on points reteted to non-
resastance a« set forth in the Confession of Ftaith (For
text, see 'M^nnonites on Military Service' later in this
chapter.) adopted at Dortrecht, Hollland, in 1632, antl later
ratified in France, and c^-er since existing in ou-r creed,
and,
"Whereas, our forefathers suffered persectjtion in Eu-
rope because of these prin^ciples, and came to this coun-
try, leaving 'home and native land in order to ob^taiii the
blessing- of lilberty of conscience which had been promised
them here, We, the Ohio Mennonite Chttrch Conference
in session at tfhe Salem Church near Lima, Ohio, May
23, 24, 1917, resolved to submit the following to our breth-
ren on the conscription bill:
"i. We a«k all our brethren siiibjeot to tSbe draft to
register as provided for in the conscription biH and pro-
claimed by the President.
"2. That the above mentioned brethren ixrocare from
the bishops and minisiters a certificate of membership as
provided by this conference to present when neceasary to
the proper atrtliorities.
"3. That they inform themselves upon the leading
principles relatirvg to the existing Mennonite oreed that
forbids war and to be able to give a good reason for the
hope that (is wrtkin them: 'Love your enemies' (hCatt. 5:44)-
'Do good to them that hate you,' (Luke 6:27); *Pray for
them that desprtefully use you,' (Luke 6:28); 'H my king-
dom were of this world then would my servants fight.'
(John 18:36); The weapons of our warfare arc rroit carnal,
but m.ig:hty through God' (11 Cor. 10:4).
IMPORTANT MEETINGS 59
"4. That they answer all questions fairly and hon-
estly, and manifest a sincere, su'bmissive, law-abiding dis-
position as is beoomin/g- to a quiet, peaceable faithfui fol-
lower of Chnis.t.
'■5. That they respect our national emblem in accord-
ance with otrr faith and practice, and that they avoid any
display which might 'be interpreted as favoring militarism.
"6. That they bear in mind that they are subject to
the higher powers and to obey magistrates and unco<m-
plainjingly submit themselves to every good work for the
Lord's sake so long as it is not in violation to the funda-
inentafl teaduags of Christ as interpreted by the Mennonite
Church.
"7. To sJhow their appreciation fofr the degree of im-
munity which we have enjoyed hitherto and for the prom-
ise of future exemption, that our opposition to war is not
founded Upon disloyalty to our government, but upon the
conviction thO/t the Gospel of Christ is the Gospel of
peace, ajid ever pray for our rulers that we may lead a
quiet axMi peaceable life in alil godliness and honesty. I
Tim. 2:1,2."
Meeting at Clinton Frame Church
Conscription had become a law, registration day
was past, each registrant had been given a num-
ber, and the order in which they were to appear for
examination had been determdned. Church leaders
were intensely interested in doing all that they
possibly could for the young brethren. Late Sat-
urday night, July 21, 1917, the executive committee
of the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference de-
cided to hoW a meeting at the Clinton Frame
Church, near Goshen, Indiana, to which all the
brethren in the draft and their ministers should be
invited. The time was short and conditions were
very uncertain, so it was decided that it should be
as soon as all could be informed and those farthest
away could get to the place. It was decided that
if all acted at once the meeting couJd be held Tties-
dav afternoon at one o'clock. Word was sent all
60 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
over the conference district that night. Other
branches of the Mennonites were also informed.
At the time appointed the ministry gathered in
the basement for consultation and prayer. Com-
plete harmony prevailed on the point in question
although there were six branches of Mennonites
present. The brotherhood had gathered in the room
above and were aJso engaged in prayer and sup-
plication. At two o'clock the ministry also resorted
to this room and to their surprise found it crowded
to the doors with men.
After another season of prayer the draft laws
were explained and a number of questions were
asked and answered as best any one in the audience
knew. Our brethren in the draft were the most
vitally affected, and it was thought that they should
have an opportunity to express themselves as to
their attitude and requests. A number responded,
and the general thought was, come what will, they
wanted to be true to God and the Church, and
as'ked for the prayers of the brotherhood, especi-
ally in their trying hours. It was a meeting long to
be remembered, and one that showed how closely
we were knit together when trials were in sight,
also that the whole Church was ready to suffer
with the young brethren.
General Conference of 1917
As the time approached for the next meeting of
the Mennonrte General Conference, the executive
committee of that body saw the importance of hav-
ing the position of the Church on militarism set
forth in a well prepared statement, and appointed a
committee giving them the privilege of calling in as
IMPORTANT MEETINGS 61
many more as they desired. They wrestled with
the proposition for several days, and on the after-
noon of the firs-t day of Conference presented the
following which was unanimously adopted :
MENNONITES ON MILITARY SERVICE
A Statement of Our Position on Military Service as
Adopted by The Mennonite General Conference,
August 29, 191 7
Inasmuch as present war condiitions call for an official
utterance from our Church, we, the bishops, ministers,
deacons and delegates o.f the Mennonite Church in General
Conference assembled at the Yellow Creek Church, near
Goshen, Indiana, Aug. 29, 1917, representing sixteen con-
ferences in the United States, Canada, and India, desire
to present the 'foilowing as an expression on the doctrine
of nonresistance as applied to present conditions brought
on by the World War now raging.
Our Position Defined
As folflowers of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of
Peace, we interpret His command, "Resist not evil," by
His ortlier teachings on this subject; viz., "Love your ene-
mies." "Do good to them that haite you." "Pray for
them which de&pitefuHy use you and persecute you."
"My ikingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were
of this world, then %vouJd my servants fight." "All they
that take the sword «hall perish with the sword." The
Bible aVso teaches us not to avenge ourselves (Rom. 12:
17-21), that "the wea/pons of our warfare are not carnal"
(II Coa". 10:4), and that "the servant of the Lord must not
strive" (II Tim. 2:24). Believing that the children of God
ghooiJd imbibe and practice these teachings, we hold that
Christian people should have no part in carnal warfare of
any kind or for any cause. Our attitude on the question
of miHtary service is correctly stated in that cilause of the
Selective Draft Law enacted May 18, 1917, which provides
•for exeimption for members of every church "whose ex-
istin»g creed or principles forbid its members to particip^ate
in war in any form and whose religious convictions are
against war or participation therein." We deeply regret,
however, that this exejnption is praictically nullified (save
in the nwrtter of bearing arms) in the further provision
62 MENNONITES TX THE WORLD WAR
empoweriiiof the g-overniment to impress -nonresistant ^to-
ple into noncomibaitant service.
In our Confession of Faith, adopted at Dortrecht. Hol-
land, in 1632, ithe position of our cho-inch is defined as
follows:
"Regarding revemge, whereby wc resist our rii-
emies by the sword, we believe and confess, that
the Lord Jesus has forbidden His disci-pfles and fol-
lowers all revenge and resistance, and has thereby
commanded them not to 'rc<turn evi'l for evil, nor
■railing for railing;' but to 'put up the sword into
the sheath,' or. as the prophets foretold, 'beat them
into plowshares.' Matt. 5:30,44; Rom. 12:14; 1
Pet. 3:9; Micah 4:3.
"From this we see, that, according to the ex-
amrple. life, and doctrine of Christ, we are not to
do wrou'g. or cause offense or vexation to amy one;
but to seek the weHarc and salvation of all men;
also, if necess'ity should require it, to flee, for the
Lord's sak-e, from one city to another, and suffer
the 'spoiling of our goods,' rather than g^ve of-
fense to amy one; and if we are struck on our
'right cheek, rather to turn the other aJso' than
to revenge ourselves or return the blow. Matt. 5:
30, 10:23; Rom. 12:19..
"And that w^e are, besides this, also to pray
for our enemies, comfort and feed them, when they
are hungry and thirsty, and thus 'by weill doing
convince them and overcome the evil wT.th good.
Rom. 12:20, 21.
"Finailly, that w^e are to do good m all re-
spects, 'commending ourselves to every man's con-
.science in the sight of God.' and according to the
law of Christ, do nothing to others that we would
not wish them to do unto us. — IT Cor. 4:2: Matt.
7:12; Luke 6:31." — Article 14, Page 25.
This position has 'been uniformly held by cwir fore-
fathers from Reformation times and their loyalty and de-
votion to their faith is attested by their suflFering, even to
the extent of martyrdom and banishment by those govern-
ments enjoining military service upon their citizens, and
for which cause they gratefully accepted the hospitality
and the guarantee of religious liberty of this land, histor-
ical records bearing ample witness to these facts.
In relation to governments we believe that every child
of God. besides being a citizen of the Heavenly Kingdom
(John i8:.^6; Phil. 3:20), .should also be in su-bjection to
civil governments (Rom. 13:1-5: Tit. 3:1; I, Pert. 2:13-17).
Even laws which may seem unwise and tm}ust should be
IMPORTANT ^lEETINGS 63
submitted to urrcomplainingly and no thought should be
entertaiined of doing anything but compQy with all that
they ask oi us — aiuless they prescri'be conditions contrary
to the Gospel; in which case we should meekly but faith-
fully stand true to the primciples of the Gospel, even if the
consequences entaiil sufferin'g. This position has 'been ex-
emplified by the a-postles (Acts 5:29) and our early church
fathers.
Past Favors Acknowledged
It is wi/th grateful hearts that we recoiint the favors
and considerations accorded our people in the past. In
the days of William Penn our fathers accepted his invita-
tion to immigrarte to this land where they might enjoy
ihc freedom of conscience in religion and exemption from
military service. These benefits were later confirmed to
them by the Constitution of the United States and by
State Constitutions. We rejoice that freedom of con-
science is thus recognized by the laws of our land. We
appreciate the exemption accorded our brethren, both in
the North ajid in the South, during the Civil War, when
once their position with reference to war became fully
known. We still have among us brethren who suffered
for conscience' sake during that period, but recall with
much gratitude the freedom from military service which
that exemption secured for them.
We are grateful for the exemption clause for non-
resistant people in the new Selective Draft Law, and here-
by express the hope that when the powers that be fully
understand out position with reference to military serA-ice,
this clause referring to noncombatant service ma}^ be ac-
cordingly modified.
Our Standard
We acJcnow^ledge with deep humiliation that not all of
our people have lived in full conformity with the Gospel
standard or conS'istent with our profession of a holy life.
Some, contrary to the teachings of the Chnrch, have been
entangled m politics, in commercialism, in pleasure-seek-
ing, and in other forms of worldliness; but it should be
borne in mind that such conduct has been without regard
to the express wish and teaching of the Church. The
Mcnnoni/te ChuTch having continually stood for the sur-
rendered life, a consistent separation from the world, and
an attitude of peace toward all men, we caJl upon our peo-
ple to bear in mind our obligations (Eph. 4:1) that in
all places fhey may be known by the Scriptural designa-
tion — "A peculiar people, zealous of good works."
The Present Issue
Recogniriag with gratefulness the consideration gaven
64 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
our rfelii'gious convictions, as previously statted. we take this
opportunity of giving- expression of our a-ttitude concerning,
the issue as it now confronts us. As a Christian people
we have always endeavored to support the governmerLt im-
der which we liived in every capacity consistent with the
teaching oi the Gospel as we understand it, ajid will con-
tinue to do so; but according to this teaching we cannot
I>articipa>te in war in any form; that is, to aid or abet
war, whether in a combatant or non -combatant capacity.
We are conscious of whait this attitude, under existing
circums'tances, may mean. No one who really understands
our position w'i.ll accuse us of either disloya'lty or coward-
ice; for our record has proven our submiis»iveness to the
powers that be, and to maintain our position under pres-
ent conditions requires greater courage than to aocept non-
combatajnt serviice. But believing as we do, that any
form of service under the military arm of the government
means 'respon^i'bility, either directly or indirectly, for the
taking of huiman life and other des'tructive acts of war,
we cannot cons-istently do otherwise than hold aloo-f from
every form of military service. Our people have at all
times refrained from voluntary enlistment for service in
any form under previous mlilitary 'laws, and for us now
to accept service under the mi'litary arm of the govern-
ment, would be equivalent to a denial of the faith and
principles which we have held as \^tal to our spiritual
well-being and eternal salvation.
We appeal to the President of the United States and
all others in authority to bear with us in this attitude
and not to construe our position as a lack of appreciation
for past favors or as an act of disloyalty; also to grant
unto us full liberty of conscience and the free exercise
of our faith.
Recommendations
1. To the Brotherhood. — We recommend that in hu-
mility we seek at the throne of grace the blessings which
others have sought to secure through the power of the
sword. That we continue our prayers in behalf of the
rulers of our land and ail others in authority, continue to
pray for the peace of nations; that we maintarin a calmness
of mind and heart that naturally accompanies a trust in
God; that we refrain from uncharitable criticism in any
form, and avx>id heated controversy with those who do not
agree with us on points of doctrine, tnissing no opportun-
ity of complying with the Scriptural injunction of return-
ing good for evil.
2. To Our Brethren Liable for Military Service, — We
recommend that they comply wiifth e\'ery requirement of
the igovernment, availing thenis<?lves of every opi>ortunity
IMPORTANT MEETINGS 65
to present their claims for exemption, exercising care
that they do not commit any acts 'that couild be rightfully
interpreted as desertion or treason — and at the time when
they receive the sumimons to enter the military service,
they present themselves to the authorities and meekly in-
form them that under no circumstances can they consent
to service, either combatant or non-combatant, under the
military arm of the government, citing them to the fact
that they are members of a church whose creed and prin-
ciples forbid them to have part in war in any form, and
that their consciences coincide with this position; submit-
ting to any penalty the government may see fit to inflict,
trusting the Lx>rd for guidance and protection.
3. To Our Conferences and Congregations. — We rec-
ommend that they make every proviision for the wellbeing
of our_ brethren who may 'be called upon to suffer on ac-
count of their faith as a result of this trying s>ituation.
While we expect an attitude of submission and loyalty on
the part of out members, we should not deal harshly, but
charitably and with consideration, with our brethren who
may be put to the tes-t In these days of trial.
With a 'fervent prayer to Almighty Go-d that He may
bless and so direct the rulers of our land that we may
lead a quiet and peaceable life, an the full exercise of our
religious convictions; that we, as His children, may be
faithful to and contend earnestly for the faith once de-
livered to the saints; that God in His wise providence may
overrule all to the g^lory of His name and the strength-
ening of His cause among men, we humbly subscribe our
names to these declarations and pledge our powers in de-
votion to the principles herein set forth.
The conference decided to send a committee of
three brethren to Washington, D. C, to discuss the
situation with the authorities there, and carry to
them the document which had just been passed, and
later to present their findings to the Church. Aaron
Loucks, S. G. Shetler and D. D. Miller were chosen
for this important work.
It had been suggested that those in the draft
should be given an opportunity to express them-
selves to Conference. Immediately after the noon
intermission of the second day the moderator asked
all the brethren in the draft age to discuss the mat-
66 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
ter among- themselves and decide whether tUey
wanted to have any statement made to Conference
in their behalf, and if so, to a'ppoint a s^pokesman.
They did so, and alpp'ointed E. F. Hartzler of Mar-
shallville, Oliio. At an opportune tim»e they came
into the tent in a body and their representative said
in part :
"We heartily thank the conference for the interest that
it is taking- in us, and especially for the privilege of ex-
pressiing our wishes before this body. We thank yxMi for
the prayers rthal a/re being offered in our t>ehalf and for
the dcKCumient that was drawn np and parsed yesterday.
Many in our meeting expressed themselves that by God's
help they wanted to stand 'by the thoughts presented it*
the Tesolution, and they hoped that w^hen the trydng' hour
came the prayers o^ the whole brotherhood wcwid ascend.
in (their behaH, and that God would give them grace to-
stand. Not a word of resentment was •spoken by any-
one, 'but the wish wias expressed that the Gos«peI of Jesus
Christ mig-ht be lived out whether in the presence of
officuals or any other class of people with whom we
would come in contact. We thank you a-gain for your
interest and pray Ood to bless you and uis."
Committee Sent to Washington
These were hours of suspense. The committee
appointed to go to Washington proceeded on their
journey diredt from the conference, and on Saturday
morning, in company with two other committees,
one from the Old Order Amiish Mennonites and one
from the Franconia Mennonite Conference (who had
previously arranged a meeting with Secretary New-
ton D. Baker) came before the Secretary of War on
the same day. The Secretary received them cor-
dially and went over the situation with them very
frankly. On the whole the meeting was very satis-
factory. The committee sent day messages direct
from Washington to the various sections informdn^
the brotherhood of the favorable reception and ask-
IMPORTANT MEETINGS 67
ing them to look for a night letter on Sunday morn-
ing-. In addition to these, letters were sent out by
mail giving more ddtails. Here is a copy of the let-
ter:
"Wasbmgton, D. C, September i, 191 7- Dear Broth-
er: — In an interview with Secretary Baker, who received
us kindly, we received the 'following information and in-
struct ro as-:
"i. That none of our brethren need to serve in any
capacity which violates their creed and conscience.
"2. When they are called they should report at the
place designated on their notice.
"3, From the place designated on their notice they
should go with others who are drafted and called to train-
ing camps.
"4. Report to army officer the church to which they
belong, and their belief in its creed and principles.
"5. This nonresistant position wi'H place them iT»
detention camps where they will be properly fed and
cared ior.
"6. In these camps they will not be uniformed nor
drilled.
"7. A list of service considered noncombatant will
•be offered, hurt: they need no>t accept any in violation to
their conscience.
"8. Those who can not accept any service, either
combatant or non-combatant, will be assigned to some
other service, not under the military arm of government.
"9. Our ministers will be aJilow-ed to visit the breth-
ren in [these camps and keep in touch with them.
"10. Our ministers will be privileged to give this in-
forma^tfton and advice to our brethren in private or in pub-
ilic meetinigs.
"As a committee appointed by General Conference,
assemlb^ed at Yellow Creek Church near Goshen, Indiana,
Augusit 39, 1917, in consultation with a committee ap-
pointed by (the Franconia Conference, and a committee of
Old Order Amish brethren, we are unanimously agreed to
a d V i s e the fo llo w i ng :
"1. Since our interview with the war department we
advise ottr brethren to state their position on the Church,
creed, a^nd principles to army officers at mobilization camps.
"2. We again encourage our brethren not to accept
any service, either combatant or noncombatant, under the
military arm of government in violation of their con-
science and' the creed or principles of the Ch^irch.
"Wlhijfe our brethren will not be freed entirely, yet
68 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
freed from servinig under the military arm of Government,
we should be very grateful for 'the 'consideration that the
authorities have shown us. May our churches everywhere
'Continue ito send prayers to the Throne of Grace dn be-
half of our young brethren lin this trying hour and for
'those in aiiithority so ''that we may lead a quiet and peace-
able life."
"Your brethren, Aaron Loucks, S. G. Shetler, D. D.
Miller, General Conference Committee."
The letter as published aroused great interest
on the part of nonresistant people, members of other
churches as well as Alennomites. L W. Taylor and
W. J. Sweiigert, members of the Church of the Breth-
ren, desiring confirmation of the information sent
out by the General Conference committee, arranged
with Congressman Greist of Lancaster Co., Pa., to
have an interview with Secretary Baker and from
him received the following note under date of Sept.
16, 1917: "Mr. Baker confirmed in his interview
with these gentlemen all the 10 points except the
8th." Immediately the point in question was re-
stated. As corrected it read : ''Those who can not
accept any service under the military arm of the
government will be held in detention camps to a-
waiit such disposiition as the government may decide
upon." A corrected copy of the above letter was
sent to Secretary Baker and the following answer
was received :
"War Department, Washimgton, D. C, Sept. 14, 1917
"My Dear Mr. Loucks:
'The Secretary of War asks me to thank you for
your kindness in sending him a copy of the oorre-cted
form of statement regarding the interview referred to
which 'is entirely satisfactory to him.
'*F. P. Kep<pel."
The purpose of these special meetings was to
^ivc specific instructions as to what the decisions
of the war department were, and what might be
IMPORTANT MEETINGS 69
expected by those who remained at home as well
as those who would be called to camp. One of the
leading- things emphasized in the meetings was that
great care should be exercised to give as little of-
fense as possible, either to individuals or to Gov-
ernments ; that all official commands should be o-
beyed so long as they were not in opposition to the
principles of the Gospel, but that at all hazards the
brotherhood should give full allegiance to the teach-
ings of Christ and His apostles. It would not have
been possible nor advisable to try to work out de-
tails in these meetings as they would come to each
individual. Many wished for even more specific
directions, but those who followed closely the in-
structions which were given found them a great
help when the trying hour came.
CHAPTER VI
OUR BRETHREN IN CANADA
Difference between U. S. and Canada
Conditions were quite different in the United
States and Canada so far as the war was concerned.
The latter, being a part of the British Empire, was
in the struggle from the beginning. Laws in the
two countries were not very dift'erent so far as non-
resistants in general were concerned, but peculiar to
say, they made a difference between Mennonites
and others who upheld that doctrine. Because of
these things it will be necessary to refer to our
brethren in Canada separately. So far as this doc-
trine is concerned, the Church in the two countries
might as well have been 'considered together.
Exemption Laws
The first laws exempting Mennonites and oth-
ers from military service were m'ade more than a
quarter of a century after our people had settled in
Canada. The first such law, 1808, under King-
George III, mentioned Quakers, Mennonites, and
Tunkers as exempt from military duties and service
in time of peace or war, but required the payment
of certain sums of money in lieu of such service.
At that time there were settlements of Mennonites
in Lincoln and Waterloo counties in Upper Canada,
now Ontario. This law continued with a number of
OUR BRETHREN IN CANADA 71
amendments until 1855, when Quakers, Mennoniites
and Tun'kers, or members of any denomination
-w^hose refligion were adverse to bearing arms, were
allowed exemption from military service in times of
peace or war, without the payment of money. This
law continued in force until the passing of the Mil-
itary Service Act, 1917. It is commonly thought
by people outside of Canada that the law of 1868
was passed in order to get the Russian Mennonites
to move to Canada, but it existed several years be-
fore the Canadian Government knew of the unrest
among the Mennonites in Russia. The Order-in-
Council providing for Russians was made in 1873.
H. H. Ewert says, "It should be noted that the ex-
emption of Mennonites, Quakers, and others from
military duty does not rest upon, nor date from, an
Order-in-Council adopted in 1873, (This is the date
•of making- final plans with the Mennonites in Rus-
sia) but upon a statute of law passed in 1868, which
is not a measure of a special inducement to irrtend-
ing settlers, passed for the occasion, but a statement
of policy and principle." S. F. Coffman writes,
""The law of 1868 is cited in the Order-in-Council in
1873." These three laws were not war measures,
but were made in times of peace.
^Russian Immigration
When the Russian government refused to sup-
'port th-e promise of their former Czarina, Catharine
II, giving the Mennonites exemption from military
service they sent a committee to America to exam-
ine the laws of Canada and the United States. The
committee of the Privy Council of Canada, after
examining into the matter and relporting that the
72 MENNONITES IX THE WORLD WAR
Act of 1868 especi'ally named the Mennonites as
having exemption from all military service, also
recommended that the fullest consideration be given
to the Russian Mennoni'tes. The Canadian govern-
ment, by Order-in-Coumcil passed July 23, 1873, ex-
tended to the Russian brethren conditions Avhich
were very satisfactory. The follov^^ing is a part of
the Order :
"An entire exemption from m'iHitaTy service is by law
and Oirder-in-Coiincil granted to the denoimination of
Christians called Mennonites. The fullesit ip.rivi'lege of ex-
ercising their religious principles is hereby afforded to the
Mennoni'tes without any kind of molesitation or restriction
whatever."
Benefits to other Mennonites
While this Order was passed primarily for the
benefit of the Russian Mennonites w'ho, on the
.-trength of the Order, moved to Western Canada,
the same favor was accorded to Mennonites in all
jjarts of the Dominion because of the Order and be-
cause of the statutory provisions of 1868 which were
repeated in the statutes of 1886, and reasserted in
the revisions of 1906. No distinctions were made
between Russians and other classes of nonresistant
people until the war broke out and the Military
Service Act of 1917 was passed. In the Act provi-
sions were made for certain classes who were not
to be called into service and who would be in no
way amendable to the act. Among those wxre cer-
tain religious orders, ministers of the Gospel, Gov-
ernment officials and those persons who came under
the special treaties of 1873 (the Russian Menno-
nites) and of 1898 ('the Doukobors from Russia).
Difference, East and West
After the passing of the act of 1917 there was
OUR BRETHREN IX CANADA 7Z
a difference made by the officials between Menno-
nites of the East and West. All of those living west
of Ontario were considered as under the Exceptions
of the Act, and were not to be called for service,
were not required to register or claim exemption on
any grounds. Those Mennonites, Quakers, and Tun-
kers who had previously enjoyed total exemption
from military service who were living in Ontario
vvcre considered amendable to the Act and were re-
quired to register and claim exemption. The breth-
ren in the West were notified to do so also and this
led to some complications with the officials of the
West which were later adjusted.
Wihere it was the desire of the officials to stand
by the conditions of the Order-in-Council of 1873,
the Russian Mennonites in the West were not mo-
lested, but this was not the case everywhere. In
some places they were required to register and claim
exemption. Many complicated forms and various
affidavits and declarations were used to prove their
church membership, j)arentage, etc. Their ministers
were obliged to fill out affidavits concerning the
faith of the Church and their own standing with it.
Some of the officials seemed to have a determination
to overthrow the grounds of their claims for ex-
emption and compel the Russian Mennonites to take
military service. However, the government at Ot-
tawa constancy asserted their purpose to stand by
the conditions of the treaty, and to regard the Or-
der-in-Council as a sacred obligation, with the result
that none of the brethren were obliged to enter the
service. Some few were forced into the military
units, but when their cases were aippealed to the
higher authorities they were excused.
74 MEiNNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
Noncombatant Service Expected
The ground for and the extent of exemption
that could be expected is shown in the following
which is a part of the Act of 1917:
"That he consicientiouisly objects to the undertakinig
of icombiatant service and is iprohibited fro.m so doing by
the itenets and artioles of faith, im effect on the 6fth day
of July, 1917, of any organied religious den<omination ex-
isting and wel'l organized in Canada ait such date, and to
which be in ;good faith belongs. A certiii'cate (of exemp-
tion) 'may be conditional as to time oir otherwise, and, if
granted solely on conscientious igrounds, shall state that
such exemption is from com,batant service only."
Provision was made in the application to insert
the name of the denomination to which the appli-
cant belonged. Mennonites and Tunkers signing
fhis declaration, would compromise the faith of
their 'churches which for<bids all military service —
not combatant service only — and many qualified
their statement by writing in, "Which forbids all
military service." The Act did not properly de-
scribe the faith of purely nonresistant people save
in the conditions under which the Russian Menno-
nites were ''excepted" from the Act, for they were
averse to all forms of warfare and their faith was
thus recognized and honored by granting them per-
petual freedom from all military service. The Men-
nonites in the East were in perfect agreement with
their Russian brethren on this point, and realizing
that those in the West had complete exemption,
those in the East appealed to the government at Ot-
tawa for complete exemption from any service in
furthering the war.
Church Letters
While registering, those who desired to claim
OUR BRETHREN IN CANADA 75
caEcmption were required to present certificate of
Oiiirch mem'bership. The certificates of the Rus-
sians stated that they were sons of Mennonite par-
ents, and that they were under the provision of the
exceptions of the Act, according to the Order-in-
CoHncil of 1873. The certificates of others stated
th^Lt they were members of Church since
(cl:ite), and that the doctrines of the Church forbids
all military service. Those who united with the
Chnrch after the date mentioned in the Act were at
first refused exemption of any kind, but it was later
ainranged that those who as sons of Mennonite or
Tranker parents who had in good faith united with
tbe Church at a later date were exempted with the
others.
Norman B. Stauffer
Mennonites in the \\>st came in touch with
the district registrars at Calgary and Regina. Nor-
Mnan B. Staufifer, a Mennonite bishop, was so located
a«; to make it necessary for him to pass through
Calgary very frequently, and in so doing, usually
called on the district registrar. He had frequent
occasions to sign papers for the young men who
had appealed their claims for exemption and thus
became well acquainted with those whose duty it
was to determine who in that section of Canada
«^h»tHi'1d or should not be excused from military serv-
ice. While it was not the purpose of Government to
oblige the Mennonites in the West to register or
serve in the militia, those who did register accord-
firag to instructions received from officials, and who
claimed exemption on religious grounds, were re-
ffflsed exemption by local boards, when they ap-
76 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
pealed to the district boards. Although some of
these brethren had been obliged to take the medical
examination and were called to report for service^
after making several trips to Calgary, Bto. Stauffer
succeeded in having all of them released.
While Canada had not inaugurated the "Work
or fight" plan, as was done in the United States,
they especially urged that since their sons were ex-
empt, Mennonites should do all that they could to
produce food, and this resulted in a large acreage
in wheat and other food products. On the whole
the Mennonites in the West fared very well, and
were grateful to God and the officials for the rec-
ognition given to their religious convictions.
An Interpretation Wanted
As previously stated, there seemed to be more
uncertainty among the officials as to the exact status
of the Ontario Mennonites. They wanted to be
true to the previous promise, and at the same time
desired to carry out the requirements of the Military
Service Act, as previously given. The body of the
nonresistant churches stood for no service under the
military establishment. The act provided for ex-
emptions, but when made on religious grounds, ex-
empted from combatant service only. These were
days of anxiety. A committee was appointed by
the Mennonite Conference, and by other Mennonite,
Amish, and Tunker bodies to act jointly in looking
into these matters. They were united in their views
that all military service was inconsistent with non-
resistance and they acted accordingly. A letter was
sent to the department of justice at Ottawa, asking
for an interpretation of the act as it affected the
OUR BRETHREN IN CANADA 11
jTvIennonites. Reports had been circulated that the
Ontario Mennonites would not be exempt. A meet-
ing of representatives from the ^lennonite and Am-
ish Churches in the district was called at Kitchener,
Ont., for prayer for help and direction from God in
this time of extreme need. An answer to the letter
from the department of justice was received just
before the meeting, stating that the matter had been
brought before the Council of Militia and that it
had been decided that the Mennonites were under
the "Exceptions of the Act," and had no duty to
perform whatsoever. The meeting for prayer was
changed to a meeting of praise.
Local and District Tribunals
The act required that all persons (excluding ex-
cepted classes) should register, and either register
for service or make claim for exemption from serv-
ice. This led to complications with local tribunals
appointed to pass on applications, since the depart-
ment of justice had stated that our people were un-
der the exceptions, and that such persons were not
required to register nor to claim exemption. A del-
egation representing the nonresistant bodies inter-
ested met the Premier of Canada and the Minister
of State at Ottawa for the purpose of seeking a so-
lution of the difficulties which had arisen. These
rei>resentatives of Government advised that, accord-
ing to the meaning of the Act, all the members of
the nonresistant churches should register ; that the
exceptions to the act were intended primarily for
the Russian Mennonites. and while others would be
leqnired to register and apply for exemption on
account of religious belief, they would not be o-
78 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
bliged to take the medical examination. It was aI:>o
stated that they would not be called except for non-
combatant service, but it was doubtful if such serv-
ice would be required since that department was
well supplied, and in case such service should be
needed the committee would again be constilt«d.
Under these conditions the brethren in these chon-h-
eJ^ were advised to register and did so, claiming'- ex-
emption.
No Uniform Decisions
The local tribunals failed to give uniform de-
cisions on the applications for religiou-s exemptioms.
In a fe^v districts only were decisions given in a-
greement with the decision of the department nii
justice granting total exemption. Where limited ^ex-
emptions were given, appeals were made to the dis-
trict tribunals, and if no adverse decision was r.c-
ceived appeals were taken to the Central Apj^e^i
Judge at Ottawa. The district tribunals almost wni-
formly sustained the decisions of the local tribunai?s,
and granted exemption only from combatant seo;--
ice. The Tunkcr brethren were usually not rcr-
ognize<:l as havnng any claim for release from sefi-
ice and nearly all of their young men were called
to camp.
Work of the Committee
In the meantime the committee continued its
efforts with the government to secure the recog^ni-
lion which our faith demanded of us. The decisions
of the local and district tribunals did not accord'
with the decisions of the Chief Justice who was the
Central Appeal Judge. To show the difference- of
opinion expressed by the various offrcials a few ^x.-
OUR BRETHREN IN CANADA 79
tracts will be recorded. A letter signed by the On-
tario Re^strar is here quoted in full :
"Toronito, Ont., July 4, 1918L
"Dear Sir: In reply to your letter of the 3rd, I beg
to inform you that since our interview of the 19th Ult.,
we have received instruction from O^ttawa that the On-
tario Mennonites are 'in exactly the same position as the
Tunkers and are not ex'ceptions to the Act, but must reg-
ister and claim exemption on religious grounds in exactly
the same manner as other conscientious objectors. I
understan-d that the Chief Pu'blic Representative has writ-
ten to the bishops of the Mennonite Church in Ontario,
instructing them that those men are in Class I, of the
Military Service Act as now defined, will be required to
register at once if they have not already done so."
A different opinion was expressed by the deputy
registrar of London, Ont., to the local tribunal at
Milverton, Ont., in a letter dated November 7, 1917:
"All these Mennonite people, of course, are exem/pted
from the Act, and so long as you are fully satisfied that
they are in fact Mennonites, you have no option but to
give them exemption."
Another letter from the same registrar at To-
ronto, wiiich was quoted before shows how insistent
he was in trv'ing to get our people to take up mil-
itary service :
''In view of what has passed between us, I venture
to again call your attention to the advisability of the
members of your community holding a conference with a
view of seeing whether you can not see your way to make
a compromise on the subject of noncombatant service
with the hospital corps or other noncombatant units.
With the example of your brethren in the Napoleonic
w^ars and durimg the American Civil war, it seems to me
that you could find some better use for your young men
than have them sent to prison."
From such conflicting evidence the committee
gathered that it was necessary to secure a uniform
decision regarding the Mennonites and Tunkers, and
to secure relief from the pressure that was being
used to force members into the service, and to secure
80 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
the liberty of some who had been called and were
held in military units in the various districts.
Parliament and the Committee
Evidence was at hand to show that there was
no clear well-defined policy on the status of Menno-
nites and Tunkers ; that it depended a great deal on
the personal consideration which the officers gave
to the religious convictions of these people as to the
interpretation wihich they gave of the Act as it ap-
plied to these nonresistants ; that there was a deter-
mined effort on the part of some to force these con-
scientious objectors into service or into prison.
The committee found several special friends who
were members of the House of Commons who un-
derstood the character and the spirit of the people
represented by the committee. One of them wrote
to the committee as follows : "It is very unfortunate
that in the Military Service Act you were not ex-
empt in full, the same as the Russian Mennonites. I
am discussing this question at every opportunity
with those in authority and will let you know of
any changes in the situation." In another letter the
same party wrote, *'Mr. and myself have been
endeavoring yesterday and today to have matters
arranged so that your people will be exempt from
the operations of the Order-in-Council recently pass-
ed, calling to the colors the young men from nine-
teen to twenty-three. In this we think we have
been successful. We had an interview yesterday
with the Militia Council. The Minister of the Mili-
tia was present and after discussing the whole sit-
uation thoroughly, it was arranged that we should
secure from your Church the names of bishops or
OUR BRETHREN IN CANADA 81
some one in authority who would issue certificates
of membership in your Church. The officer com-
manding the military district would be authorized
to accept these certificates and allow the men off
on leave."
Leave oi Absence
Notice the last thought, "Allow the men oflF on
leave." Leave of absence was to be the solution for
the time being. While Mennonites and others were
required to register and report to the commanding
officer when called, the officer was instructed to is-
sue a leave of absence which could be extended in-
definitely. Tbis plan should have worked well, but
for various reasons and pretexts som^ brethren were
held in camps, in the guard-house, or in the jail.
Some were court-martialed and sentenced, and sent
to the military prison.
In most cases, however, the brethren were per-
mitted to leave camp as soon as they presented well
authorized certificates and the officers could arrange
their leave of absence. Most of the persecutions
arising from misunderstandings with officials may
be traced to tlie fact that some men magnified their
authority, took matters into their own hands, thus
proving themselves untrue to the government they
represented. From such, some of the young men
suffered, but it should be said to the credit of the
government that some such officers were called be-
fore higher authorities to answer for their misde-
meanor.
Among the Mennonite young men there were
those who were called before the tribunals a num-
ber of times to substantiate their claims for exemp-
82 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
lion. They were allowed to have the assistance of
their parents or ministers. As a rule they held firm
regardless of the harshness and cruelty of the offic-
ers who often shamefully reproached their relig-ious
convictions. A number were detained in barracks
and guard-houses for refusing to put on the uniform.
Some were forced into a uniform but refused to
perform any service. Some of these were soon re-
leased pending a reconsideration of their cases, or
for work on the farm.
The leave of absence finally secured the re-
lease of all. A few accepted the uniform in order
to escape persecution but refused toi perform mili-
tary service and were detained at fatigue duty of a
non-military nature until their release was secured.
Among the Tunker brethren, who for a long
time received no recognition from the military au-
thorities, conditions were a little more severe. The
fact that the Mennonites were named in the excep-
tions of the act gave the Ontario Mennonites some
prestige. The Tunkers were treated the same as all
other conscientious objectors, were accounted as
offenders, and were required to suffer the penalties
for refusing all military service. At least four of
their brethren were court-martialed and three were
sent to the military prison where they were obliged
to dig stumps and perform other work of a like
nature under great difficulties. Through the appeals
of the committee the Tunker brethren also secured
recognition and the certificates of their bishops were
honored by the release of all their brethren. The
sentences of the courts-martial were canceled and
ihe officers issued the leave of absence, thus freeing
them of all military duty.
OUR BRETHREN IN CANADA -^ S3
By the leave of absence plan the nonresistant
young men were allowed to remain at home, and
thus were among Canada's best producers instead
of being consumers only and accomplishing no im-
mediate good as so many were forced to be in
camps and guard-houses because they could take no
part in the war. Canada finally solved the religious
objector question better than most other countries
engaged in the war.
The attitude of Government was much appre-
ciated, and the nonresistant bodies which had been
accorded these favors united in their efforts to raise
3 large relief fund, provided Gt)vernment would use
it for such purposes as would be acceptable to the
Church. This is expressed in a resolution passed
by the committee appointed by the several church-
es concerned :
"Whereas, we, Mennonites and Tunikers whose tenets
cyf faith forbid engaging in any form of military service
in time of peace or war desire to help bear the tytuxfens
due to the wht, therefore,
"Resolved, that we, the Nonresistent Relief Organiza-
tion, recxwrunend that a generous fund be raised among the
churches dnfterested which shaH be donated to Government
as a menioriail of appreciation for the privilege of religious
liberty, and oirr freedom from military service; which fund
shall be used for relief and ehari^table purposes; and that
a committee be appointed which shall interview the gov-
ernment for suggestions as to the disposail of the said do-
nation aocorddng to our faith.
"We further recommend that we encourage a con-
tinued support of the rel/ief and charitable work during
the conitinuance of the war. and as long thereafter as is
deemed advisable by this organiization."
• In a report of this resolution to the Premier of
Canada it was stated : '*We trust, Sir Rdbert, that
this movement may meet the approval of your gov-
ernment, and submit to your joidgTuent the matter
84 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
of conferring witjh you, or with such members of
Government as you may suggest, regarding^ the pur-
pose of this origanization, and shall await your jileas-
ure and bidding."
A committee from the Rdief Organization met
two memtoers of Parliament at Ottawa, Marcli 27 y
1918, and the following is a part of the committee's
report to the churches :
"The members of Government <g"ave yoiw comiiniittee
a very atten<tive h-earing and are very moi-cli intereSfted in
the <pairp<os€ of the o-rganizaifryon. We presente4 oatr peti-
tion, a copy of Nvhich is enclosed, requesting them to ad-
vise a method of procedure and ithe prcxper applicaitioin of
the funds to he donated, and we lalso stated the condition
which at 'the ipres^ent tim-e seems to interfere with 'the
carrying out of our purpose. We presented to ttie gov-
ernment a statement as per second enclosed copy, siiow-
ing how there a^p^pear to be conflicting issues between our
monresiistant faith and (the ■.p-rovisions of the MiLiJtary Serv-
ice Act.
"The members of Govenrm-ent whom we met promised
to take u/p these matters w^ith their fellow-mem-bers and
with the proper officials ait the earliest possiible oKMnent
after the Easter recess and forward to your cowimittee
•a report thereupon. They were glad for the explanation
of our situation and felt (to ^give us the fullest aussuraoice
-that our interests wxxild nott .l>e dis-regarded, an^i oar com-
plete exemption from military service would be aAlowed."
Note that the committee had two purposes in
meeting the officials: First, to discuss the question
of the ReHef fund; Second, to try to get total ex-
emption from military service. Just six weeks after
this interview with the memibers of Parliament the
secretary of the organization sent out the following
information to the churches: ''The Ontario Regis-
trar at Toronto, Mr, C. L. Wilson, has received
instruction from the Military Service Coundl, that
Mennonites are outside of the Act and are exempt.
Some have already reported that they are Menno-
nites and have received exenuptions."
OUR BRETHREN IN CANADA 85
Tb€ early appeals of our brethren to Central
Appeal Judge at Ottawa, asking for complete ex-
emption, were decided according to the letter of
the Act, and they were allowed relief from com-
batant service only. There was considerable differ-
ence of opinion among the officials at Ottawa re-
garding the status of the nonresistant people who
had formerly enjoyed entire exemption. A final
decision must have been made concerning this ques-
tion, since later appeals to the same court by some
of our brethren were acted upon by the Central Ap-
peal Ji>^e who decided that these persons were
under the exceptions, and that neither local nor
appeal tribunals nor the Central Appeal Judge had
any right to act in these cases. This decision was
given toward the close of hostilities. But the
churches were grateful for this final decision from
the highest tribunal in the government.
The expressions of gratitude on the part of the
churches were many, and thanksgiving to God was
evident in the earnest manner in which the church-
es engaged in relief work and many other worthy
objects demanding attention and service. The re-
lief fund was heartily supported, as in some con-
gregations the heads of families contributed at the
rate of one hundred dollars each, the young men of
military age giving fifty dollars, and the single sis-
ters each thirty dollars. It is also evident that
some who were more able gave proportionately less
than this, but the response was hearty and the
thanksgiving great.
CHAPTER VII
OUR BRETHREN IN THE DRAFT
Draft Boards
From the time it was declared that a state of
war existed, the officials at Washington were busy
preparing for a larg'e army. Full draft regulations
were gotten out which provided for one or more
local draft boards in practically every county in the
United States and a district board in each Federal
judicial district. The former had original jurisdic-
tion on all questions except industrial and agricul-
tural claims for exemption and deferred classification.
These were decided by the district boards. Local
boards arranged for the registration of all men in
their territories between twenty-one and thirty-one
vears of age.
Registration
On June 5, 1917, all men within the age limit
were required to register at their respective voting
places. Special arrangements were made for those
who were away from home, or were sick at that
time. Here came the first real test on the nonre-
sistant principle. A stand must be taken somewhere
— ^but where? Sha'll they register? Some thought
that the place to take a stand was in the Tery be-
ginning; that nonrcsistant people should not regis-
ter at all. Others thought that since there was no
OUR BRETHREN IN THE DRAFT 87
infringement upon the doctrine in so doing, every
one should register. With so little discussion of
the subject, it is remarkable how very few did not
comply with the law. The fdllowing is the form
that was used :
1. Name in full.
2. Home atddress.
3. Date o«f birth.
4. Are yx>u (i) a natural born citizen, (2) a natural-
ized citizen, (3) an alien, (4) or have you declared inten-
tions. (Sp«oify wihiich) Town, State, Nation.
5. Where were you born?
6. If noit a citizen, of what country are you a citizen
or sifbjeot?
7. Whart; is your ipresemt trade, o<xupatioji or office?
8. By wliom employed?
9. Have you a father, mother, wnfe, -chiki under 12,
or a sister or brother under 12 solely dependent on you
for sti'p-port? (Specify which)
10. Ma-rried or sing^k. (Which)?
11. What miUitary service have you had? Rank,
branch, years, ma/tion or state.
12. Do yo«u claim exermption from the draift (Specify
i^rrounds)?
I aflarm ithat I have verified the above answers and
that they are true.
Signature
A Scare
In the morning of registration day, word went
out from Washington, and in many cases reached
those who were conducting the registration about
noon, that it would not be necessary to fill out num-
ber 12, as that matter would come up again in the
examination. In order to save time then and later
in the tabulation, it was considered best not to have
it fi'lled out. Some of the registrants insisted on
filling it out but many did not, and later decided
that they had been trapped — that this was simply a
scheme to get the nonresistant boys into the service.
The news went like wild-fire, bnt when explained by
88 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
a local board a few days later gave general satis-
faction. This is simpily one of many conditions
which for a time would cause anxiety.
Experience taught us later that while it was
not always safe to trust the inferwr officers, there
was little or no reason to distrust the officials of
the War Department at Washington. They might
not have understood us, or they might have consid-
ered our position both wrong and impractical, or
their own plans did not always work out as expect-
ed and would have to be changed, but they at least
tried to be just and considerate.
Confidence Instilled; Examinations
The letter sent out by the General Conference
Committee after their interview with Secretarv' Ba-
ker helped a great deal to bring confidence, and in
the main body of Mennonites the general sentiment
prevailed that the brethren in the draft as well as^
all others shouW go just as far as they could with-
out violating a Gospel principle. This would per-
mit the young men to take the examination and go
to camp. In many cases the examinations were very
meager and very poorly done, as was shown by the
many who were rejected after reaching camp.
Some boards were very considerate and refused
to send those to camp who were evidently sincere
in their convictions against war, and who in the past
had proven themselves to be good producers. They
believed that such men would be a greater benefit at
home than they could possibly be in camp under the
circumstances.
Exemptions
The first draft regulations provided that those
OUR BRETHREN IN THE DRAFT 89
who could not take combatant service should get
from their local boards form number 174. This ex-
cused them from "any service except siich service
as the President should define as noncombatant."
Calling for this form angered some boards. One
member of such board said, ''There is no number
174. Se€, here is the book of forms, and number
173 is the last one in the book." It was so, but form
174, for good reasons, had been placed between num-
bers 143 and 144. This is an illustration of how
well these things were studied by some boards.
There may be tvvo reasons for this: First, the chair-
man of one such local board said, "It is simply im-
possible for us to go over all the instructions which
we get and do our other work besides. It would
keep one man busy all the time to keep posted;"
Second, one could not blame these men for not look-
ing up some special way for people to get out of
service when part of their work was to get people
into it.
This method of recruiting the army was not very
satisfactory because there were too many complica-
tions in it and because there was no umformity. A
radical change was made which was supposed to
bring about uniformity and greatly simplify the
work. All registered men were required to fill out
a sixteen-page questionnaire. Some of the questions
required as many as five answers, so that all told
there were about two hundred twenty-fiv-e questions
to answer, but they were so arranged that no one
need answer all of them. These answers were sup-
ported by affidavits. From these questionnaires (and
other information if thought necessary) the local
boards divided the registrants into five classes. Class
90 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
I was to be called first, then class II, and so on.
The officers at Washington did not believe that any
except class I would be needed, but a few were
called from class II, where there were not enough
in class I to fill the quota. Class V was exempt.
There were nine divisions in that class, but only
tour which generally concerned nonresistants. They
were, First, ministers of the Gospel ; Second, stu-
dents preparing for ministry ; Third, resident aliens
(not enemies); Fourth, persons physically or men-
tally unfit for military service.
Other registrations and classifications were made
later, one for the young men who had become of
age after the first registration, and one to include
all men between the ages of eighteen and forty-five.
Effect of the Questionnaire
As already noticed, the purpose of the question-
naire was to get unanimity of action on the part of
the boards, both local and district. It was an im-
provement over the old method but it came far short
of producing uniformity. To illustrate: page fifty of
the Selective Draft Regulations, section 79, rule XII,
says, *'In class V shall be placed any registrant
found to be ; a ; b. A regularly or duly or-
dained minister of religion." In a note below, the
Regulations very clearly show what is meant by
such "minister of religion." Regardless of this, quite
a number of ministers who were ordained in ex-
actly the manner, and for the purpose set forth in
the Regulations were required to go to camp just
ihc same as if they had not been ordained, and
(Hie was even sentenced to the disciplinary barracks
at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The other side of
OUR BRETHREN IN THE DRAFT 91
this is illustrated by the action of another board
when the bishop appeared before it and said, "I
jiotice that you have one of our young ministers in
class I, when it seems to us that he should be placed
in class V. Please read here what the Regulations
say about it and see whether you do not think so
too." The member of the board read it and said,
""Certainly he belongs in class V, and will be placed
there." The bishop went out after having heartily
thanked the mem-bers of the board and met the
young brother who was doubly surprised, First, at
seeing his bishop there, not knowing that he was
within a hundred miles, and, Second, at being shown
ii re-classification.
Giving the Soldiers a "Send-off"
Elaborate preparations were made to give the
soldier boys a great **Send-efT," when the first few
contingents went to camp. The band played, and
the boys were marched through the towns from
which th-ey were going to camp. Great crowds gath-
-ered at the depots long before train time. People
tried to be jovial, talked, laughed, and gave the boys
many pleasant goodbyes. But there were those in
many of the crowds who were not in a mood to
take part in jollities. Their boys were going away.
They were to prepare for the front, or were to go
to camp and there be persecuted for their faith.
Would they see them again? The boys were not all
laughing. There were those among them who be-
lieved that war is wrong, and that for them to even
take part in these demonstrations and in the prac-
tices of the camp was wrong. They could take no
part in the drill or other war preparations. War
92 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
was the prime object of it all, and that for them
was wrong. Others might laugh now and talk brave^
bait knowing that they would be brought face to
face with trials that were greater than going to the
front gave rise to very serious thought.
The Position of the Church Tested
The doctrine of nonresistance was being tested.
All religious bodies holding it as a tenet of their
faith should have worked together for its mainte-
nance, and especially for the benefit of their breth-
ren in camp. Instead of this they often differed
widely in their attitude taken toward their members
m camp. Some were very radical, and urged un-
wise actions on their members going to camp; oth-
ers were almost noncommittal. This latter position
caused loss of confidence among the lx)}-s in the lead-
ers of their churches, and the boys soon learned to
go to others who were known to take more of a mid-
dle ground. Here they received what they could not
get from their own ministers and often kept up cor-
respondence with their new advisors rather than to
correspond with their own pastors.
One young man writing from camp said, "It is
doubtful whether the government will consider the
Church as nonresistant hereafter. Her min-
isters visit the boys in camp but the boys can get
no help from them in the solution of problems aris-
ing here.... They seem to be afraid." The oppOvSite
of this was shown in some of the smaller nonresist-
ant bodies who thought that it was inconsistent with
the nonresistant doctrine to do anything in camp,
vvvn to keep their own q/uarters clean or to cook
their own food. Mennonites as a rule considered
OUR BRETHREN IN THE DRAFT 93
that it was the proper thing to do anything in the
way of providing for the comfort of self and others,
stopping short of noncom'batant military service.
With this lack of unity as to the application of the
nonresistant doctrine, it is not surprising that there
should be a difference in the actions of the boys in
camp.
As a rule the attitude of the Mennonite young
men in camp was in harmony with the attitude of
the Church at home, as expressed in her conference
decisions. A very few, indeed, took regular service,
a few more took some form of noncombatant service,
but by far the greater number stood for no service
aside from cleaning up in and around their barracks
and preparing their own food.
Lack of Uniformity in Camp Officials
Some officers in camp, like some boards, took
matters into their own hands regardless of orders
from Washington. The Secretary of War issued an
order April 27, 1918. and reiterated it July 30, 1918,
v/hich reads,
"'If, however, any drafted man, upon his arrival at
camp either thrcmg"h the presentation of a certificate from
his kKaJ board, or by a written statement addressed by
himself to the command injg officer, -shall record himself
as a oonacrentious objector, he shall not against his will,
be J'equired to wear a uniform.
In spite of this a number were forced to wear
the uniform, some for a short time only, others to
the end of the war.
Getting Men to Accept Service
It was not the aim of the war department to
call men to these camps and feed them and get
nothing in return from them. One of the duties of
94 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
ihc officers was to get ail men to accept service of
some kind if that was possible with proper treat-
ment. Here again methods differed. This is what
occurred at one camp which is a fair sample of those
used in several others :
One day an officer came into the C. O. bar-
racks and said, "We need a number of men to tend
the fires in the different Y. M. C. A. buildings in
the camp. I was informed that the men in this de-
tachment would not do this. I said that I did not
1>elieve it. Surely any Christian man can build fires
in a Christian institution. A man is not a man. say
nothing about being a Christian, who will not help
along that much." With an oath he said, "I want
to see whether there is any one here so small that
he will not build a fire in a Y. M. C. A. All who
are willing to do this work will please stand. Come
now, be men." Not one arose. Several days later
one came in who seemed to think that he could win
the C. O.'s by flattery. He said, "Now boys, I have
heard a great deal about you, and I feel sure that
conditions are not as they are presented to mc. I
have always said that I believed that you were men
— too much of men to desire to do nothing while
others were dying for the welfare of their country.
1 recognize your religious convictions and would not
ask you to take uj) combatant service, but I thought
tliat you might be willing to take up some form of
nonconibatant service. If there are such here, let
them stand." No one moved. 'T see that I did not
make myself clear; you would not need to go into
any danger. You would be kept well back of the
lines. Now how many will stand?" No one arose.
"Well, possibly you do not want to cross the ocean.
OUR BRETHREN IN THE DRAFT 95
We will need a great many men here. Will you do
service if we promise you that you need not leave
America?" (Same result as before.) "Well, pardon
me, but you will surely be willing to help take care
of soldiers who have been wounded and are to be
p^laced into convalescent hospitals. You boys are
Christians, and I respect your high standard, but
surely it is the work of a Christian to help his fel-
lowman. Doubtless you will all take this." With
up-turned palms he moved both hands upward, say-
ing, "Everybody rise for this work." Not a man
stirred. He had said too much. He dare not show
disgust, but he went out not very well pleased.
The graceful and manly way in which the boys
suffered the taunts would have done credit to older
and more experienced heads. The C. O.'s in a cer-
tain camp had been transferred to other barracks.
The next Sunday morning an officer came in and
said, "Everybody out." They all obeyed. The offic-
er said, "Line up along here." They did so. Then
he said, "Go all around these barracks for a space
this wide and pick up all the cigar and cigarette
stubs, and deposit them in this vessel." While the
boys did this, the soldiers from the other barracks
were looking out of their windows and making re-
marks of the kind that one would naturally expect
from such a crowd. After they were through the
officer said. "You are excused." Naturally the boys
were stirred, but after they were all in the barracks
again, one of their number said, "Now boys, we all
know that this was done to disgrace us, but let none
of us say one word in retaliation," and they did not.
That was too much for the officer. Evidently he
expected to have a quarrel, but when no one said
96 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
anything, arrangements were soon made for another
transfer.
Trials awaited our brethren at every turn. So
long as they could conscientiously obey the com-
mands of the officers the food was sufficient and of
good quality; but when some command was diso-
beyed, regardless of any convictions which the of-
fender may have had, he w^as then placed into the
guard-house. Here he did not always fare so well.
Frequently these prisoners were put on an alternate
diet, two weeks on bread (a very limited amount)
and water, then two weeks on regular meals. But
meals were not the only ills of the guard-house.
Generally these places were infested with vermin
and were occupied by the worst class of men in the
camp — people who were used to fighting all their
lives, and would fight on any pretense. One young
man was placed into one of these prisons and the
officer who took him there said, "Here is a C. O.
You have my consent to pommel him as much as
you please." To the credit of the prisoners, let it
be said that he was not molested. In this, these
ruffians showed more consideration than the officer.
Some of the hardest trials in camp will be given in
Chapter X in the boys' own words, and their relig-
ious privileges will be discussed in Chapter XHI
under the general subject. Camp Visitations.
The C. 0.*s a Trial to the Officers
The C. O. was not the only one who had trials
in camp because of ^e doctrine of nonresistance.
Think of the man who enlisted at the call of his
country and was anxious to go to the front to "help
make this ccmntry safe for democracy," tken to find
OUR BRETHREN IN THE DRAFT 97
himself placed in command of a lot of young men,
full of life and vigor, but who refused to fight or
even train. Whether he professed to be a Christian
or not matters little; he can never understand such
actions. Had his views harmonized in the least with
that of the C. O., he would not have enlisted. No
wonder the C. O. was often treated rather roughly.
The wonder is that not a much larger number were
made to suffer.
"'Specially Qualified Officers"
The order of the President was that the C. O.'s
should be ''placed under the command of specially
cjualified officers of tact and judgment," but in many
cases it would be difficult for an offi<:er who desired
■^'overseas service" to use his tact and judgment to
the best advantage in the presence of those who to
him seemed nothing short of slackers. This "tact
and judgment" was to be sought, not with a view of
^entrapping the boys, but that by personal talks and
other legitimate means as many as possible might
l)e persuaded to take up arms and fight, and if that
could not be attained then at least to accept non-
combatant service.
General Bell
There were exceptions to this. Major General
Bell of Camp Upton asked to be placed in command
of the C. O.'s. In this case the C. O.'s were largely
Socialists. By devoting much time and energy to
liis new charge he succeeded in getting a large num-
ber to accept combatant service, but there were not
many General Bells. Most of the officers despised
the C. O.'s and to be placed in charge of them was
more than some could stand. Very often our boys
98 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
were made to suffer for it, but when we consider
conditions we will not think so hard of some of these
officials.
CHAPTER VIII
OUR BRETHREN IN THE DRAFT (Continued)
The Conscientious Objector
Those who refused to take any part in winning-
the war soon found themselves branded as "yellow,"
**slackers/' "cowards," "Huns," "pro-German," or
something else equally unkind. The name (bor-
rowed from England) used by the war department
to designate the drafted men who took such a stand
was, ^^Conscientious Objector," and at first was in-
tended to apply only to such as took this stand be-
cause they belonged to a Church which embodied
nonresistance in its creed and because the men
themselves believed that it would be wrong for
them to have a part in carnal warfare. Later it
was applied also to those who for other reasons
refused to take part in this war. This was unfortu-
nate. If the two classes had been kept separate,
the first class would have been better understood.
General Crowder's View
The religious and political objectors were two
distinct classes and were so considered by Provost
Marshal General Crowder as well as by all other
right thinking people. In the general's report to
the Secretary of War on the first draft, made Decem-
ber 20, 1917, he says:
"Som>e boards treat r€il'i^o-ifs a-nd other conscaentious
objectors a« one class, and say that when found honest,
100 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
they mig-hit as well be assigned to noncoml>atarnt service.
But it sihould not be for gotten that the two d asses are
entirely distin-ct — ■legally, morally, and practicaiily. They
are legally disitinct because the aot of Congress exp.ressly
recognjizes and gives a legal staitns -to the one, but wholly
ignores the other. They are morailly distinct, because the
-one obeys what he regards as la divine mandate, btindin-g
the conscience of the 'believers and sancitioned by a set-
tled traditicm of their Chitrch; while the other is mierely
choosing to ac'cei>t the loose and untried specufcition of
modern theorists who avow no respect for reliigioMs Scrip-
tures and profess no authority over the conscience. They
are praotically distin-ct, because the one dnclud'es an as-
certainable group of individnaJls, registered in their sect,
definitely fixed on May 18 (the date O'f the passage af the
selective service act) and not capable of enlargement at
will; while the other may linclude any one iv'liomsoever
who has chosen, after May 18 lasit, to make pcrofession
insincerely, of an opinion oq^posed to war; and thits this
groiip, if recognized in practice, would inevitabiy become
an easy and impregnable refuge for an unlimited number
of slackers."
In speaking of the religious and political ob-
jectors, General Crovvder further says:
"Only those men whose convictions against war were
so deep as to risk any consequences of their stand, seemed
to res'ist. The men whose principles were not real, or
whose courage was weak, •complied with orders and are
performing military service. .. .The whole experience of
England and United States shows that either deep re-
ligious convictions or unusual intellectual independence is
required to maintain so unpopular and heretical a posi-
tion."
View of Norman A. Thomas
In the same report is this quotation from Nor-
man A. Thomas :
"It lis natural to think of (the conscientious o4>iectors
as essenjtially religious .... Not all conscientious o3>iectors
are avowedly religious, nor "is rehgious conscierettous ob-
jecHon confined to relatively snialll sects whidh liave in-
corporated it in their creeds. Within the last t^feneration
tiiere 'lias geen a wide growth of peace seutimeat in the
churches. Then you have t:he young idealist aanong the
iivtel'lectuals with whom humanity lis a reality never served
by the horrors of war, and a very much larger ^roitp of
working men wiio ha\e learned too well the soHdiarity of
OUR BRETHREN IN THE DRAFT 101
the workinig- class to believe that the organized destrun:-
■tion of their brdthren who march under a different national
banner ■will hasten the dawn of real liberty and fraternity."
Denominations Represented
It is perfectly natural that people who held that
it was a Christian duty to help win the war should
claim that the conscientious objector was absolutely
in the Avrong", and especially so if he was a religious
objector. Tlie religious objectors came from about
forty denominations, and the larger the number of
their young men who refused to accept service, the
more that denomination was reviled, and the more
things were said about them that were absolutely
untrue — and that very often by men who had every
opportunity to know the truth. They were called,
**stupid," "dull," "ignorant," and a score of other
things which suggest mental deficiency ; this, too, in
spite of the fact that in at least several of the camps
the C. O. detachment stood the best psychological
test of any detachment in the camps, and despite
the fact that a goodly number of them were college
students and graduates, and even a few college pro-
fessors.
Political Objectors
Among the political objectors were to be found
the anarchist, whose purpose it was to break down
all rule and order; the socialist, who had not the
least religious objection to war but was opposed to
ihis war regardless of his reasons for it; the man
who would not fight because he was pro-German ;
and the idealist who chose "to accept the loose and
untried speculations of modern theorists." Possibly
one-third of those who held to their views as con-
scientious objectors and were court-martialed and
102 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
sent to the disciplinary ibarracks at Fort Leaven-
worth, Kansas, were political objectors. Whether
or not this class should have had the same rights to
exemptions as the religious objectors is not ours to
discuss here. Our subject is primarily the religious
objector.
Religious Objectors
The name, religious objector, may well apply
to nearly all, it not all, the Mennonites who were
called to cami). They were such, not simply be-
cause it was the creed of the Church, but having
learned the Scriptures on the subject of war, they
were ready to stand for those teachings regardless
of results. They knew that children of God are not
to be world rulers, but ''strangers and pilgrims,"
that it is the business of the world to rule the world,
and that this at times may mean war; but if they
wanted to be fellow-heirs with Christ they must ab-
stain from all wars, and with equal propriety from
all that abets war.
On going to camp the religious objector with
others was asked to do military service ; but he real-
ized thiat thereby he would be helping the war. He
lealized, too, that he must stem the tide somewhere,
for everything in camp had for its object the very
thing which in his mind was wrong — the taking of
human life and the destruction of property. He
wanted to be true — ^he could go no farther. If he
had sought the easiest way he would have gone
with the crowd. It Avould have required less cour-
age to enter the trenches, to face the machine guns
— yea, the cannon — than to stand against such odds.
OUR BRETHREN IN THE DRAFT 103
But he is not his own ; he must obey God at all
costs.
Captain Hough
In some camps all that was necessary for the
leligious objector to do was to state his position
plainly and honestly and show his card (form 174 or
1008) or write out a statement and send it to the
commanding officer, but in other camps that seemed
to avail nothing; all seemingly depended upon the
officers. Captain Hough 'at Camp Sherman (Ohio)
will always have the grateful consideration of the
religious objectors at that camp for the way in which
he dealt with the problem. At the same time, those
who were not well founded or were untrue were
more likely to be brought into service than under
the methods used in some other camps. If there
Avas any spirit of revenge in the hearts of the C. O.'s
in some camps, the treatment would not soon have
been forgotten. Curses and scoffs were not consid-
ered sufficient ; kicks and blows became a part of
the treatment.
The Board of Inquiry
On June 1, 1918, Newton D. Baker, Secretary
of War, appointed as a Board of Inquiry, Major
Richard C. Stoddard; Julian W. Mack, judge of the
United States circuit court of appeals; and Harlan
F. Stone, dean of Columbia University Law School.
About two and a half months later Major Stoddard
was detailed for service in Europe and Major Walter
G. Kellogg was appointed chairman in his stead.
The purpose of such a board was to examine
all the C. O.'s in the various camps, to determine
which ones were sincere, and to find the "slackers"
104 MENTNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
who were not slow in trying to find shelter under
the plea of religion. It was originally intended that
all the C O.'s should ibe gathered into one central
camp and all be examined there; but this was not
done, and the board traveled from camp to camp^
making long journeys and spending much time on
the railroads.
Classification
To determine the sincerity of each and not da
an injustice to anyone was not an easy task. A big
job, little evidence, the unnatural environment for
the C. O., all aided in making it more difficult. K
he had joined the Church before April 6, 1917, had
a certificate showing him to be a consistent member^
had his card from the local board showing that it
believed that he was entitled to the claims made in
the printed form, and his answers were clear and
satisfactory he was usually considered sincere. This
board divided all parties examined into different
classes and recommended them accordingly to the
war department at Washington. Classifications were
as follows :
I — A. Those found to 'be sincere reli'gions objectors
and recommended for fairm or industrial furlougli.
] — 'P.. Those found to be sincere non-reli^ous ob-
jectors and recommended for farm or industrial furlough.
I — C. Thos^ found to be sincere conscientious o'b-
jeotors who arc recommended for Friends Reconstruction
Unit.
2' — A. Those found to be sincere icons<:ierutious ob-
jectors as to combatant but not sincere as to nonccrtnbat-
ant service, and vvho are therefore recommended to be as-
signed to non'CombaJtant service.
2 — B. Those found to be sincere conscientious ob-
jectors who are willing to accept, and who are therefore
recommended for noncombatant service,
2 — C. Those found to be sincere cotiscientiou-s ob-
jectors, wlio aje willing to accep-t service in sun-d who arc
assigned to, reconstruction hospitals.
OUR BRETHREX IX THE DRAFT 105
3. Those t'ound to be ins'incere and assignable to any
military duty.
4. Those ofbjectors who are recommen-ded 'to be sent
to Fort Leaven'worth. Kansas, for further examinaition,
5. Those objectors who upon examination withdraw
their objections.
6. Those found to be sick or unfit for examination,
and recommended to be sent to a hospital for treatment.
7. Allien enemies or neutrals.
8. Those objectors who are recommended for mental
examination and discharge, if not found competent.
9. Not in 'camp — not seen by board.
10. Under criminal charge — ^the board expresses no
opinion imtil the decision of the court-martial.
In 1 — A af the foregoing" list reference is made
to the farm furlough. Farm help was scarce before
this country got into the war and was made much
more so when thousands of young men were taken
from the farms by the draft. There was a general
cry for farm help. \\ omen worked in the fields, but
that was not sufficient. This demand for help was
made the more positive because there were many
C. O.'s in the various camps who were thoroughly
familiar with farm labor and who would have been
very glad to devote their time to such work instead
of being in camp where they felt that they were no
good to themselves, their country, nor an}' one else,
at least so far as the food problem was concerned.
Various plans had been proposed and finally the war
department decided to have the C O.'s, so recom-
mended by the board of inquiry, put out on farms
at such a price as would be satisfactory to both the
camp officials and the farmer. In some cases the
farmers Avere compelled to pa\' as much as sixty
dollars per month, others from forty to fifty dollars.
The C. O. received thirty dollars and the balance,
in accord'ance with Government requirement, was
given to the Red Cross. Some of the young men
106 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
were so anxious to be furloughed to some good farm-
er that when the camp officials asked more than the
farmer was willing to pay the C. O. gave the farm-
er part of his thirty dollars. Some camps had ar-
rangements by which all the money was paid to
the camp, and the C. O. did not receive anything
until lie was discharged. At the same time he must
furnish his own clothes and pay his incidental ex-
penses. Either the farmer or the young man must
pay the railroad fare. In many cases the farmer
would not ; the young man had not been earning
an}'thing as he had refused to accept the soldier's
pay while in camp. In some cases at least there
was something for the Church to do in seeing that
this need was supplied.
Lack of Uniformity in Furlough Plans
It w^as intended that none should receive a farm
furlough until after the examination by the board
of inquiry, but that was not strictly adhered to.
Nearly all the Mennonite boys were very glad to
accept such furloughs so that they might be produc-
ers and not only consumers, as they must necessar-
ily be in camp. The plan of getting the young men
out depended almost exclusively on the camp offi-
cials. In some camps the farmer would have to
appear and sign the necessary papers before the
young man would dare leave the camp. In one case
a young man was allowed to make applications for
the furlough, sign up for the farmer, stop on the
way to get his trunk and proceed to the farm eight
hundred miles from the camp without any question
as to whether he would get to the place alone.
It was generally understood that none of the
OUR BRETHREN IN THE DRAFT 107
C O.'s were to be furloug'hed to their home com-
munities. One case, however, was found where the
young. man lived with his father before the war with-
in two miles of the Ohio line, in Indiana. He had
been sent to Camp Sherman (O.). One day a farm-
er came and asked for a C. O., and this boy was
pointed out to him. The farmer and camp officials
made the bargain as to the wages to be paid. On
the way back to the farmer's home, the young man
inquired as to the place where the farmer lived, his
address, etc., and found that although he would be
on a farm in Ohio, he would be only five miles away
from his home.
In the majority of cases no attention was paid
by camp officials as to whether the young men got
into neighborhoods where they could worship with
co-religionists or not. Many of them got into such
communities because the farmers applied for certain
boys and thus the desired end was reached, but this
did not always work. One farmer went to camp and
asked for a certain C. O. He was told that no word
had come as to whether the board of inquiry had
recommended him for a furlough. The farmer asked
whether he could engage the young man condition-
ally, and whether it would help if he would wire
him as soon as he heard that such recommendation
had come. The officer said, "I promise nothing. If
you wired me that you would be here at four o'-
clock this evening and a man came at three that
wanted him I would not keep him for you. The
man who is here when the recommendation comes
is the man that gets him."
In some communities there were threats of vio-
lence when it became known that people who would
108 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
do nothing toward winning the war, were getting"
help for their farm work through the C. O.'s. In
one neighborhood those who had received such
young men decided that for their own safety as well>
as for the life of the young men it was advisable
to send them back to the camp. In another com-
munity to which a goodly number of young men had
been furloughed the feeling became so intense that
threats of murder and incendiarism became frequent.
Especially the C. O.'s were threatened. A party
from the community phoned to the captain who had
the C. O.'s in charge. He at once boarded the train,
came into the neighbor'hood, and calling a meeting,
told the people that they had better be careful; that
these young men were in the service of the United
States; that it had been planned by government au-
thority to place these young men here, and that
they were going to stay and they will be protected
even if it is necessary to bring troops to defend them.
That quieted the mob spirit, and the boys were not
molested.
About sixty C. O.'s were furloughed to one of
the western farms of more than six thousand acres
devoted largely to corn-growing. Major Kellogg'
visited this farm and, speaking about the large corn
crop, says. "Without the objectors it would have
Ix'cn im])ossiblc to harvest the crop. Certainly they
proN ed a God-send to the farmer, and indirectly to
the c(3untry at large. And the American Red Cross
benefited substantially, as the treasury of that little
country chapter would show.... the report that he
( the farmer) gave of them was most reassuring.
'I'luy liad, as a rule, worked faithfully and had
OUR BRETHREN IN THE DRAFT 109
proved very capable farmers — in fact, he never had
2i 'better force of men on his farm."
Better Segregation Necessary
It would have been much better for the con-
scientious objector, religious or political, as well as
for the soldier if the former had been hundreds of
miles from any camp, or if there had been some civ-
ilian work Which he could have taken up at less
pay than the soldier received. At camp every line
of work had for its purpose the abetting of war.
The C. O. felt that this was wrong and hence he
must refuse to work or violate his conscience.
The former meant persecution; the latter a serious
cltect upon his character. The soldier would have
been better satisfied with his lot and entered more
enthusiasti<:ally into his work.
A su/ggestion was made to R. C. McCrea. civil-
ian commissioner for conscientious objectors, that
a number of churchmen be given the use of several
thousand acres of land in the Pima Indian Reserva-
tion in Arizona during the war and have several
hundred furloughed to this ranch. All that would
have been above actual expense, all parties working
for board and clothes, would have been given for
reconstruction work. The commissioner approved
of the plan, w^ho soon after went to Washington to
la^' the plan before the authorities there; but just
then the Germans began to retreat, and it was de-
cided that it would hardly be needed. If the pro-
posal had been made at the proper time, it is pos-
sible that the plan would have been adopted and
that much of the dissatisfaction in camp might have
been avoided.
no MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
Discharges
Those who had received farm furloughs were
called back to camp some time after the signing of
the armistice, and with those who did not receive
furloughs, were discharged among the first after de-
mobilization had begun. Many of those who had
accepted noncombatant service were held longer.
As a rule the discharges given at camp and at Fort
Leavenworth disciplinar)^ barracks were on blue pa-
per whi<rh meant that they were neither honorable
nor dishonorable. A very few C. O.'s who were
among the first to be discharged received a white
paper, or an honorable discharge, while some who
were never court-martialed, had spent little or no
time in the guard-house, and even before given their
final release, were permitted to go to France for re-
construction work, were given a yellow paper, or
a dishonorable discharge. Surely the ways of war
are peculiar.
Accepting Pay
Most of the Mennonite boys refused to accept
pay for the time spent in camp, but before being
discharged they were required to sign the pay roll.
A few signed, and then refused to accept the money.
It is not very difficult to imagine what was done
with it. A large number accepted the money and re-
turned it to the United States treasury or to the
war department, a few used it to buy equipment to
go into the Friends reconstruction work, others gave
it for relief work, and a comparatively small number
accej)ted it and kept it, claiming that while they did
Government no good, after all they were required
to lose the time, hence had a right to the money.
OUR BRETHREN IN THE DRAFT 111
The experiences of the C. O.'s were not pleas-
ant, but many of them had an opportunity to live
out a Gospel principle in such a way that even those
who opposed them and persecuted them were bound
to respect them for having a principle and living it
regardless of results. The young men were made
decidedly stronger by their experiences, provided
they have been drawn closer to God and have be-
come more like Christ. On the other hand, any
exaltation that may grow out of these times of test-
ing will mar that which should have proved a great
blessing.
CHAPTER IX
OUR BRETHREN IN THE DRAFT (Continued)
Courts-Martial
Very few, if any, Mennonites would have been
court-martialed if the war department would have
been allowed time enoug"h to get the farm furlough
plan worked out; but some of the camp officials be-
came very much dissatisfied, took advantage of a
certain ruling of the department, and determined that
the C. O.'s would work or get out of the camp.
There was but one way to accomplish this. They
must give ground for a charge of disobeying orders.
Where this was planned, a noncommissioned officer
would give a command (at Camp Taylor, Ky., that
was usually to rake the ground preparatory to sow-
ing grass seed), then the young man would explain
that he could not conscientiously do that, giving his
reasons, but the officer would not take that for an
answer. He would repeat the command and then
say, "Will you do it?" If the young man continued
to explain, he was stopped and told to answer,
"Yes," or "No." Yes meant that he would promise
to do what he believed to be wrong, and would be
\ iolating his conscience. To say, No, meant that lie
would wilfully disobey orders. Another officer (a
commissioned officer) came and went througli the
same process. Now there would be two witnesses
and two violations. A court-martial was the natural
OUR BRETHREN IN THE DRAFT 113
result. That meant a sentence of from five to thirty
years at hard labor in one of the three disciplinary
barracks in the United States : Fort Jay, Governor's
Island, N, Y., Alcalraz Island, San Francisco Bay,
Calif., or Fort Leavenworth, Kans.
Practically every one has heard of some of
their friends being court-martialed, but do not have
much idea of the process. For their benefit parts
of one trial will be given. It is that of Bro. Allen
Christop'hel, Camp Taylor, Ky. There were eleven
jurymen (all except one were captains), the Judge
Advocate and his assistant, and the prosecuting at-
torney. (To save space the following abbreviations
will be used: P., prosecution; A., accused (which
of course means Bro. Christophel) ; C, court; W.,
witness.)
P. "You have been given a copy of 'the charges'"'
A. "Yes, sir."
P. 'Y'ou have been infformed that you have a rignt
to have counsel?"
A. "Yes, sir."
P. "And that you have a right to testify in your own
behalf?"
A. "Yes. sir."
P. "Do you desire to introduce counsel?"
A. "No, sir."
A reporter was then sworn in and Bro. C. was
asked whether he wanted a carbon copy of the trial.
He said that he did. He was asked whether he ob-
jected to being tried before any of these men. He
answered in the negative. The two charges were
then read. Notice that they are alike except that
different persons are named.
CHARGE I: Violation of the 64th Article of War.
Specification: In that Private Allen Christophel, 159th
Conscientious Objector Deta<^hment, having received a
lawfail <x>mmajid irom 2nd Lt. Robert L. Maddox, Inf.
N. A., has superior ofifi'cer, to tia:be a rake and rake the
114 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
ground, in preparation for sowing grass seed, within the
area ocouip'ied >by the Base Hoispiital, Camp Zachary Tay-
lor, Ky., on or about the 2nd day of May 1918, wilfully
disobeyed ithe same.
Charge II: Violation of the 65'th Article of War.
Specification: In that Allen Christophel, 159th Consci-
entious Objector Detachment having received a lawful or-
der from Corp. Alexander Morrison, 14 Co. 4 Bn. 159 De-
pot Brigade, \Vho was then in 'the execution of his office,
to take a rake and rake the 'ground, in preparation for
sowing grass seed, within the area occupied by the Base
Hospital, Camip Taylor, Ky,, on or about the 2nd day of
May, 1918, wilfully disobeyed the same.
P. "How do vou plead to the speed tkaition of Charge
I?"
A. "I admi*t that I did not obey th^ order, but I
plead not guilty of wilfully disobeying a lawful command.""
P. "How do you plead to charge I?"
A. "1 plead not guiility of disobeying a la'wful com-
mand."
P. "How do you plead as to specifiica'tion of charge
II?"
A. "Read 'fhe sipecificaition, please. (The judge advo-
cate here read the specification of charge II.) I admit
that I disobeyed the order, but I plead not guilty of dis-
obeying a lawful order."
P. "How do you plead to charge II?"
A. "No't guilty."
The paragraphs of the Courts-mantiall that set forth
the gist of the several ofifenses, namely Paragraph 415 and
Paragraph 416. were read to the court by the Judge Ad-
vocate.
2nd Lieutenanit, Robert Maddox, Inf. N. A., 15th Com-
pany, 4th Bn., 159th Depot Brigade was first witness^
Aifter being sworn and answering to a few preliminary
questions he was asked:
P. "Do you know the accused, if so, state his name."
W. "His name is Allien Christophel."
P. "How long have you known hitn?"
W. "I have known him sdnce April 21, 1918. At that
time he reported at the Conscientious Objector Detachment
from the T4th Company, 4th Bn., 159 Depot Brigade."
P. "Did you have any relations with him on or aibout
the 2nd day of May, 1918: if so, state to the court what
they were."
W. "I did. I directed Alexander Morrison to take
a detail of men over to the Base llosipital, and there wait
for me. 1 got there and met the detail and found out the
work that was to be done by them, and the work that
was to be required, see that they were to rake some
OUR BRETHREN IX THE DRAFT 115
ground there in the fere part of ithe ground of the Hos-
pital, m 'the rear of the Base Hospital, rake the ground to
receive grass seed. This accused was in the detail. First,
we gave them rakes and told them to get busy raking the
ground; about half of the number of the detail went to
raking, and obeyed the order. This accused was among
the number that refused to obey the order. I ordered
Corp. Morrison to line them up and give each one of them
the order individuailly, which he did, and this accused was
one of 'those thait refused to obey the order. I then took
the rake myself and told the accused to take the rake and
rake the ground. He said that he could not conscientiousily
do it. I told him that I did not care whether he could
conscientiously do it or not, to take the rake and rake
the ground. He insisted that he could not conscientiously
do it. I told him either to tell me whether he would or
would not, and he never would tell me whether he would
or would not; but he refused to do the work."
P. "Pursuant to whose command did you send them
over there?"
W. "It was 'Pursuant to Col. Oloman's order. He
was then commanding ofificer of the 159th Depot Brigade,
an-d we were under his command."
P. "Did yau have any conversation with the accused
prior to this time?"
W. "I had. It was on or about April 24, igi8, I
caWed rtlie accused iri'to 'the orderly room, and there I ex-
plained to him the executive order of President Wilson,
dated March 20, 1918, and I insiisted that he accept some
service, which he refused to accept. The accused was also
present at the assembly — he was in a group that was pres-
ent in the mess hall of the Conscientious Objectors on
a'bout — -well, it was just a short time, I think it was about
April 24, 1918, proba'bly it was later than that. Any way
it was subsequent to the itime that we went to the Base
Hospital. At that meeting Judge Rutherford, I believe he
was from New York, made a talk to the men. insisting
that they take some noncombatant work. He was followed
by Col Cloman, who told them that if they did not do
this work he wouild have them put into the guard-'house
and tried by Court-Marrtial, and he told them that it
would be an offense, and explained to them what the of-
fense wo-uld be. I did not read the Articles of War, but
at the same time he refused to obey the order I told him
what the Articles were, and what the circumstance was.
When I got within about 25 yards of where I gave the
order, I stopped the detail and said to them, 'Probably
some of you do not understand the magnitude of your
offense, and I want you to understand that the refusal to
obey an order o-f an officer may be punished by death,
116 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
or 'by such otlier punishmemt as the court-martial may
direct.' "
P. "What was your rank o^n this 2nd af May, cg-iS?"
W. "2nd Lieut., Infantry, N. A."
P. "Were you in cammand of that detaicihmenit on
•that day?"
W. "Yes, :sir."
P. (To the aiccucsed) "Do you desire 'to ask him any
quesitions, do you want to ask him any thing ?"
A. "No, sir.'"
P. ''Do you want me to ask him anything tor jroiu?"
A. "No, sir. There may ibe a few faulty dates but
I suppose those will be cfl eared up."
P. "You can asik him any question you want to or
later on you will be given an op>portunity to make any
statement that you want to."
A. "I do not ithink the question of dates will have any
beariing on the caise."
Corp. Alexander Morrison was sworn and answered
a few preliminary questions then proceeded as follows:
P. "Do you know the accused; if so state who he is?"
W. "Yes, sir, Allen Christophel."
P. "How long have you known him?"
W. "Oh it has been about, better than a raomfth."
P. "What was your rank on or about the 2nd day of
May, 1918?"
W. "Corporal."
P. "Did you have any relations with the accused? If
so, state to the court, in substance, what they were?"
W. "About taking him to worik?"
P. "Yes."
W. "Wihy, we got a detail to march over to the Base
Hospital, and march t'hem over there to do some work, to
..sow grass seed. We got them lined up. and a lot of them
werut to work; and this man stood out and did not go
jto work, and I asked him why he didn't do it, and he
said he could not conscientiously work, it was against his
conscience."
P. "Were you in command of the detachment an ithat
date?"
W. "Yes, sir."
P. "By whom were you 'given orders?"
W. "By Lieut. Maddox."
P. "What organization were you with at that tinne?"
W. "Conscientious Objectors."
P "What organization was the accused with at that
time?"
W. "Conscientious Objectors."
P. "Starte to the court what order you guve to the
accused."
OUR BRETHREN IN THE DRAFT 117
W. "I got him a rake and offered it to him, and told
ihim to go out there and ralce lup the ground — loosem up
the grouTitl so as to sow grass sc'cd."
P. "What did he say?"
W. "He said that he coujd not conscientiously do it."
R "Ddd lie do dt?"
W. "No, sir."
P. (To the accused) "Do you desire to ask him any
ques'tious?"
A. ''No, sir."
P. "Do you want me to ask him any for you?"
A. "No, sir."
P. "The ^prosecution rests."
The Court. "It becomes my duty to inform you of
youT rvghits and your privileges in this case. You can take
the stand i<f you want to, and make a statement not under
oath; in such case you will not be subject to cross exam-
ination by ithe judge advocate or the court. You can make
a statement under oath; by so doing you will be subject
to tbe same cross examination both by the judge advocate
and try the court, and you are entitled to the s»ame -p^rM-
leges, and have to share the same responsibilities as any
other uTtness. You can call any amount of witnesses you
want in your own behalf. You have heard w^hat your
rights are in this case; you can elect which course you
desire to take. What do you desire to do?"
A. "I desire no witnesises. My creed' — "
Court. "You do mot have to take an oath, if you do
not want to.
A. "I desire to make a statement not under oath."
"Court. "Now you can explain your side of the case
to Ithe court, any thing you want."
P. "State your name, your rank, and the orgamization
to which you belong, and your location."
A. "My name is Allen Chrisftophel; rank, private; I
belong to the Conscientious Objector Detachment of the
1591th Depot Brigade; Camp Zachary Taylor, Kentucky."
P. "You may now state anything that you desire, in
youT own defense."
A. "When I was taken to the hospital I was asked
to ra'ke preparatoiry to sowing grass seed, and I refused
to do so, with no criminal intent, and with no intention to
wilfully disobey a lawful order. I, at that time, consid-
ered the order unlawful, for a few reasons; but that was
not the only purpose that guided me in refusing to work.
In the first -place, in conversation with Lieut. Maddox, he
told me tihat this work was of a military nature. Further-
more, in reading concerning Assignment of Work,' under
the O^fartermas'ter's Department, I noticed that there was
a ciliatjse called 'Workimg Gang,' and while I hadn't tech-
118 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
nicallly laccepited service, I knew from it that I would be
renderi'ing military service; and according to one clause in
the President's ruling, which says, "but not to altoiw their
objections ito be made the basis of any favor or ao«isidera-
tion, beyond exemption from actual military servi-ce,' I
concluded that in harmony with that ruling I wouW not
be required by that ruling to do that service.
"But that was not the main thing that guided me in
refus-ing. There is nothing in my belief nor my creed
that forOaids me to rake grass seed. There is nothing in
my creed and my belief that forbids me to do a number
of other kinds of work in 'camp, but the thing tliajt I ob-
jected to is, because this work and all other wocrk under
the TTi'ilitary arm of the government has for its sole intent —
one purpose, that of taking vengeance and that of de-
stroying life — which thing hias 'been taught against by our
Church since it was founded in 1525. In 1632 their Con-
fession of Faiith was drawn up, and they made the fallow-
ing statement:" The accused then read the whole of
Article XIV from the Mennonite Confession of Faith which
is as "follows:
Article XIV.
Defense by Force.
" 'Regarding revenge, whereby we resist our enemies
with the sword, we believe and confess ithat the Lord Jesus
has forbidden his disciples and followers all revejnge aud
resistance, and has thereby commanded them not to "re-
turn evil for evil, nor railing for railing:' but to "put up
the sword into the sheath,' or, as the prophets foretold,
'beat them into plough-shares.*
" 'From this we see, that, according to the example, life,
and doctrine of Christ, we are not to do wrong, or cause
offense or vexation to any one; 'but to seek the welfare
and salvation of all men; also, if necessity should require
it. to flee, for the Lord's sake, from one city or country to
another, and suffer the spoiling of our goods, rather than
give occasion of offense to any one; and if we are struck
on our 'right cheek, rather to turti the other a3so/ than
revenge ourselves, or return the blow.
" 'And that we are, besides this, also to pray for our
enemies, comfort and feed them, when they are huntgry or
thirsty, and thus by well-doing convince them and over-
come the evil with good. Rom. 12:20,21.
" 'Finally, that we are to do good in all respects, "com-
mending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight
of God," and according to the law of Christ, do nothing
to others that we would not wish them to do unto us.*
"I also wish to quote a very few scxiptuTes-.'* Here
OUR BRETHREN IN THE DRAFT 119
the accused read Matt. 5:43-45, Rom. 12:19, Matt. 10:16,
also Gal. 5:19-23.
"In regard to the position ti»at I hold toward Civil
Government, I vrish to read from the Confession of Faith:
Article XIII.
The Office of Civil Government
" 'We also believe and confess, that God has instituted
eivil government, for the punishment of the wicked and
the protection of the pious; and also further, for the pur-
pose of g-Qverning the world — governing countries and
cities; and also to ipieserve its subjects in gocKi order and
under 'good regulations. Wherefore we are not permitted
to desp^ise, blasipheme, or resist the same; but are to ac-
knowledge it as a minister of God and be subject and
obedient to it, in all things that do not militate against
the law, will, and commandments of God; yea, to be
ready to ev-ery god work; also faithfully to pay it cus-
tom, tax. and tribute; thus giving it what is its due; as
Jesus Christ taught, did Himself, and commanded His
followers to do. That we are also to pray to the Lord
earnestly for 'the government and 'its welfare, and in be-
Tialf of CKur country, so that we may live under its pro-
tection, maintain ourselves, and 'lead a quiet and peaceable
life in all godliness and honesty.' And further, that the
Lord \vour:d recompense them (our rulers), here and in
-eternity, for all the benefits, liberties, and favors which we
«njoy under their laudable administration.'
"The position that I take towards the government and
the officers of this camp is one of obedience — do what I
possibly can for them, and hesitate to obey when they
coinmatid sotnething that I can not do in accordance with
the teachings oi my Church, and the New Testament, as
I understand them. We ought to obey God rather than
man.
"I also wish to state that while at this time we are
spoken of as not in favor of our country, rather, in many
instances, as opposing it — ^the reason we take this position
js not because we are favoring the enemy. It is rather be-
cause we are standing for a principle of not partici-p-ating
in war, thait we are opposed to war as a moral issue, and
-as a New Testament teaching, and that the same position
has been held by the Church ever since its foundation,
and while we are holding aloof at this time (persoitally
I think I apeak in behalf of the entire gfoiip of our
people) we are sincerely grateful to the authorities that
ihey have given us the consideration thait they have thus
far. We are CMiily hoping and longing for the time to
soon- come that we can do something help-ful to our coun-
try, beneficial to mankind, and yet in accordance wi.th our
120 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
Church and the New TestameiDt, and for tlies« principles
I am wilHn.g to make any sacrifice in order to do some-
thin : for humanity, and my country that is in harmony
with the teachings of Jesus Chrisit."
Court. "Anyt*hing iutrther?"
A. "That is all I have to say."
Court. "Any rei>ly?"
P. "No."
The defense had no testimony to offer and no
further statement to make the judge advocate sub-
mitted the case without remarks. The court closed
and finds the accused — Tlie findings were not speci-
fied in the copy of the court martial trial, but the
sentence was ten years hard labor at Ft. Leaven-
worth disciplinary barracks or such place as the re-
viewing board may designate — followed by a dis-
lionorable discharge from the United States army.
It would be interesting to read many more of
tlie noble defenses made in behalf of the Gospel
]/rinciplc of nonresistance by others. It should be
understood that others were just as conscientious
as Mennonites and stood 'by their convictions with
equal fortitude. The defense of one such made be-
fore the court-martial which sentenced him to hard
labor in the disciplinary barracks of the United
States is given here:
"To the best of my know<ledge and belief, no order of
the President or Secretary of War req-trires or expects
me to do that which I regard as an act of "sin. I did not
regard the order (given me) as a larwful order, because
I could not oibey it without violating the diotates oi my
conscience and the plain teachings of God's twg'hor law.
J did not disobey the ord-er in a wilful and ob&tiinate
manner but as quietly and respectfully as possr'ble. Guilt
signifies the doing of wrong. In declining to do the mil-
itary work (given me) I did no more thaai to act in
accordance with my conscience and deep nehgioois convic-
tion, and hence I did no wrong. For that reason I am
not guilty as charged.
"I do nort believe tliat I am seeking mai'tyr4om. As
a young maoi, life and its hopes and freedom and op-por-
OUR BRETHREN IN THE DRAFT 121
tunitfes for service are sweet to me. I want to go out
into the world and do my work and make use of what
little talent I may have acquired by long and laborious
study. Bait I know that I dare not purchase thos« things
at the price of eternal condemnation. I know the teach-
ings of Christ my Savior. He taught us to resist not
evil, to love our enemies, to do good to them that hate us.
Not only did He teach this but He practiced it in Geth-
semane, before Pilate, and on Calvary. We would, in-
deed, 'be hypocrites and base traitors to our profession if
we rwoi>ld be unwilling to endure the taun/ts and jeers of
a sinful world, and imprisonment, and the tortures of
death, rather than to participate in war and military serv-
ice. We know that obedience to Christ will gain for us
the prize oi eternal life. We cannot yield, we can not
compromise, we must suffer.
"Two centuries aigo our people were driven out of
Germany by religious persecutors, and they accepted the
invitation of Wi'lliam Penn to come to his coliony where
they mi-ght enjoy the blessings of religious libertty which
he promised them. This religious liberty was later con-
firmed to us by the Constitution of Pennsylvania and by
the Constitution of the United States. If those in author-
ity now see fit to change those fundamental documents,
and take aWay our privileges of living in accordance with
the teachings of the Scriptures of God, then we have no
course "but to endtirc persecurtion as true soldiers of Christ.
If I haN'e oommitted anything worthy of bonds or of
death, I do not refuse to suffer or to die. I pray to God
for s/trcngth to remain ffaithful."
Signed:
CHAPTER X
SOME EXPERIENCES IN CAMP
Many letters were received by parents, pastors,
and others from our brethren in camp. A few of
those have been gathered and extracts from them
will be given here. Others who passed through tri-
als even more severe were asked since their dis-
charge to write up their experiences. Some have
done so, but the larger number of them dwelt much
more on the care and protection of God than on
the severity of their trials. One said, "Somehow
one does not care to remember the hardships and
does not like to write them. We would rather think
of the goodness and mercy of God in carrjang us
through, and forget the unpleasant experiences."
1 his is a most commendable spirit. One remarkable
feature of these letters is that there is not one word
of resentment in them, but there are calls for prayer
to God for help, not only for the suffering boys, but
also for their officers and persecutors.
Many of the young men suffered at the hands
of noncommissioned officers who tried to compel
them to accept service of some kind under the
military establishment. Some were placed into the
stockades where the other prisoners heaped all kinds
of abuse upon them. These prisoners held mock
trials, passed sentences, and proceeded to carry them
out. They usually consisted of some in^cansistent
SOME EXPERIENCES IN CAMP 123
"work, or that the party take a bath of alternate hot
and cold water, and in some cases where compliance
HE^as not immediate the party was dragged under the
shower and the water turned on without removing
the clothing. It was not uncommon to see the sup-
|/Osed criminal dragged through the sand with his
■wet clothes on, then 'brought back and placed under
the shower until the party became unconscious or so
l>entimbed that he could scarcely walk.
Following are a few sample letters. The names
and home addresses of the writers will be omitted :
Camip Lee, Va., July i6, 1918.
Dear Brother
Today some of us had fhe hardesrt: experience that we
have ihad since we came to camp. We were cursed, beat-
en, kicked, and compelled to gio through exercises to the
extent that a few were unconscious for some minutes. They
^epl iit up the greater part of ithe afternoon, and then
tfecjfse w^o could .possibly stand on their feet were com-
pelled to take cold shower baths. One of the boys was
Sd'rubbed with a scrubbing brush, using 'lye on him. They
drew MookI in several places. I understand that tomorrow
we are to be moved into tents back of headquarters and
will be coanpletely under the control of the Camp Sanitary
Detachment wdth the rest of the C. O. boys. So the
Tongh treatment is over so far as we are concerned, but
I think that the officials at Washington should be notified
so that conditions will be better for those who come
laJter. It was the Company that we were in charge
of today I certainly do thank God that it is over.
J believe that I would sooner face the firing s<tuad thian
-go Jt^rough much more of the same kind of treatment.
B«1 through it all my conviction is not changed, and I
irrtend to s-taiwl for what I believe to be right. Pray for
us that we may hold out faithful to the end.
Sincerely,
« * * *
I>cair Brcsther :
I went to Camp Cody, N. Mex., Nov. 7. 1917. The
sergeant aslked me to go on guard duty. I refused, so he
'took me to the first lieutenant. The latter began to scold
«ic, iwhea the commandijig officer took up my case. He
^aslccd tne some questions apparently ito test my mental
■capacity, then a'sked me why I refused. I explained that
124 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
it was contrairy to my conscience. He ordered me to take
th'C '"billy" and walk my beat but should not dare to
srtrike any one, and I obeyed. .. .Wihen we were fitted out
with uniforms I was one of the first called, was taken
outside and made to stand bare-headed for three hooirs
on the side of a building aigainst which the sun was beating-
dntenisely, while two hundred fifty men signed up. Then
they (took me and tried to scare mc with all sorts of threat-
enin'gs of punishinent, imprisonments, etc. Finally ihey
called up a sergeant at the stodkade to come and get mc.
H'C soon came, aud on the way to the stockade, he beat
me wiith his club. The prisoners made sport of me, then
gi\'in-g me a mock court-martial trial. They put a rope
aroun-d my neck and strung me up until 1 was almost
unconscious. Here I believed that they would kill me,
'but they let me down and took me to the shower iba/th
and turned cokl water on me for about ten minutes until
I was so numb that I could hardly help myself.
Later I ■v^-'as put ito work, got into a heavy rain, and
was refused dr>' <:lothes. I took cold which developed into
influenza-pneumonia. Before I was released from the hos-
pital help came through relatives writing to higher offi-
cials. Soon a-fter leaving the hospital, arrangements were
made for my release from camp, for which I was very
th'ankful indeed.
Here is a letter from a young man who was
1919.
willing to take noncombatant service:
Dear Brother :
I went to Camp Cody, N. Mex., June 25, 1918. At
first J drilled without a rifle, but later was aisked to take
one, explaining that the President's orders con-cern-ing the
C. O.'s required iit, and I would get into noncosmbatant
service in due time. I accepted it, and in -two weeks was
transferred to the infantry where, of course, I v^-aa as^ced
again to take the rifle, and I saw that I had been deceived.
J refused and explained why. Several nights after tliis,
while I was in bed, some privaites threw water into my
bed, put a rope around my neck and jerked me out on
the floor.
The next day two sergeants came to my tervt and took
mc out, tied a -gun on my sihoulder and marched me down
the street, one on each side of me. kicking me a'Vl the way,
I was asked again wherther 1 would take the rifle and
drill. T refused and was taken to the bath-house, put un-
der the shower bath w^here they ttvrned on the water, al-
ternating hot and cold, until I v.-as so numb that I could
^ SOME EXPERIENCES IN CAMP 125
scarcely rise. Just then one of the higher officers came
in and laisked what they were about. They explained that
'they were giving me a bath. The officer told me to dress
and go to my tent, that he wanted to interview me him-
self. He asiced if I would take a rifle and drill. I told
him tha;t I could not. He ordered my sergeant to put
mc on company street work until they got my transfer,
and in three weeks I was given noncombatant service.
Very truly Youts
* * * *
Camp Greenleaf, Ga., November 9, 1918.
Deaf Brother:
I iwant to let you know how things are going here.
Thursday while I was eating dinner they took my suit-
case and coTutents, and last evening a>fteir dark they came
to my tent and took my clothes off except my underwear
and kept them. The next morning I remained in bed.
They came in and asked me whether I was sick. They
took rae out, set me onto a wheel'barrow and hauled me to
the woods (forty rods or more) land back, and then to
the supply house where they got a uniform for me. They
told me to put it on. I said that I could not, so they took
»t and put it onto the wheelbarrow and told me to wheel
■it to my tent, which I did. I sat down on the bed in
my underwear, and soon one of the men came in and put
the uniform on me. I did not resist. I have it on now
but it does nat change me any. I am not discouraged,
but am trusting in God who will care for me.
From your brother,
* * * *
1919.
1 went to Camp Greenleaf, Ga., July 2r2, 1918. Was
asked to sign up for service; I explained that I could not
do that but would be willing to accept a furlough for farm
work or for reconstruction work under the Friends. A-
bout fifteen of us were segregated and put to excessively
hard labor in order to ma:ke us yield, and about once a
day they would come around and ask whether we were
Teady ito give up. Nearly half of them did finally. I
worked a few days longer, and seeing what they were try-
ing to do, I refused to work any longer. Sergeaat
began to beat me, strikinig me with his fists and several
times with a shovel. I told 'him that I would rather he
wouJd kill me than to use me up like that. He told the
g^ard that he should not kill me as I was too anxious to
die. They still beat me, finally offering me work that they
claimod was entirely civilian. I accepted, provided thart: it
I was '2i& tihey said.
We were kept at very hard labor for about three
weeks lUDfcil they saw the futility o^ it, and gradually made
126 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
our 'tasks easier ainlil they were on'ly ordinary and li^ht.
In tbe meantime they ocoasionally took us to headquarters
and tried to 'get us to sign the pay-^roll, soldier's insurance,
etc. Finally I had to 'sign the ipay-roll in order to jijct
ni}' disoharge. ibuit I returned the money to the war «3e-
partment. All told, it was rather a hard experience- K»Mt
was profi'taWe from a spiritual standpoint.
Respectfully,
Feb. 8, i(.ijs^jL
Detar Brother:
I came home Wednesday eveniu'g, Feb. 5. To> g^vCt
home, "receive a hearty weikome and many exipress-ions of
joy for the effort made ito mainta-in the faith, was aiw^e
worth the hardsihips which we endured.
I had been gone a few days more than ten mo^ntks,
of which I spent twenty-four days in ouir company, ten
days in detention camp, seventy-eight days in the gtianrsd-
house, one night in the Kansas City Police "lock-ttp,"" ooac
hundred ninety-seven days in the disciplinary barraaiks
(Fort Leavenworth, Kans.) and two days on the way-
home. Compare this with II Cor. 11:23-33, and one woissM
almost consider that I had only been on a vacation...-
I do not apiprove of such practices as the world fsras
engaged in, and will give them neiither moral nor nuaiterial
support though it may mean impriisonmcnt or even deaXli
for not doing so. If the army would never kill a nian„ I
can not see hoiw a person could become a part of it, is'i^'^'-
ing moral and material support to its maintenance and
still retain a Christian character. The standards it upholil's
and the injustices it practices are unbelievable to a maat
who never saw them.... The only part that I cv.n have in
the army i's suffering its punishments. The manner awd
purposes of Christianity are as different as day and nigihiL
The aims of the army are coercion, terrorism, carnal forirc;
the ideals of Christianity are love, meekness, gentlenes-s,
obedience to the will of God, etc. When these ideals arc
maintained to the best of our ability, by God's grace He
will provide care and protection in ways not imagined by
man.
As to noncombatant service; all branches of service
have one purpose; viz., to make the whole system a stronj^-
cr organization of terrorism, destruction, and death, WhiiBc
I would not have 'been directly killing any one, I woriM
have been doing a man's part in helping another do the
act, and lending encouragement to the same. To support
a thing and refuse to do the thing supported is either tsr-
norance or cowardice. To refuse to go to the trenchrs
and still give individual assistance to another doiTug- so, iis
cither an improper knowledge of the issues at stake or
SOME EXPERIENCES IN CAMP 127
downright fear to face the bullels. I have a greater con-
scientious objection against noncombatant than against
combatant service. I feel that ithe principle is the sam€,
and ithat both are equally wrong. I u^uld feel guilty to-
ward the other man to accept service where the danger
was not so great
To an observer iit may have seemed ridiculous to re-
fuse to even plant flowers at the base hospital. In the
tiTst place, that iwas the duty of the working gang under
the quartermaster's department. Technically I would not
have been doing military duty for I had not '^signed up;"
A irtually I would have been rendering service because I was
at work.... The farther one went with the military officers
the farther they demanded him to go. I felt that the farth-
er I went the less reason I could give for stopping, so I
concluded that the best place to stop was in the begin-
ning. It was on the charge of refusing to plant flowers
that I received my court-martial sentence of ten years of
hard labor <in the disciplinary 'barracks at Fart Leaven-
worth, Kans.
FraternaMy yours,
* * * *
U. S. Transport. New York, ^919-
The miJitary registration of June 5, 191 7, included me,
and I presented myself for registration, physical examina-
tion, and entrainment. The whole thing seemed vague and
far away. On May 24, 1918, when I bade friends and rela-
tives good'bye and boarded the troop train things became
very real to me, the only conscientious objector among
live hundred m-en so far as I knew.
We arrived at Camp Lewis, Wash., May 28, and were
assigned to Depot Brigade and permanent kitchen work.
I refused it and was sent to the guard-house. There I
went through the most severe physical punishment at the
hands of noncommissioned oflicers and guards that I ever
experienced. 1 do not care to recount these abuses.
Through the efforts of Bro. E. Z. Yoder of Hubbard, Oreg.,
conditions improved. I was in the guard-house forty days.
Later I was sent to the Cascade Mountains on forest fire
duty, and finally discharged December, 19 18. I am glad
for the lessons which I learned divring my seven months
of camp life, but hope I'll never be cal'led upon to repeat
them. I have realized the value of this truth: "The eter-
nal God is thy refuge." I believe thajt I can truly say
that if I had not been called to camp. I would not be on
this U. S. transport, on the eve of our departure for Tur-
key to engage in relief work.
Yours truly,
128 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
April 19, 1919.
Dear Brother
I arrived at Camp McAnthur, Texas, September 7,
1918. I refused to don the uniform, 'but they made a P'lea
to send our clothing- to Belgian sufferers, so I exiplained
thait I would be willing to have that suit sent, but that I
would not wear the uniform. They said tihat I should put
it on to go back to my itent and then I could change to
my other ciWIian suit. This was simply a catch; I was
not allowed to change. Many persistent efforts were made
to get me to accept some kind of service. The s-ergeant
threatened me, and accordang to his own words, would
have knocked me down witih a club if a higher officer
would not have prevented him from doing so.
One officer asked me to accept work or get dotwn and
pray. I knelt and prayed especially for my persecutors,
hint was not aJlowed to finish. I was then taken to the
stockade. The prisoners held a mock trial and sentenced
me to "twenty-five tosses in the blanket and one hundred
lashes with a leatiher strap." They immediately gave me
the tosses and thirty-five lashes. They stopped to rest,
gagged me, and proceeded to give me the remaining sixty-
five lashes — ^this ,time using the ibuckle end on me. The
same evening they held another trial, and this time sen-
tenced me to five hundred lashes to be given the next
evening.
While carying out this sentence they would stop oc-
casionally and ask me whether I would work now. Re-
ceiving a negative answer each time, they 'began again
until the whole sentence was carried out. Before the third
evening the authorities had forbidden any more mock
trials. After a stay of several days more I was asked by
a lieutenant from headquarters whether I refused to wear
the uniform and carry a gun, and on my refusal he sent
me .back to the tent and allowed me to pujt on my civilian
clothes.
Refusing again to cut wood for the mess hall, the
officer called the whole company together and told them
thajt they could do anything iwith me that they pleased ex-
cept that they dare not kill me. That night they organized
and exipected to have some fun with me. The officer in
charge, fearing results, placed four guards over me. I
was soon transferred to replacement camp. When ordered
to do work which I could not conscientiously do, I was
placed under another goiard. He picked up a stick and
began to beat me. I was told that I dare not speak to
any one and no one was aiUowed to speak to me; that I
was to go to mess ait the rear end of the line and have
short rations.
On October 2, I was taken to the base hospital very
sick with influenza, and was there three weeks. So^me
SOME EXPERIENCES IN CAMP 129
time after I was out again 'they tried once more to compel
me to take service. For my refusal I was pla-ced into
solitary oon^finement and on a ""bread and water" diet ion:
twelve days. It was very rainy at that time an<i the roof
lea-ked. My five by ten foot cell was very damp and I
was coW day and night. They took my Bible a'way from
me, bm I 'had a small Testament which they did not find.
I read mtich of the (time in that.
Ha>d a court-martial trial November 26, and was sen-
tenced to five years imprisonment at Fort Leavenworth,
Kans., btrt was released Jamiary 7, 1919, thanking God for
my experience but hoping that there would never be con-
diitions a-gain in this, or any other country, which would
make it necessary for me or any one e«lse to exiperience
such things in the future, I am,
Your brother,
* * * *
June 3, 1919.
Dear Brother:
I was inducted into the army about March 5, 1918, and
was first sent to Camp Greenleaf. Ga., where I remained
more than five months and, of course, had some very hard
trials. The officers tried to make me work as a soldier,
and when I refused to work under the miHtary establisih-
mem they threatened to shoot me, to hang me, etc.; but
after hearing my reasons for not worklrug, some of the
officers were very- kind while others did not want to see
it that way.
I was transferred to many different companies, and
on June 15, I was placed into the guard-*house where I
remained until August 8. Then T was transferred to Camp
Meade, Md., under the guard oi a m-iHtary police. Here
I was placed into the stockade where I was tried Hke gK>ld
in the fire. I was put into the 5weat-box -from dinner un-
til suprper and then beaten so tha.t I felt the effects for
more than a week. During all this time came the loving
words of our Lord, "My grace is sufficient for thee." I
tried to have them understand that if our Father would
g-ive me the strength I would not fiindh even if I had to
suffer. Later I was transferred to the C. O. barracks,
and about five weeks later received a farm furlough to
work for a farmer in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.
I was here "three and a half months, then called back to
Camp Meade far discharge from the army.
Yours truly
* * * *
Aipr. 23, 1919.
Dear Brother:
I arrired ait Camp Greeleiaf, Ga., Septemiber 8, 1918.
Tlie nri^it previous -vrsiS spent on the ti^ain and was a new
130 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
experience to me. Wi-ckedness 'was rampant and the ex-
pressions were v41e indeed, it he worst that I e\^er heard.
Once in camp we were placed in tents. 1 soon explained
my position to several O'f the officers, stating that I could
not drill nor even work oinder the military establishment.
One of them said, "Man, yom will be proud of yourself."
The two hundred fifity men in our company soon knew me,
and in passing their tents I would ihear shouts of "Shoot
him," "Hang him," "Give us a sermon," "Come in and
pray for us," "He won't fight," "He is yellow," and many-
other unpleasant statements
As the company stood in lines for mess, some one
would give the signal that the "preacher" was there and
then all would ihurl some uncomfortable exipre^sions at me.
Rather than sufTer this I missed many meais. Numerous
officers tried to get me to see things from their point of
view. I explained my position, but much ais I longed for
symipathy I got none-. While waitinig in the examination
haill one day, half a dozen lieutenants asked me a great
many questions. They praised me for 'being "so bright,"
but could not undersitand how one having such a "sound
mind" could tafke such a position. One of them who pre-
tended to be a Q-uaker, said, "One time I (believed mucB
as you do, but I know better now."
I 'was asiked to don the imiform, and on refusing they
put it on me and sent my clothes home. I was asked
again to drill but refused. Two men pulled me out of
my tent and held me in tihe ranks trying to make me keep
step. They tranuped my toes and kicked me. This treat-
ment was kept up for about two weeks, but finding it of
no avail they let me go. Scoldings and cursings were fre-
quent. I was asiked to help carry out several men on
stretchers who were sick with influenza. I did so, but
the Lord ip re served me so that I did not giet it.
One day a sergeant took me to the bath ihouse and
tried to compel me to accept some kind of service. He
slapped me in the face, struck me repeatedly with his fists,
and would catch me so that I would not fall. He would
wring my nose, pull my hair, and strike my head against
the wall. He kept up this treatment for some time but
when ihe saw that I would neither defend myself nor
yield to accepting service he let me -go. I had a black eye
and a swollen face for a week or more.
Later I was placed with the other C. O.'s and in abotit
four weeks from that time the armistice was signed. A
little later I was transferred to Camp Shenman (O.) and
soon discharged. I learned many valuable Wessons in camp
which are helpful to my religious cxpeTiejice, but I am
perfectly wilKn-g to have no more triaJs of the sarae kind
SOME EXPERIENCES IN CAMP 131
if that is sartisfactory to my Lord. Praise Him for His
keeping^ and protection,
Y<mr brother,
Mock court-martial trials were not all held by
prisoners. Even soldiers who were not prisoners
and officers were sometimes guilty. In one camp in
the central west several young men were placed with
other C. O.'s who had been in camp longer or were
segregated from the other soldiers. One of their
number was sick and in the hospital when the trans-
fer was made. When he got out again, he asked for
an interview with the captain, which was refused.
Two days later he was called, when the following
conversation took place:
Captain. "Some of the boys have accepted the
uniform and work. I have made them first class
privates, I'll make you a sergeant. Will you accept?"
C. O. "No, sir.^'
Captain. "You are up for a discharge, but I'll
not sign it unless you put on the uniform and ac-
cept work."
C. O. "I think more of my religion than of such
a discharge."
Captain. "You are very foolish. All we can do
is to put you into the guard-house and await further
orders."
The man was put into the guard-house for two
days on a bread and water diet, then let out. One
night at 10:30 he was called and asked whether he
was willing to accept service, which he refused.
Captain. "Here is an order with Secretary Ba-
ker's name attached, *A11 C. O.'s hereafter shall be
tried and punished as the court-martial may direct.' "
The young man was asked whether he knew
132 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
vv^hat this meant. He answered in the affirmative,
but stated that he was willing to take the conse-
quences, still bdiev^ing it to be a "bluff."
Captain. "You know, army orders change, and
you may get your witnesses.'* *
C. O. "I do not want any witnesses. I am
not here for any criminal offense."
At 4:30, the next morning he was called and
asked whether he had sent for his witnesses. On
receiving a negative answer, the officer ordered a
court-martial which was held. A major with tears
(?) in his eyes read, "The prisoner is guftty of vio-
lating the ninety-sixth article of war, and the deci-
sion of the jury is, — death." He was hand-cuffed,
t:iken to the brow of a hill by one lieutenant, one
sergeant, and four soldiers.
Sengeant. "Show this man your loaded guns."
This was done and six bright cartridges came
in sight.
Sergeant. "They are all red hot and made to
kill."
Lieut. "Have you anything to say?"
C. O. "Nothing."
Lieut. "You have fifteen minutes to live. — ten
— five — three. Time is up, ready, aim, fire," but no
shot was fired. After a silence of several minutes
which seemed like hours, the lieutenant said, "We've
decided to let you go until morninig. We do not
want to kill you." In the morning he was called
before the offiicer again.
Captain. "Have you thought over this matter?"
C. O. "Yes, I certainly have ; you would too
if you had been in my place."
Captain. "Good, What is your decision?"
SOME EXPERIENCES IN CAMP 133
C. O. "Still the same as before, God helping
me."
Captain. "All right, take him to the division
guard-house."
The C. O. was then taken in the captain's car
and landed at the C. O. barracks — the happiest man
in the lot. You say, "O, that -was simply a mock
trial." True, but the young man did not know it.
To him it was real.
While the experiences given here were aM those
of brethren of the main branch of Mennonites, oth-
ers from other branches and even other denomina-
tions had experiences equally severe, and some of
them being conscientious to the extent that they
would not even keep their living places clean, were
made to suffer cruel tortures. Possibly none of the
Mennonite branches suflFered more severely than the
Hutterites. They will be referred to in a later chap-
ter.
From these letters several things are evident:
First, that while some of the officers were very
cruel and acted in very bad faith, they were not all
so, as some officers gave respectful consideration to
those who because of religious convictions could
have no part in the military machine.
Second, that the officers in a great many cases
had no regard for truth ; that no matter how great
the deception, they had no convictions against using
it if it served their purpose of ''putting the young
man acrosis."
Third, that no difference how the objector was
caused to make a statement, and regardless of the
disadvantage to the young man when the truth be-
came known, he was expected to make his word
134 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
good, and if he did not, he was charged with in-
sincerity.
Fourth, that as much as possible the tests were
made individually, because it was easier to get one
to yield when alone than when several were to-
gether.
Fifth, that the officers in many oases delighted
in the a-buses which were heaped upon the C. O.
rather than to try to prevent such injustices, even
though the latter was their p^laiin duty.
Sixth, that so little did some of the officers know
about true Christian conviction that they supposed
it could be broken, just as stubbornness could in the
obdurate, not realizing that when one had been made
to go against religious convictions and better knowl-
edge, a most serious damage had been done to char-
acter — more serious than killing a man who remains
true to his God and his conscience.
Seventh, that a willlingness to accept noncom-
batant service as provided for by Government did
not always prevent cruel treatment from those in
authority.
Eighth, that hard as some of these things were
to bear, they led many of the young men to higher
standards of spiritual life, at least for the time being
— and how sad it would be if that spirituality should
be 'lowered by pride m their accomplishments. iVIay
God protect these young men and keep them hum-
ble, so that they may be useful as well — ^and may
His grace be extended to those who failed to stand
the test. "We know that all things work together
for good to them that love God."
CHAPTER XI
THE DISCIPLINARY BARRACKS
There are three disciplinary camps in the United
States. They serve the same purpose for the sol-
dier who receives a prison sentence as the Federal
prison does for the civil transgressor. There is
scarcely a time when there are no military prison-
ers, and during a war there are naturally many more
than in times of peace.
One of these camps is on Governor's Island, N.
Y., another on Alcatraz Island, Calif., and the re-
maining one is at Fort Leavenworth, Kans. Because
of the bitter complaints regarding the treatment re-
ceived by the prisoners at one of the other camps,
all conscientious otbjectors at the other two places
were transferred to the last named place, hence our
account will apply only to Fort Leavenworth and
the prisoners there.
Size
Something of the size of the barracks may be
grasped when we hear them speak in terms like the
following: "The sixth wing;" "There are five hun-
dred prisoners in this wing;" "There are more than
three thousand prisoners in these barracks;" "About
eighteen hundred of us ate in the mess hall at one
time ;" etc.
136 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
"Going to Leavenworth"
After the court-martial sentence had been passed
the party was considered a criminal. On the way
from camp to the disciplinary barracks, or from one
of these prisons to another, at first there was no
difference shown in favor of those who were sen-
tenced because of a religious conviction against war
and the greatest desperado. They were hand-cuffed,
and in some cases hands and feet were manacled at
night. Some of those who were taken there later
were not even hand-cuffed. Those who were taken
to Fort Leavenworth from the east were kept in the
Kansas City police "lock-up," provided a continued
journey would bring them to their destination late
at night. Several of the Camp Taylor C. O.'s spent
one night there. Imagine the walls of that building
re-echoing as the boys sang from memory such songs
as "Faith of our fathers," and "O my soul, bless thou
Jehovah." It must have given the police a new
sensation.
On Arrival
Once inside the large iron gates, and they se-
curely barred, with guards standing around all well
jirmcd, the hand-cuffs were removed. It was neces-
sary for the prisoner to register, to give the name
and address of his nearest relative, and receive a
number; for hereafter he is hardly considered worthy
()\ a name but is known entirely by number. All
this was done in the office just inside the gate. Here
he gave up all his belongings, even down to comb,
handkerchief, and toothpicks.
Getting Prison Clothes
The prisoner was then taken to the store room
THE DISCIPLINARY BARRACKS 137
where ihe removxd every bit of clothing and i^laced
it on a pile, then went to the next attendant who
fitted him out with prison clothes. Some of these
clothes had 'been worn by former prisoners but were
thoroughly sterilized before being given out again.
The clothes were of the plainest possible cut, only
one pook-et being allowed in the trousers in which the
regulation blue handkerchief was carried. Occasion-
ally a shirt or a jacket harl a pocket, but they were
not supposed to have. Hut why should a prisoner
have other pockets? He was not supposed to carry
anything else.
The Prisoner's Probation
The prisoner was next taken to the basement of
the fourth wing for confinement, this being the only
iock-cell-wing in the prison. If he showed signs of
reform (Imagine how this a])j)lied to some of the
most consecrated young men in the Church) he
would soon be allowed more privileges, but for the
time being he was kept at work under guard con-
stantly while not at mess or in his cell. Very soon
his "nearest relative" received .some blanks to be
filled out, a-sking such (|ueslions as: "How often has
the prisoner been arrested and for what?" "Is he
accustomed to getting drunk?'' "Are any of his an-
cestors habitual intoxicants?" and a nurrtber of other
(|UCStions just as inapplicable to i)eople of this class.
But it should be remembered that in order to keep
peace among so many there must needs be uniform-
ity of treatment and questions. If the report was
favorable and the prisoner was well behaved he was
given a "star parole" and was allowed to work (jn
the dair>% poultry, or hog farm. If it became evident
138 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
that the prisoner was safe to put among other pris-
oners, he was soon put into another wing where the
cells were open and the prisoners were allowed to
commingle. This was not always an advantage. A
CI notation from a political objector will show very
clearly that he did not consider it so. He says :
^'Communication from one floor to another is open.
This leaves about eighty men free to roam around
the section at night, for all sorts of devilry. As
there are many who have bad records in civil life
you will not be surprised at the conditions which ob-
tain here, where I have to sleep and spend my
extra time. Dope fiends, auto thieves, burglars, and
....are quite common. They are very nice to the
C. O.'s, and will do anything for us, but just living
with them is dangerous enough. Their filthy lan-
guage and dirty stories from the lowest underworld
are enough to drive a man crazy. One can not read
or think because of the constant stream of filth."
Another writes, "I feel that a few years ol this kind
of confinement would make a mental or a physical
wreck of the best kind of a man. We can not be too
deeply concerned about those who are still there."
The jeopardy is increased by the fact that some of
the most loathsome and contagious diseases are
found in these men which endangers the health of
the prisoners.
Prison Precautions
These prisoners were expected to work, and for
the first few days they were assigned to work within
the compound in order that they might be near when
wanted at the office, for they were not yet ready to
be turned to work in the fields with the ''gang."
THE DISCIPLINARY BARRACKS 139
Every precaution was used so that in case a prisoner
got away he might be caught again. Their finger
prints were taken, their number placed on the front
of each trouser leg, on the back of their shirts, coats,
and raincoats. A card with the number on it was
placed under the chin and a photograph taken. The
picture with all the information regarding the pris-
oners was taken to the Rogue's Gallery in the Fed-
eral prison. With these precautions, his prison
clothes only, and the many guards, little hopes could
be had of escaping and not being found.
Prisoner's Rights
From that time the prisoner's rights were few.
If he made complaint of ill treatment the under offic-
ers usually gave some answer of contempt, such as.
*'If you had behaved you would not be here," or,
**A11 that is the matter with you is that you are out
of luck." Patients in the hospital were given sim-
ilar answers. All these could be borne by the relig-
ious objectors, but for people who were resentful —
and many of the prisoners were — these things bred
intense hatred toward the officials; and what is a
great deal worse, against the government, for there
is where the blame ultimately lands.
Psychopathic-Psychologic Board
This board was expected to make a close study
of the individual character of all prisoners and de-
cide on the possibility of a reformation. The mem-
bers of the board asked a number of questions of
which the following is a partial list: "Were your
parents ever insane?" ''Have you any relatives in
the penitentiary?" "Have you any relatives in the
poor-house?" "Were your parents ever alcoholics?"
140 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
"Did they use other drugs, opium, morphine, etc.?'*
"How many times were you arrested before?" "What
other names have you used at various times in your
hfe?" "What is 30ur naval or military experience?"
"How many court-martial trials have you had?"
"What were your employments in civil life?" "W>re
you ever discharged?" "W^iy?" "Are you married?'*
"Do you want to live with your wife?" "Does she
want to live with you?" "How long did you go to
school?" "Were you ever expelled?" "Why did you
cjuit?" "Do you think that your court-martial was
fair?" "Do 3'ou admit your guilt?" "Are you sorry
for what you did?" "Do you want to be restored to
duty and be a good soldier?" Imagine how these
questions would apply to some of the noble Chris-
tian young men, at least one of whom was an or-
dained minister in the Mennonite Church, or to some
who had their A. B. degrees from college and were
leaders in Christian work in their home congrega-
tions. But here again it must be remembered that
the tests would be much the same to all, as one of
the best means of keeping the unruly quiet; again,
that the principle to which these nonresistant young
men held was not understood by the examiners any
more than it was by the officials or the soldiers in
the army.
The classification of the religious objectors ac-
cording to "rule and rote of the army officer" was
not an easy job. Here is one case: A member of the
examining board thought that all men could be class-
ified on their i)ast records and their education. He
called a certain Mennonite into his room. The officer
gave him a mere glance but looked closely at some
papers before him and said, "You have finished a
THE DISCIPLINARY BARRACKS 141
college course and have done some post graduate
work. You have held a good position in an institu-
tion of higher learning;" then without lifting his
eye^ from the paper he said, "What business do you
have to be a C. O.'' The brother made no reply.
The officer said, "Eh?" Again no reply because the
officer had been profane in his questioning and he
waited for a respectable question. After a long si-
lence the officer said, "What do you mean by class-
ifying yourself with this ignorant, dull, and illiterate
crowd ?'*
The C. O. "Sir, I think your characterization is
quite inaccurate. The C. O.'s compare quite favor-
able with the average soldier." (Here the C. O.
intended to refer the officer to the psychological test
at Camp Taylor, where the C. O. company made a
record twenty per cent higher than the next best
company in the camp, but the officer cut him short.)
Officer. "We have the figures and know what
we are talking about. It is not so queer that such
illiterate fellows should have such narrow-minded
\iew> about war. but here you are — been going to
bchool for many years, at good schools too, where
I am .^ure they w^ould not teach any such notions. . . .
and you have been teaching. Haven't you been able
to get away from such narrow, petty notions about
religion ?**
C. O. "No sir, 1 do not allow myself to be
swayed by the opinions of others unless I am con-
vinced. I never agreed with the majority."
Officer. (Disgustingly) "O you never agreed
with anything."
C. O. "I say I never agreed with the majority
on a number of moral questions. I never approved
142 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
the use of tobacco or liquors, and even while in
school I was opposed to joining college fraternities,
going to dances, playing cards, etc. — " (but the of-
ficer had gotten more information already than he
wanted and dismissed his party.
These experiences are given at some length to
show the methods used by officials, and to show that
the C. O. could not be placed into any of their out-
lined classes. He was a puzzle in camp, and no
less so here.
ShaU he Work?
As stated, these men were expected to work.
They had refused to woric in camp; shall they work
here? Each one solved that question for himself.
A few from some of the smaller branches of Menno-
nites refused to work and suffered the consequences
which as a rule were, ''the solitary." But why
should they work here and not in camp? Most of
them decided this question on the following basis:
They were no longer considered as soldiers, for in
their court-martial they were dishonorably discharg-
ed from the army (Being a part of the army was
one of their principal objections to working in
camp) ; the work was not military, and did not pro-
duce military products more than any other farm;
it was not furnishing any money for the support of
the war, for it was reported as not self-supporting.
A number of the C. O.'s went there with a full de-
termination not to do military work even under
prison discipline, but on investigation believed that
they could work here without violating any Gospel
principle.
THE DISCIPLINARY BARRACKS 143
Gang Work
After the first few days the prisoners were sent
out in gangs of possibly five under a guard who was
well armed to work on the farm during the day, to
be brought in for their meals and for the night.
The guard was held responsible for any one who got
away; hence he wanted them constantly in sight and
did not want more than the proverbial five. One of
these guards was given charge of ten men, all of
whom were C. O.'s, and complained to the officer
over him that it was dangerous and unjust to be
held responsible for so many. He was very nervous
for a Avhrle, but soon became more and more confi-
dent, and in time permitted his men to go about their
work without making any effort to keep them in his
sight. In a gang of forty or more men which in
time was composed entirely of C. O.'s the guards
were reduced gradually until there was only one, and
he slept much of the time. The boys proved that
they could be trusted. In fact, the officers believed
these young men more than they believed each other.
The overseer of one of these farms was quite en-
thusiastic about making his farm a success, and be-
came discouraged when he heard that the C. O.'s
were to be discharged and that he must again depend
on criminal labor. He could not trust the latter
class and did not expect the amount nor the quality
of work which he had been getting.
Star Parole
Most of the Mennonite boys received star pa-
roles after they had worked with the gangs for a
time. They were not kept under guard after that,
but were assigned some certain work fen* which they
144 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
were held responsible. They must report regularly,
but their work was so far away from the barracks
that frequently they would not get back more than
once a week. Some of them slept in a barn near
where their work was.
Room-mates
After a murder had been committed the C. O.'s
were scattered promiscuously among the other pris-
oners. In cells occupied by six men, anywhere from
one to four may have been C. O/s. No one had any
choice as to who his room-mate should be. Thus
the vilest and the best in the prison might easily
have been required to live in the same cell. This
was a trial. Think of these young men, clean in hab-
it and language, being placed with those having
loathsome diseases, and who were vile in body and
mind, and who had very little regard for human life.
With all this these wicked men respected the Chris-
tians for trying to live clean lives in such a vile
place. One of the C. 0.\s said, "The prisoners
would do anything for us." This does not corres-
pond with the Kansas City papers some time in
December, 1918, when they stated that the C. O.'s
were a real problem for the prison administration to
handle ; that they were hated in the army and by the
prisoners at Leavenworth ; that the latter were con-
stantly finding ways to show their contempt toward
the poor, deluded boys; that it had been necessary
to segregate the C. O.'s to avoid clashes between
them and the other prisoners ; that the C O.'s were
responsible for fig'hts, riots, and strikes. One young
man said, "I was at Fort Leavenworth during two
of the disturbances, and am in a position to say that
THE DISCIPLINARY BARRACKS 145
no religious C. O. was connected with either; and I
am very confident that none were involved in any-
thing like that after I left." The same in substance
has come to us direct from a half dozen other young
men who had been prisoners there. But if the
officials believed the C. O/s more than they did each
other, there seems to be no reason why we should
not do likewise.
Meals
The meals were fair in quantity, but not always
in quality. They followed a regular routine. That
is to say, the menu for Monday noon was the same
each Monday noon except when that chanced to be
a holiday and so with all the other meals. The pris-
oners always knew what to expect. At regular in-
tervals all new-comers were seized with griping
pains in the bowels for which the food was blamed,
but in course of time they seemed to become im-
mune to these disorders.
Overcrowded Conditions
It is not easy to realize the difficulties experi-
enced by "the full house." There was room for
eighteen hundred when the prison was all in use.
Commander Rice received word to prepare to take
care of five thousand, but how was he to do this?
Everything was arranged and equipped for about
one-third that many. Beds could be placed in the
corridors, but that was not desirable. Arrangements
could he made to eat at different hours so that the
same dining hall could accommodate twice as many
ss could get to the tables at once, but that would
be a source of dissatisfaction — but what with regard
to the hospitals? This increase in numbers at the
146 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
prison would tax that department to its utmost.
Then came the influenza. An effort to describe is
useless. No wonder that some of the prisoners did
all in their power to keep out of that place, and
some suffered severely simply because they did not
report actual conditions. This crowded condition
also meant that patients could not always have the
care that they should have had.
The Solitary
This was the most dreaded place in all the dis-
ciplinary barracks of the nation. At Alcatraz this
was possibly thirty feet below the surface of the
earth. At Fort Leavenworth it was not so deep but
was deep enough to be quite dark. When some one
refused to obey orders he was likely to be sentenced
to the solitary. Here they were put on a bread and
water ration for two weeks then on full rations for
another two weeks and so on. This was done with
a view of breaking the will of the supposed culprit.
Young men from several of the smaller branches of
Mennonites who refused to work because they had
conscientious scruples against aiding an>i:hing that
was connected with the military establishment were
sentenced to the '*hole," as the solitary was common-
ly called. Possibly the most cruelly treated were the
four Hutterites — Jacob Wipf, David, Michael and
josei)h Hofer. They spent four and a half days in
the Alcatraz solitary without any food and only a
?. half glass of water every twenty-four hours. At
iiight they slept on the cold, damp concrete floor
without any blankets, and during the day, with their
hands through the bars of the prison so high that
they could stand on the floor with difficulty, the
THE DISCIPLINARY BARRACKS 147
hand-cuffs were fastened on and they were required
to stand there for nine hours each day. In course
of time these four men were transferred to Fort
Leavenworth. Being required to wait for some time
after reaching the prison, and being sweated on their
arrival, two of them (Michael and Joseph) took a
severe cold which developed into pneumonia and
both died in the hospital. The father, the two wid-
ows of the dead men, David Hofer and Jacob Wipf
remain to tell the story. The two wives and the
father hurried to the scene as soon as they found
out that they were sick. Sorrow fills their hearts,
but it is the sorrow of pity and forgiveness. No
words of bitterness, no spirit of hatred is heard or
seen. Rather the prayer of the Master is manifest,
"Father, forgive them for they know not what they
do."
The Attitude at Washington
From the beginning it was evident that the gov-
ernment at Washington was inclined to be lenient
toward those who had received a court-martial sen-
tence because of religious scruples, and quite a
number had been released from the disciplinary bar-
racks. Finally the board of inquiry came to Fort
Leavenworth and examined the C. O.'s with a view
of finding out those who were sincere. Those who
had united with a nonresistant church before this
country entered into the war, and were able to con-
vince the board that they believed the doctrines of
their church were asked but very few questions.
Those who were not so clear, or had united with the
Church only a short time before going to camp,
were examined quite carefully. It is generally con-
148 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
ceded that the board wanted to be fair. As a result
of this examination, one hundred thirteen were given
their discharge in one da}'. The public was not pre-
pared for such a wholesale release, newspapers crit-
icised the war department very severely, and one of
the legislatures in a western state passed a resolu-
tion showing its disapproval and disgust. As a re-
sult releases were not so general after that, but so
far as known at this writing every Mennonite has
been released. Another kindness of the department
was that the religious conscientious objectors re-
ceived the middle discharge rather than the lowest
or dishonorable discharge, as required by the court
martial sentence.
A Retrospect
Many of the experiences of the C. O.'s were very
trying, but praise God for the courage which was
manifested. A little compromise in camp might have
lessened their trials and have kept them from the
disciplinary barracks, but it was a case of "Choosing
rather to suffer affliction. . . .than to enjoy the pleas-
ures of sin for a season." As a rule, the record of
the brethren was good, both in camp and in prison,
and it was very evident that they made their influ-
ence felt, both with the officials and with the prison-
ers by proving that the religion of Jesus Christ could
be lived as well as professed; under adverse circum-
stances as well as in the home and the Church. A
great blessing came to many at that time and has
ever since been a means of strength to them, while
others who suffered equally severe trials and stood
bravely for the right were blest as much as their
brethren, only to lose it afterwards, and all because
THE DISCIPLINARY BARRACKS 149
they could not stand the praise of men. They
preached to others by their actions but have since
shown a spirit different from the lowly Nazarene
and their influence which they might have continued
to exercise, is gone. We praise God that this does
not apply to the majority, and we pray that it never
will.
CHAPTER XII
HOME EXPERIENCES WHICH GREW OUT OF
WAR MEASURES
False Patriotism
Many trials were caused by the war, not the
least of which were suffered at the hands of people
who did their nefarious work under the name of
patriotism, not realizing that instead of working for
and with the government they were hindering it and
actually aiding the enemy. Besides, mob rule never
accomplishes permanent good. The very purpose of
a mob is to perform some unlawful act and as a
rule is made up in part of the worst elements in
the community. Men are not normal at such times
and one never knows what to expect.
President Wilson asked the people of this coun-
try 'to refrain from all mob violence, but in spite of
the request during the drives for the Y. M. C. A.,
Red Cross, Liberty Bonds, etc., mobs were quite
frequent. At first private homes, business places,
and church buildings were daubed with yellow paint.
Such expressions as, "Slacker," "You love the Kai-
ser," "You are stingy," and other things of a worse
character were written on the doors and windows.
Like other cowardly acts, these things were usually
done at night.
These acts were intended to anger, to cause
some unbecoming remarks, and immediate actio* to
HOME EXPERIENCES 151
remove the paint. In most cases where it was put
on church buildings it was simply left. One church
thus daubed had a large Sunday school conference
in it which brought all classes of people to the meet-
ing. The paint was still on. Public sentiment
branded it as a disgrace to the community, and the
paint became a reprimand to those who put it there.
Several brethren in Jasper County, Mo., received
yellow slips of pajper with the following printed on
them :
"FIRST AND LAST WARNING
You have been reported to the ALL AMERICAN
SQUAD as a person who has failed in your obligation.
YOUR COUNTRY IS AT WAR!
This committee does not tolerate SLACKERS. Do
your full duty to your country NOW! Or get out of Jas-
per Coxmty or suffer the consequences.
ALL AMERICAN COMMITTEE STRONG ARM
SQUAD"
It would have been more in keeping with the
spirit manifested in the paper, as well as the way
they were sent out to have used the word **mob"
instead of squad.
As the feeling became more intense, mobs were
more frequent and more violent. It is sad to know
that some of our brethren who plead conscientious
scruples against the support of war measures, when
they were facing the mob supplied with tar and
feathers or a rope, or both, they yrelded to buying
war papers or donating to some war charity. In
some cases they claimed that they yielded because
some of the other members of the family plead so
hard, but whatever the cause, they yielded to that
which they felt yvas wrong, or they were not true in
making the claim of conscientiousness against it. An
oppprtuni'ty was lost, but let us cover it all with
152 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
the mantle of charity. Both the perpetrators of the
deeds and those who yielded need our sympathy. At
the same time let us look closely to the admonition
cf Paul, "Considering thyself, lest thou also be
tempted."
A few experiences are given herewith. They
are taken from widely dififerent localities and show
the different methods used. No one claims perfec-
tion for the sufferers nor are these things recorded
here to hold them up as objects of glory and virtue.
You may see some weakness in their actions, but in
most cases decisions had to be made quickly and
under very unfavorable circumstances. Two things
shouW be considered: First, one is not quite sure
what he will do under pressure, hence the need of
being thoroughly grounded in Christ Jesus so that
character is so deeply rooted that only the right
thinci: will be done even if there is no time for care-
ful, premeditated decision; Second, in many cases at
least some of these perpetrators are known. Many
of them have had time to consider their actions and
are now thoroughly ashamed of them — and surely
they should be ashamed — but the highest good will
l^e attained by showing that there is absolutely no
ill feeling harbored but that all persecutors have been
tnllv forgiven. The following speak for themselves:
Feb. 24, 1919.
Dear Brother M
] \va.- a.s4c€d several times dnri-ng the Uberty loan cam-
])aiprn to buy bonds....! g^ave the same reasons for re-
fusing to buy in every interview — that I couW not possibly
loan money to carry on war any more than I could .^zive
my hoy or po myself.
The next to the last day of the fourth drive, five or
six men came to our home and when the ■girls told them
HOME EXPERIENCES 153
that I was not ait home they seemed very an-gry. They
left -paipers and sarid that I must si'gn them and send tihem
that day so they would get them dn the morning. I ig-
nored them, and on Saturday we thoug-ht that we were
through the trial ior this time; but about seven o'clock in
the evening three automobiles came, and four men came to
the door. When my wife opened it they bolted in, and
one of the men began to use abusive language and to say
that I had refused just as long as I could, that the time
had come when I must. I tried to rea-son but got little
chance to have a say until I flatly refused. Several shots
were then fired outside, and one of the men went to the
door and called, "Come on, George." Then two or three
others and "George" came in. He threw off his overcoat,
laid his revolver on a chair and shouted and stormed like
a mad man, callinig me all the abusive names that came
to his mind, sueh as. "liar," "thief," "slacker," "pro-Ger-
man," "income-tax-dodger." "dirty dog," etc.
Amon^ them was one who claimed to be an officer
from Wasihingrton, sent to see whether these men did their
work rig-ht, amd he sat down beside my wife ur.ging her
to try to persuade me to buy, as there was tio telling what
they will do, for they were making all kinds of threats —
to tar and feather me, take me to jail, drive away my cat-
tle, burn my barn, and compel my boy to take up military
service, etc.
The officer pretended to check them at times but they
told him to keep quiet till they were through, then he
should have his say. When his turn came he asked us to
go into another room where he began to "taffy" us and
said that I should sign iifp this note for five thousand dol-
lars, and that I might write across the end of the note,
"To be used for Belgian relief work," and promised that it
would be used for that. I decided to do tha^t since it was
to be i>sed for relief. After that they treated me fine.
They deplored the necessity of doing su'h work, buit said
that it must be done or Germany would come over here
and destroy our property, take our men, drive out our
women and children. We to^ld them tha'^ was just what
they threatened to do. and asked where the difference was.
They claimed to be hungry. My wife told them that our
Bible teaches us to feed our enemies, and that if they
would waJ»t she would get su-pper for thearu But they re-
ftised.
Your brotsher
* * * *
June 3, 1919.
Dear Brother, Greeting: ,
After the bond drives became quite insistent I re-
ceived same threatening notices that unless I supported all
154 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
these war measures I would suffer for it. I always g'ave
Gospel reasons for not doing so, but showed ithia^t I gave
freely to war sufferers through our own Church channels
and througih the Friends.
About the middle of April. 1918, I was called by tele-
phone .by a government officer at Kansas City, demanding
my reasons for not suipporting war meiaisures. I gave him
the same reply that I did the others. On April 22, a flag
was nai'led to our church, and that nigh/t about two o'clock,
,possdbly fifty masJced men drove into the yard o^f my
former home, then occupied by my son, C . The mob
called him out oi <bed and asked where I lived and several
questions about the flag. Then they compeUed ihim to re-
move his underwear and smeared him over with tar after
which they applied the feat her a
They next went to the church and daitbed the door
and steps with tar, after which they came to my house
and called me to the door. Two men grabbed me and
pulled me out. Tthey demanded that I buy bonds and sup-
port the Red Cross and other war measiires. I replied
that I could not conscientiously do that burt would g'ive to
war sufferers through channels not under military control.
I was then tarred and feathered and left wiith threats of
a repetiition if I did not support war measures.
On the nig-ht of June 3, a second mob of thirty-five or
forty came to my home, called mc out and ifflireatened to
pound me to ipieces, using most abusive and ungodly lan-
guage. They demanded that I sign a check at once for
tht Red Cross. Because of the condition of my wife, who
was nearly prostrated, and who at this writing is still
suffering froan ithe s-hock, I signed a check for fiity dol-
lars for the Red Gross, but stopped payment on it in the
morning. The next day, in company with one of our
bishops, I met our bamker and the county officials of the
drive, and they agreed to accept a check for the Friends
Reconstruction Service. I gave them a check for seventy-
five dollars. I thought that this would settle the matter;
but on the night of Jurne 10. another masked m-ob of about
twenty-five came to my home and called me out. They
said that they would daub my entire premises wTt;h "dope"
if I did not promise to support war measures. On my re-
fusal they ransacked the house from cellar to garret. They
tooik my watch and whajt inoney they foui>d. They daubed
my new house with yellow paint, inside and out, and did
the same to the automobile. They tore off my underwear,
struck me a dozen times or more wnth a large strap,
bruising my flesh and cutting the skin open. I was diragged
to the barn and abused, a^fter which they a^pplied carboline
rooming paint ito my body followed by 'featiier.%. Tlie car-
bolic acid in the paint made me very sore, amd my body,
HOME EXPERIENCES 155
face, and hands -were badly swollen. I was lefl with the
•threat that they would hang me the next time.
The men then went to the home of my son, C ,
and used him in a similar manner, ransa<:king 'the house,
daubing it and the automobile with yellow paint, and ap-
plyin.g carboHne and feathers to his body.
Yours in His service,
* * * *
Ap-ril 24, 1919.
Dear Brother , Greeting:
A very unfortunate thing occurred in our communiity
•between an over enthusiastic patriotic school teacher and
some pupils with reference to saluting the flag. This cre-
ated considerable prejudice which spread from school to
school. .. .When the different drives came on we were
watched very dosely, especially leaders. Newspapers mis-
represented our position. I was visited only a few times
by solicitors and usually when my position was stated it
was accepted and respected, but one came who held a
•prominent position, and he would not be con\-inced; failing
in his imdertakings, determined to get even some way.
He created still more envy and hatred.
We endea^'lored to do our part by givring liberally for
relief work through our own channels. When the fourth
liberty loan drive came, we took bank certificates in lieu
of bonds in an amount equal to our supposed share of
the third and fourth loans. After the si-gning of the arm-
ris^^tice another drive was made, and on November 15 a
solicitor came to my home. I wrote him a check for ten
•dollars and filled out my card, designating that my money
should be used for the support of the Salvation Army
work. That miight about nine o'clock a mob came, con-
sisting of forty or fifty men, unmasked, crowded around
the door and rapped. I opened the door wide. The lead-
er admitted that I had given t-o the cause but claimed it
was not enough, and demanded a check for one hundred
dollars. I tried to reason with them and showed that I
bad done more than my share. They began to hiss and
gnash at me, took hold of me and pulled me out into the
j^ard. With the crowd and a part of my family airound me
the cQnversation continued. I was accused of influencing
people, going to camps and encouraging the boys not to
wear the uniform, and they called me Kaiser. I was given
one more chantre to sign up or suffer the consequences. I
flatly refused, stated my position, and said that if they
wanted my fife they could have it: but that I would give
nothing to a crowd like that, quoting a number of scrip-
tures and referring to the President's message, but to no
avail.
They puHed me away from my wife and daughter who
156 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
had hold of me and took mc across the road where horse
clappers were ai>i>Hed to my head, taking everythin'g clean.
My life and buildings were threatened. They claimed to
have lots of work and must make haste, so they went to
their machines and the entire crowd went east, stopping
at 'two other places before dis'banding-.
A number of young people were at our home, learning
some new songs, and when they saw what was going on
•they held a iprayer service before 'leaving the roomf but
one of the young sisters present Avas obliged to take treat-
ment for four months because of the shock upon her nerv-
ous syslem. We praise God for still carimg .for H'i;s own.
Fraternally,
* * * *
April i8. 1919.
Dear Brother, Greeting:
I was solicited for the various war measures, 'but usu-
ally an explanation of my position was all that was neces-
sary. I made a 'bank deposiit in lieu of buying liberty bonds
in the fourth drive. When the war-chest-dTive was on
an organization was formed with the motto, "Ev-ery man
a subscriber.'' Two men came /to my home one c\'ening
the latter part of July, 1918, called me out and asked me
to go with them to the -county seat. I told them that
I could not go because my wife's mother was very sick,
and that I must hdp her and the children to .got to her
bedside: but they showed me the silver star on their vests,
claiming to be United States deputies, and sadd, "You must
They went to the home of my brother-in-law and
got him. Other automobiles joined in. On the way back
past my home they asked me to take my machine. We
did so, and with twx) others in my machine we proceeded
to the county seat..
On reaching the city we were ordered to leave my
machine near the police station and get into their machine.
They took us through a dank alley and into a large hall
where from six to eight hundred men were assembled.
All except a few in the l)ack i>art of the hall were masked.
I was to answer questions only.
I was (luestioned as to why T could not .sign up for
this fund. When 1 exqjlained that 1 thought it was wrong
to si;;)port war measures, they asked me whether t did
not sell produce at war prices and said that 1 could not
hide behind the cloak of religion. They had no respect
for r^y convictions and decided tha<t 1 must sign up for a
specil'.c amount. Some said one thousand dollars but
tinallv agreed on lifty dollars. 1 told them that I had some
nirr,ey along and that they might take that, -but they said
that they wanted my voluntary signature. I refused. The
HOME EXPERIENCES 157
card was made out and I was given one minute to sign it.
The chairman, also masked, held his watch in one hand
and his pen extended toward me in the other, but when
they found that availed nothing I was ordered to go back
to the machine, followed by many epitap.hs too vile to put
on paper. Kicks and cuffs were in evidence. After I was
out my brother-in-law was taken into the haH....He yield-
ed, and that made them more fierce toward me. ... Finally
we were taik-en back to our machine and allowed to go
home.
On August 14, near midnight, .... A man wanted some
oil. I got up and got it for him. Then he wanted me to
hold the lantern while he poured the oil into his machine.
He and several others caught hold of me, put me into the
machine. I had ver>^ little clothing on and was bare-
footed. They -went about a mile to a woods and asked
each other whether this would not be a good place to
string me up. After a time they drove very fast. I got
\'(.ry cold and asked for soine extra clothing. They an-
swered me by putting me under their t'eet while they
drove wi'ldly on. When they stopped, about seven miles
away from my home, they iplaced a rope arotmd my neck
and led me to the side of the road. They asked whether
I wanted to pray before being hung. 1 knelt down and
prayed. References were made to the war-chest but they
intimated that it was too late now. They asked me wheth-
er 1 was sorry that I had not signed before. I said that
I could not do it even now.... They took off my shirt
and painted the upper part of my 'body. They clipped
from the front to the 'back of my head, and from ear to
ear, the strip being about an inch and a half wide. They
cut so close that in several places they took off the skin.
Then they :pait on my shirt and took off the rope, and told
me to make traCJcis toward home. About half a mile from
the s-cene I inquired the way home .... After going about
a mile farther I inquired the way to my cousin I a-
woke him, told him the whole story. He g-ave me clothes
and took me to my home.
We praise God for His protection, and for permitting
us to meet aigain as a family after such a siege.
Your brother,
It is the duty of every Christian to give due
regard to government and its officials, never to speak
evil of them, but to pray for them that they may be
directed of God so that His people may live in the
land to His glory. It is the aim of government to
158 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
give freedom of speech; but there are always those
who would abuse such privileges, hence there is need
of some restrictions. This is especially true in times
of war, as both pulpit and press would be used to
aid the enemy if it were not for the law. It was
with this in mind that the Espionage law was passed
and later amended.
It was not the intent of this law, however, that
every effort should be made to watch for any slight
expression that some one would make in an unguard-
ed moment in the regul'ar discharge of his duty, and
then prosecute the case for vengeance. That this
was done in some cases goes wi'thout saying. In-
stances where the party had not the least idea of
violating any law nor of hindering the President in
the prosecution of his work and least of all of aiding
the enemy, were made the victims of the law.
An effort was made to indict those who signed
the statement put out by the Mennonite General
Conference. (See chapter V.) Federal representa-
tives visited many of the signers. Some of these
officials were very reasonable and succeeded in get-
ting full information ; while others were very abusive
and profane, using language which was very unbe-
coming for any one, especially in an official capacity.
Naturally these last got very little information.
What the result would have been, had these signers
been convicted of violating the Espionage law is not
easy to determine. AM told, there were one hundred
ninety-seven names on the paper. Some of these
could, and possibly would have paid their fines at
once; others were too poor for that, and some for
conscientious reasons would not have paid if they
could have done so nor allowed others to pay it
HOME EXPERIENCES 159
for them. Under these circumstances doubtless a
large number would have been made to serve long
sentences in the federal prisons. This would have
lobbed the churches of their pastors, and the influ-
ence would have been felt over a wide range of
territory.
The case of Brethren L. J. Heatwole and R. \Y.
Benner will be given somewhat in detail. The first
is a letter which Bro. Heatwole wrote and which was
the basis for prosecution :
Dale Enterprise, Va, July 15, 1918.
Dear Brother Benner. Greetings:
Your letter of the nth is here.... The clipping I en-
close is no doubt a similar proclamation by the governor
of your state. The tenor of this proclamation is that all
people of the state and nation exerciise the spirit of self-
sacrifice. (Good). To pledge themselves to economy and
thrift for the ibalance of the year. (Also good enough).
To buy to the extent of their means as an evidence of
their patriotism, war saving stamps for the support of
boys in France. (Here comes the test.)
The advi-ce given by our brethren of the General Con-
ference Committee is that our brethren —
Do not aid or abet war in any form.
Receive no pay while held in detention camps.
Contri'bute nothimg to a fund that is used to run the
war machine.
In a number of places where brethren have refused to
contribute to the different war funds, outlandish threats
have been made and in a few cases have been put into
execution — such as, tar and feathering, painting houses
yellow, decorating autos and buildings with flags to test
them out on their principles of nonresistance.
I haA-e continued to give the advice of the General
Conference committee to the brethren here, and would do
the same to the brethren in West Virginia were I there,
and take the consequences whatever they may be.
Some of our brethren here have yielded under pressure,
others have subscriibed to Red Cross funds and taken out
war savirLg stamps, but of these so far as I know there
are only a few.
If our brethren in camp can stand true to the faith
of the Gospel, why should not we at home bear part of
the pressure
Hurriedly, L. J. Heatwole.
160 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
Bro. Benner acted upon the instructions of
Bishop Heatwole, advised his members as to what
is the position of the Mennonite Church on these
questions, with the result that both were later
brought before the U. S. district court at Martins-
burg, W. Va. Following is a recital of the case:
THE HEATWOLE-BENNER CASE
In the United States court, Martinsbimg, W, Va.. Sep-
tember 1 8, 1 91 8.
Judge Alton I>a>'ton, United States Judge, ipresiding.
Stewart W. Walker, United States district attorney.
George N. Conrad, attorney for the defense.
L. J. Heatwole and R. W. Benner called to the bar.
An array of United States clerks, marshals,
bailiffs, messengers, jurymen and a lobby crowded
with witnesses, spectators and curiosity seekers;
complete the scene, at 2:30 P. M., when the court
was called to order by all persons rising to their
feet as the judge, robed in a silk gown, took his seat.
District Attorney Walker's Address to the Court
"If your honor please, the joint case, Umited States
vs. Heatwole and Benner is presented for your considera-
tion. Rev. L. J. Heatwole of Dale Enterprise, Va., who
is a bishop in the Mennonite Church and Rev. R. W.
Benner of Jo*b, W. Va., in charge of a mission wt that
place for the ■same denomination, have been indicted by the
grand jury of this court, and are held on a charge of a
violation of the Espionage law, through a correspondence
of last summer by which the former conveyed to the lat-
ter by letter instructions that foiibade members of his
Church to buy war saving stamps, and the latter by con-
veying the same instructions to his members, the grand
jury finds a case in which the honor and dignirty of the
United States g-overnment has been disregarded in main-
taining its Esp-ionage laws. Since these laws have been
violated each party of this correspondence stands indicted
in this coairt in the penalty of ten thousand dollars with
another additioniaJ ten thousand dollars for both. It being
known, however, that there are circumstance^s connected
with this case that call for exercising some degree of clem-
ency, it is suggested that the defense enter a plea of
guilty which allows that the reading of the indictment be
omitted — a proposition to which we agree since it ts a
lengthy documeat.
HOME EXPERIENCES 161
"At this juncture we introduce to th^e court as counsel
for the defense Senator George N. Conrad of Virginia."
Senator Conrad's Address to the Court
''If your honor please, it seems appropriate and in
good form for me to appeal to the court for every con-
sideration it may allow for these two gentlemien whose
names are mentioned in connection with this indictment.
I am personaMy acquainted wiith both of them, and since
they are ministers of the Gospel, neither haA'ing before
violated fhe law, and further since both represent a de-
nomination whose people have for centuries stood fCr the
prinoiple of nonresistance in time of peace as well as in
time of war; and in view of ithe fact that the act of Bishop
Heatwole in conveying to Rev. Benner information as to
solicitatkm of the latter and the members of his charge in
the attitude of the Church in time of war, was done on
solicitation of the latter and members of his charge in
West Virginia, it would not 'be militant against the dignity
of the law to allow the fullest degree of clemency for
this case. My personal acquaintance of these men, one
of whom I have known for thirty years, prompts me to
say that neither would intentiona'lly vnolaite any law, and
recognizing that the violation in this case is merely tech-
nical, and that the offense will not be repeated, we believe
tha-t the court will 'grant the clemency that the case de-
mands."
District Attorney Walker's Rejoinder
"If your honor ^please, the prosecution is ready with
the court's (permission to recognize for the defense the
plea of 'guilty, and since the honor and dignity of the
United States government has been violated only tech-
nicajlly, and since Bishop Heatwole wrote what he did
from the prompting's of a zeal which he had for a creed
which I myself am not afble to understand — and since it
appears frotm the facts in the case that both ministers
were actin'g in .the full capadty of their calling, the dignity
of the Espiona-ge law^ can be sustained by reducing the
maximum fine to one thousand dollars and costs for each,
with the understanding that the offense be not repeated,
and that >the fines and costs be paid within thirty days
from date,"
To this agreement between counsel, Judge Day-
ton assented, and the brethren were at once dis-
charged.
R. W. Benner, who had given out the informa-
tion received from L. J. Heatwole, was arrested by
162 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
a U. S. marshal, given a hearing and declared to be
worse than the Germans. Two brethren from his
congregation followed him to Elkins, W. Va., and
secured his release on bail to appear at Martinsburg-
for trial as above stated.
L. J. Heatwole, the writer of the letter, was not
arrested but was informed of the aflPair by Bro. Ben-
ner's attorney. He went to Martinsburg and found
that a plea of guilty had already been entered for
both Heatwole and Benner. This agreement had
been reached and the fine fixed by the attorney for
the defendants and the United States district at-
torney. At the trial neither of the two stood and
plead guilty, as is usually done in such cases, nor
was the indictment read in open court.
Senator Conrad's Statement
"Last J'une (1918) some members in the Mennonitc
Church in the neighborhood of Job, W. Va., were informed
that every person was to buy war saving stamps, or give his
reason for not doing so. Some members apiplied to Rev.
R. W. Benner, the preacher in charge of the congregation,
for information as to what they should do, and he wrote to
Bishop L. J. Heatwole for advice as to what attitude the
members should take in referen-ce to the matter.
"Bishcxp Heatwole replied that the General Conference
of the Church had advised thait they sTiould contribute
nothing to a fund that was to be used to run 'the war
ma<:hine and he wou.ld give the isame advice to the ibreth-
ren in West Virginia. (For General ConfererKre advice,,
see "Mennonitcs on Military Service, Chapter V.) After
receiving that letter, Rev. Benner wrote to a number of
members at and near Job, advisiing them to 'go and give
their reasons,' but not to buy stamps.
"The Conigre^s of the United States had, in May 1918,
am-cndi'd what is known as the Espionage law so as to
provide that no person should say or do anything except
by bona fide and not dis-loyal advice to an investor with the
intent to dbstruot the sale by the United States of bonds
or other securities of the United States, and pror\nded as
a penalty a punishment by fine of not more than tci*
HOME EXPERIENCES 163
thousand dollars or impnisOrLment for more than ten years
or both
"Agemts o.f the governmem obtained one or more of
the JetteT5 w^hich Rev, Benner 'had written, and a'lso ob-
tained the letter which Bishop Heatwole wrote, and the
grand jury of the United States court at MartinsbuTg,
broipght an indictmenrt against both Rev. Benner and Biish-
op Heatwole, charging that by their letters they had vio-
lated the espionage law.
"Tlhere was no dispute as to what the facts were.
Inasmuch as the representatives of government had con-
cluded that the writing of these letter* and mailing them
was a violation of the law, it was considered proper for
both Rev. Benner and Bishop Heatwole to accept the con-
dusioas that government officials had reached, and to pay
'such fine as might be placed upon them.
"A p)ea of guilty was therefore entered and a fine of
one thousand dollars each with -costs was placed upon
Bishop Heatwole and Rev. Benner respectively, granting
them thiirty days, however, within which to pay the fine
and the 'costs. It was considered by representatives of
the government that these fines should be amposed, not so
much ais a punishment to Bishop Heatwole and Rev. Ben-
ner, but as a precedent and a warning to all other persons
belonging' to the Mennonite Church, or persons holding
similar doctrines.
"It became necessary to employ an attorney in behalf
of Bis:ho^ Heatwole and Rev. Benner in connection with
this matter, and the fee to be paid to the attorney, to-
gether with the costs and the ifine amount to two thousand
two InundreA fifity-six dollars."
Another case which attracted wide attention was
the arrest and fine imposed upon Brethren S. H.
Miller and M. E. Bontrager.
An article appeared in the Sugar Creek Budget,
Sugar Creek, O., written by M. E. Bontrager of
Dodge City, Kan. S. H. Miller was editor of the
paper and in his absence from the office the article
was published. The jx>sition which he held made
him the responsible party for what appeared in its
columns. The article was very innocent in its con-
tent, but the grand jury of the United States district
couft interpreted it as being "intended to promote
the success of the enemy now at war with the Unit-
ed States;" that the parties "did then and there,
164 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
unlawfully, wilfully, an'd feloniously make and con-
vey false reports and false statements by publishing
and causing to be puiblished in a certain newspaper
known as the Weekly Budget. .. .with the intention
to interfere with the operations and success of the
military and naval forces. .. .did then and there un-
lawfully, wilfully and feloniously cause and attempt
to cause, and incite and attem'pt to incite insubordi-
nation, disloyalty, mutiny and refusal to duty in the
military forces of the United States...."
To put said article and these charges side by
side, or to read these charges in the light of that
article twenty-five years hence will surely provoke
a smile on the face oi any reader ; for there was ab-
solutely nothing in the article to merit such an in-
dictment.
An officer came to interview Bro. Miller and
the latter went at once to Cleveland, O., without be-
ing under arre^st ; but when he refused to plead
guilty of the charges he was placed behind the
bars until bail could be secured, regardless of the
fact that one of his friends offered to supply an
amount of money equal to the amount of bail asked,
into the hand^s of the court.
When the trial was called, Bro. Milier, not hav-
ing an attorney, asked permission to make a state-
ment. It was granted. He told the court that he
could not plead guilty to the changes in the indict-
ment, but confes^sed that the article in question was
i>ublishcd in the Budget of May 15, 1918, and stated
that he was sorry tliat it happened, and eKi>lained
how it was done. The court accepted his statement
and fined him five hundred dollars, which with the
ctxst amounted to about nine hundred dollars.
HOME EXPERIENCES 165
From the experiences given in the last few
chapters, we draw the following conclusions:
First, that the freedom of worship guaranteed
by the Constitution of the United States is not to
be construed to mean that you have an undisputed
right to live and teach the whole Gospel as you
undesstand it. When we apply that Gospel to
technicalities, others will undertake to say whether
we dare teach and live it.
Second, that sufifering for Christ's sake is not a
thing of the past, but found even in this enlightened
day and in this country of boasted freedom.
Third, that God will care for His own if they
must p*ass through hard trials for His sake, that
with every trial He gives a blessing which repays
all the hardships suffered.
Fourth, that violations which occurred in the
faithful discharge of duty with no intention to harm
any one nor hinder government — vidlations that are
such only in a very technical sense — were watched
and prosecuted the same as any other.
Fifth, that fines were not always based on the
offense, but were sometimes made large so that oth-
ers might fear and avoid getting into the same diffi-
culty. In other words, some fines were intended to
cover the extent of the wrong done plus paying the
expenses of giving Avarning to others. (See Sena-
tor Conrad's statement in this chapter.)
Sixth, that some who for conscience' sake pur-
sued a course that subjected them to the charge of
disloyalty have since the war is over lived a loyalty
that says more than the loyalty of self-proclaimed
patriots who in so many cases have since proved
166 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
untrue to their fellowman, their country, and their
God.
While it seems to us very wrong that a gov-
ernment (or individuals in it) should have the right
to prosecute any one who faithfully teaches the
members of his flock the Bible as he understands it
and as God has called him to do, and that officers
in the employ of government should try to compel
young men to do what they actualUy believed to be
wrong, it is a comfort to know that those remaining
true to their convictions and to God, though they
were compelled to suffer, are doing so for Christ's
sake. "If, when ye do well and suffer for it, ye
take it patiently, this is acceptable with God." "They
departed rejoicing that they were counted worthy
to suffer shame for His name."
CHAPTER XIII
CAMP VISITATIONS
Duty of Pastors to the Brethren in Camp
It is the duty of the pastor to look after his flock
regardless o^ where it is, or through what trials it
is required to pass, especially when the flock has no
choice in the matter. Before any of the drafted men
went to camp the question of how to care for the
brethren who would be thus isolated, and be in en-
vironments which were not conducive to spirituai;lity,
was discussed a great deal in conferences, in private
conversation, and by correspondence. Parents who
had sons in camp were also vitally interested. No
precedent had been established, and while it was
•evident that the brethren could be visited, no one
knew under what circumstances it could be done or
what Christian privileges either the boys or the
visitors would have. Could ministers hold preach-
ing services? Could the young brethren have Sunday
school or any other religious exercises? A great
many questions arose regarding the spiritual help
that couild be given which time alone could answer.
^Work of Committees
The various conferences saw that no definite
action could be taken w^ich would adequately meet
the needs — not even after many had been in camp
ior some time because of the various war orders
168 MENNONITES IX THE WORLD WAR
which were sent out from Washington in quick suc-
cession, the difference in the methods of work in
the different camps, and conflicting actions of offic-
ers in the same camp. Conditions must be met in
some other way. The work was generally given
over to committees who were to see that necessary
aid should be given in the best manner possible.
Some of the conferences united in this work. Three
conferences west of the Mississippi River had one
committee. This i)lan had some advantages as well
as a few disadvantages. In spite of the fact that
these committees did noble work, the most difficult
problems arising out of misunderstandings between
the officials and brethren in the camps fell to a few
men scattered all the way from the eastern to the
western coast. I. B. Good and J. C. Habecker in
eastern Pennsylvania, Aaron Loucks in the western
j)art of the same state, D. D. Miller in Indiana, S.
C. Yoder in Iowa, D. H. Bender in Kansas, and E.
Z. Yoder on the western coast were ainong those
who gave th-emselves over to this work and their
services were in great demand.
Segregation
Tbe war department ordered that thcKse who re-
fused to wear the uniform and to accept noncom-
batant service should be segregated. At Camp
Meade (Md.) this was understood to mean that civ-
ilians would not be allowed to go into the barracks;
that segregation practically means im'prrsonment. A
soldier stcxxi at the door and would call any young
man provided the visitor named the one wanted.
They could visit for half an hour, but it must be
done in the presence of the guard. This gave no
CAMP VISITATIONS 169
opportunity for religious services except such as the
young men could hold among themselves. At first
the interpretation was very different from this at
Camp Taylor (Ky.j. There the ministers were al-
lowed to com€ into the barracks, eat with their
friends in camp, hold services, and visit for hours.
One minister who had a son there was even allowed
to sleep there. Some other camps regarded the
guard-house as the only proper segregation. Be-
tween these two extremes could be classed all the
camps in the United States.
Getting an Understanding at Camp Meade
Aaron Loucks and D. D. Miller, two of the com-
mittee appointed by the General Conference to inter-
view the war department concerning the status of
our brethren in the draft, had occasion to make a
second trip to Washington, and hearing of the condi-
tions which prevailed there, went by way of Camp
Meade and asked to see the brethren. The guard
said that he would call any one out that they wanted
to see and asked who they wanted. They replied
that they wanted to see all the Mennonite boys, but
they were told that they would have to name them.
They left the camp without seeing any of them. In
company with I. B. Good and J. C. Habecker, the
committee appointed by the Lancaster Conference to
look after their brethren who were drafted, and Wil-
liam Derstine of the Franconia Conference, they pro-
ceeded to Washington. They called on Provost
Marshal General Crowder and reported their experi-
ence at Camp Meade. The General at once called up
Secretary Baker by phone, and got orders to call up
the commatKler ait Meade and tell him to so arrange
170 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
matters ithat the brethren Gcx)d and Habecker could
hold religious services in the C. O. barracks the next
day. This was done, and later the department made
arrangements so that services could be held there
regularly. A few weeks later Bishop P. R. Nissley
accompanied the brethren who went there to hold
services and they observed the communion. Quite
an experience — a Mennonite bishop in a war camp
holding a service in commemoration of the suflfer-
ing, death and atonement of the Prince of Peace ; but
that was caring for the flock, and shows one of the
needs and opportunities of camp visitation. These
two brethren wrote up a full account of their many
visits to this camp. This will 'be important history
in the future.
Centralizing the Work
With all that good work being done in vis-
iting camps, answering letters, etc., matters were
congtantly becoming more and more complicated.
Camp officials were trying to drive our brethren into
the service. More correspondence with Washington
became necessary and more requests were coming in
asking that certain young men in the camps be aid-
ed. With the drives for war funds came demamds
for more meetings for consultation. All of this
meant better organization. It called for one man as
leader. It was better that he should come to such
leadership by force of circumstances than by election.
It was but natural that Aaron Loucks, chairman of
the committee apf>ointed by General Conference to
lodk after the welfare of the draftees, should be that
man. His counsel and help were in almost constant
demand. Being away from home much of the time
CAMP VISITATIONS 171
his letters and telegrams would often not be an-
swered for a long time. This was very unsatisfac-
tory, both to Brother Loucks and to the correspond-
ents. It was decided that he must have help, some
one to take charge of the correspondence. J. S.
Hartzler of Goshen, Ind., was asked to do this and
went to Scottdale to take up the work. With in-
creased help came increased demands. Both men
were busy. For months at a time Bro. Loucks could
not have made all the calls that were asked for, even
if he had remained on the road all the time.
Some seemed to think that there were few limits
to the powers of those who would visit camps reg-
ularly. One father wrote, ''They have taken my boy
to Camp. I do not like that. I want you to go do\fn
there and have him transferred to one of the north-
ern camps — either Sherman or Taylor." Imagine
about how much good it would have done to have
gone to a camp or to have written to the war de-
partment requesting such a change.
Benefit to the Parents
But the young men in camp were not the only
ones who were benefited by these visits. In many
cases the parents at home were suffering more than
their sons in camp. Sometimes because the mails
were not regular, they imagined that their loved ones
were sick or imprisoned and were no^ alloAved to
write, and a visit with the son and a letter to the
parents soothed many a troubled heart. To know
that some one had visited their son, some one who
could help him to solve some of his problems, was
like a healing balm to the broken heart. Many a
mother slept better after receiving a letter stating
172 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
that her son had been visited, was faring well, and
was in good cheer.
Benefit to Camp Commanders
Even camp commanders and officers under him
were benefited by these visits. It was very difficult
for such officials to understand how any one could
take th-e position of the C. O. and be anything else
than a German sympaithizer, a slacker, or a coward.
Many were honest in their convictions and were glad
for an opportunity to discuss the subject with some
one who because of age and experience was better
versed on the subject than many of the young men
were. Many of these officers would discuss the doc-
trine of nonresistance with the ministers for an hour
or more and thus see whether the visitors and the
C. O.'s agreed on the subject. The majority of the
officials would hardly admit that they had received
any new light on the subject of the new life, but in
many cases their actions toward the Christian young
men were more considerate after such visits.
A brother called at a certain camp and after
talking with the brethren for a time went to see one
of the higher officials who received him cordially
After discussing the C O. problem the officer said
that he had been expecting the board of inquiry for
some time but as yet had heard nothing from it. The
brother asked whether he had reported to the depart-
ment at Washington that there were any C. O.'s
in his camp. The officer looked a little surprised at
such a question and said, "Xo.'' The brother took
a paper from his pocket and showed him that on
the first day of each month, camp commanders who
had C. O.'s in their camps should report the same
CAMP VISITATIONS 173
to the war department at Washington. What hap-
pened after that is not known, but reasonably soon
after the beginning- of the next month the C. O.'s
were transferred to another camp where they met
the board a few days later.
Wilful Neglect
Again, camp visits were necessary because some
camp commanders, and especially under officers,
were wilfully neglecting to observe orders from
Washington, or were so construing them as to make
them meaningless. As stated before, all post and
camp commaiKiers were required to repKDrt at the
beginning of each month the names of all persons
under their respective commands who professed re-
ligious or other conscientious scruples, and "who
have not been w^illing to accept by reason of such
scruples, assignment to noncom'batant military serv-
ice." This order also required that such report
should contain a brief, comprehensive statement as
to the nature of the objection. This shows that pro-
visions w^re made for such as could not accept either
combatant or noncombatant service, and that the
war department actually expected that there would
be siKrh. Iti spite of this, commanders were con-
stantly trying to force such work upon the C. O.'s,
many of whom were too inexperienced to handle such
a situation, and appealed for help. Persons from
outside could do much more especiall^jj if it was evi-
dent that they knew their business. Here were men
whose sole interest in camp was to see that Christian
vourLg men got the treatment that the department
had provided for them. While it was the business
of the offBcials to get as many to accept service as
174 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
they could, using legitimate means in doing it, they
were more careful in the methods used because they
could not tell how soon such camp visitors might
come or whom they might befriend if they came.
Undue Criticism
It is a self evident fact that President Wilson
and the Congress of the United States have been un-
wisely criticised by some of the C. O/s and their
friends (more from the political than the religious
objectors) because Government did not meet the
situation better from the standpoint of the objector.
As representatives of the people they were obliged
to consider the wishes of their constituency; also,
the conscientious objectors constituted such a small
per cent of the whole that to make them an excep-
tion might have proven a misfortune, both the offi-
cials and to those excepted. Taking all these things
into consideration one can not account for the re-
gard and privilges which the nonresistant people re-
ceived, both at the hands of the law-makers and o£
rhe camp officials otherwise than by an honest effort
on the part of those who made the laws, even though
they did not understand our position nor agree with
it, and the over-ruling and protection of our heav-
enly Father for His own.
Position of the Official
Camp officials, too, had reasons for their actions
in many cases. There were actual "slackers," and
the C. O. cloak was a good one under which to hide.
Those had to be sifted out, and testing was the only
method that some of the officers knew for sifting.
Then again, while the officers were in trarni-ng they
were taught tliat every man must serve. They were
CAMP VISITATIONS 175
not taught that there Avere a few exceptions; that
these were to be excused because they 'had a con-
science against war. Every man MUST. The offic-
er was boss of men and was himself under a boss.
His boss expected him to see that conditions were
met according to the rules of war. His promotion
depended upon h<yw well he succeeded in getting
every man trained in the part required. It is easy
to see why officials were so persistent, and equally
easy to see the need of proper camp visiting.
Injudicious Camp Visiting
Not all such visiting was proper, however. Some
visits had better never been made. One minister,
in his desire to go just as far as he could to comply
with the desires of a camp official and at the same
time not violate a Christian principle, upon hearing
the explanation of a certain kind of work said, "Cer-
tainly our boys can do that." He had not investi-
gated the matter nor consulted the young men who
were .in constant touch with the work and knew
better all the points involved. After that the officer
insisted that the woi'k be done and the nonresist-
ants all refused to do it. To the officer this looked
like stubbornness. One of the brethren wrote to his
pastor to come at once. After the pastor and the
boys had carefully gone over the matter the former
went to the officer and said, 'T am sorry, but our
boys cannot conscientiously do the work which has
been assigned to them, and I cannot encourage them
to do it. I could not do it if I were placed in like
circumstances." The offiicer said, "Some time ago
a minister who claimed that he was a Mennonite was
here and he said that the boys could do this work;
176 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
now you say that they cannot. I believe that you
bad better go home and agree among yourselves as
to what you want, then come here and we will talk
it over. We will not get anywhere this way" — ^and
he was right. There were other injudicious visits
which did more to confuse than to set matters right.
Considering the training" of the officers, the small
number of nonresistants as compared with the great
and mighty army, and the disagreement of pastors
as to the work that could be done with consistency,
we can be thankful indeed for the consideration re-
ceived, and that camp visits were not much more
necessary than they were. "Truly, God is good to
Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.'*
CHAPTER XIV
RELIEF WORK
Causes
War is always cruel. Killing and destroying
property are its immediate aims. Cripples, widows,
orphans, immense national debt, and enormous taxes
are a few of the results which follow in its trail for
many years, while some of the more immediate re-
sults are starvation, exposure, and epidemics. Grief
caused by war is indescribable. With improved im-
plements used in the late conflict all these calamities
were correspondingly increased.
Conditions in War Countries
Armies surged back and forth ; strategic points
were taken by one army only to be retaken by the
enemy. Homes were either burned or wrecked by
bursting shells from the enormous cannon. Mine
and shell holes from two to twenty feet deep were in
evidence. When the enemy came upon a town or
neighborhood the common people fled from their
homes taking with them a few of their belongings,
such as could be gathered in haste and conveyed to
places of safety. But when they came back they
found their homes gone and their fields in such a
condition that they could not be farmed. Aside
from being shell-torn, much of the land was covered
178 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
with tons and tons of bar'bed wire which had been
used for defense.
Other countries away from these contested plac-
es were not so badly torn but were robbed of their
cattle, horses, crops, and in fact everything that
would be of use to the army. The people were left
destitute and the suffering was intense. If these
people were to be saved from starvation, help must
come from sources outside of their own country.
Information came to this country through the news-
papers. Red Cross, consuls, and other agencies and
the people were touched with sympathy. Many
wanted to give toward feeding and clothing the peo-
ple and helping them to rebuild their homes.
Avenues Through Which to Help
Not knowing where to send their contributions
and still remain consistent with the nonresistant
doctrine, many Mennonites began to send money to
the treasurer of the Mennonite Board of Missions
and Charities, G. L. Bender, Elkhart, Indiana. He
sought ways and means of distributing this money
but for a time found none that were very satisfac-
tory. The Red Cross and the Y. M. C. A. were
ready to assume the responsibility but there were
objections to both. First, they were allied with the
war, and to give them money was only another way
of abetting the conflict; second, both distributed to-
bacco in some form, and other things objectionable,
among the soldiers, both in this country and in
Europe, thus tending to debauch the soldier rather
than to lift him up. This was more than many peo-
ple could endorse, and it became more and more evi-
dent that a separate organization should be eflFected
RELIEF WORK 179
which would inform the Church of the needs and
would solicit liberal contributions in order to carry
on relief work more eflfectively.
Mennonite Relief Commission for War Sufferers
A missionary conference was held at the Forks
Church near Middlebury, Indiana, December 24-26,
1917, and it was determined to bring up the matter
at that meeting. This was done and a lively discus-
sion followed. As a result the Mennonite Relief
Commission for War Sufferers was organized. A
constitution was drawn up and adopted. Article II
of this document reads: "The object of this organ-
ization shall be to solicit, receive, hold and disburse
or distribute funds or supplies for the relief of war
sufferers." The last two words are suggestive as to
the intended duration. So is also the last article in
the constitution: ''After the conditions which call
for the organization of this commission shall have
ceased to exist, this organization shall be disband-
ed." Later many have thought that it should be or-
ganized on a more permanent basis so as to be ready
for any emergency along the special line of its work.
Our Obligation
Information went out rapidly. Announcements
were made in the congregations and through the
church papers. Those who had been at the confer-
ence were full of the subject and talked it wherever
they went. If we could not support the Red Cross
or the Y. M. C. A., we were none the less under ob-
ligation to relieve suffering which seemed to be on
the increase. Tracts were sent out; articles and
editorials appeared in the church papers, setting
forth conditions, and showing the obligations of
180 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
stewardship. People were being pressed to support
war measures, and many gave as much to alleviate
distress as they would have been asked to give to
support the war; others doubled or trebled these
amounts. At the time of the organization of the
Commission some thought that it would be possible
to raise one hundred thousand dollars, but it was
soon beyond that. Several of the smaller branches
of Mennonites were given representation in the or-
ganization and contributed liberally. Then it was
suggested that the Commission in company with the
Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities
should try to raise two hundred thousand dollars,
but in one year from its organization that amount
was exceeded by an additional fourth of that a-
mount, is still coming in and doubtless will so long
as the need is so great.
Mennonites in Canada and Relief
In Canada it was thought best to do their relief
work through an organization that w^as Canadian
rather than to send their contributions to an organ-
ization existing in another country. As Mennonites
and Tunkers united in an effort to raise two hundred
thousand dollars for this purpose it cannot be defin-
itely determined how much was raised by Menno-
nites alone. However, knowing the amounts raised
by the Commission and the Eastern Mennonite
Board of Missions and Charities and making a con-
servative estimate of the part raised by the Menno-
nites of Canada, it is evident that before the signing
of the Armistice, November 11, 1918, the total a-
mount raised by the Mennonites in America had
passed the four hundred thousand dollar mark with
REiLIEF WORK 181
money still coming in. Very good — and yet it could
not be truthfully said of the Church, "She hath done
what she could," for she might have done still much
more.
Seeking Avenues for Work
Wifh the increase of funds naturally came the
question of the best means of applying them. The
Church wanted to send workers as well as money.
The Red Cross being international in scope had re-
ceived exclusive rights for carrying on relief work
in the war-stricken districts except where organized
relief was already being carried on. Most of the
churches did their work through the Red Cross, but
that required the military uniform and was directly
and organically allied with the army. The ordinary
C. O. could no more work consistently with this
organization than he could do noncombatant work
in the army. It was also considered advisable, if
possib-le, to get a certain section in the war-stricken
district for which the Church would become re-
sponsible for both relief and reconstruction, as that
would create greater interest and men and money
would be forthcoming more abundantly, but no such
place could be secured.
Work of the English Friends
Early in the conflict the English Friends began
work in devastated places in France. When this
country entered the war the American Friends de-
sired a place where they could work, but the Red
Cross was on the ground first. However, the Amer-
ican Friends succeeded in getting into the work un-
der the English Society. American Friends invited
the Mennonites to work with them. This was ac-
182 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
cepted and the Relief Commission at once began to
send a stipulated amount of five thousand dollars
each month to the Friends for reconstruction. On
several occasions, when the need became very urg-
ent, the Commission furnished twenty thousand dol-
lars aside from the monthly amount. This was con-
tinued until the sector assigned to the Friends had
been brought to a fair state of habitation and culti-
vation.
Furnishing Men as Well as Money
A number of our brethren would have been glad
to go to France and aid in the work of relief and
reconstruction as soon as the way opened, but the
scarcity of farm labor seemed to require all the
available force in this country to supply the needed
food. Much had been shipped to the warring coun-
tries and the prices for farm produce were almost
prohibitive, especially to the poor, hence Mennonite
boys who were not called to camp were urged to
help on the farms. However, some of the boys who
were in camp were furloughed for reconstruction
work in France under the Friends. Others would
have been glad to go because they could have been
a benefit to mankind there instead of remaining in
camp where they were consumers and were not able
to do anything constructively, but the Board of In-
quiry refused them that privilege. After their dis-
charge from camp, quite a number of Mennonites
accepted the invitation of the Friends to spend one
year in this work.
Brethren Allgyer and Smucker Sent to France
Suggestions came from the Friends, from breth-
ren in the service of the Friends, and frcrni a
RELIEF WORK 183
number of the Church leaders that one or two breth-
ren be sent to France to inspect the work that was
being done and bring a report back to America. It
was finally decided to send two, one an elderly man,
well known in the Church and the other a young
man. The Commission chose Brethren Samuel E.
Allgyer of West Liberty, Ohio, and Vernon Smuck-
er of Orrville, Ohio, but later of Scottdale, Pennsyl-
vania. These reports gave new impetus to the work
and the interest was well sustained until the Friends
decided that the work had better be left and other
more needy places taken up.
Work in Syria and Armenia
The American Committee for Armenian and
Syrian Relief (later known as Near East Relief
Committee) had been at woric in these countries
almost from the beginning of the war, but had
been doing their work through the missionaries
on the field. Many people were touched by the
reports of atrocities committed by the Turks, and
the suflFerings of the Armenians, and sent money
to the Relief Commission with the instructions that
it be used to relieve suffering in that country. The
Commission found this Committee an avenue thru
w^hich to carry out these instructions, and for a time
furnished one thousand dollars per month for relief
work in these countries but later increased it to fif-
teen hundred dollars per month.
While France, Belgium, and Italy were torn by
shot and shell, Armenia and Syria suffered more
from other causes. The people were driven from
their homes, robbed of their valuables, even to the
clothing which they wore. Their crops were de-
184 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
stroyed, or where it could be done, fSken to the
Turkish army. Some were driven into deserts to die
of starvation while others were required to sufifer
tortures which were worse than death. Thousands
died from these abuses. Some made their way to
places of comparative safety such as Russia, Egypt,
Jerusalem, or to some place in their own country
where the danger was not so great. But what when
they reached those places? In most cases there was
not food sufficient to feed the residents, and because
of the war food was both expensive and very hard
to get. Besides, the ever present profiteers were
getting and holding these things for higher prices.
A very limited amount of relief work was done dur-
ing the war, but this was done almost entirely
through the missionaries, and was prhicipally g^ven
to women and children because it was considered
that men were better able to provide for themselves.
When the war was over some villages in Syria and
Armenia had lost about seventy per cent of their
men by starvation. Newspapers presented conditions
in heart-rending terms.
The First Contingent Sent to the Near East
Many people urged that the Church send some
young men to the Near East to do reconstruction
work, and thought that it might be an advantage to
have a certain territory for which the Mennonites
should make themselves responsible. As the Amer-
ican Committee was about to send a number of men,
the Committee invited the Mennonite Commission to
send a number with them. At the same time there
was more or less agitation that two older men
should be sent along and get information first hand
RELIEF WORK 185
and bring it back to the Church. At a joint meeting
of the Evxecutive Committee of the Mennonite Relief
Commission, some members of the Eastern Men-
nonite Board of Missions and Charities and mem-
bers of the Lancaster and Franconia Conferences,
held in the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, January
4, 1919, it was decided to accept the offer of the
American Committee and send several young work-
ers and two older ones who should go and remain
long enough to get a fair first hand knowledge of
conditions and return. Brethren Aaron Loucks,
Scottdale, and William Derstine, Quakertown, both
Pennsylvania, were selected to accompany the work-
ers.
From Eye-witnesses
A number of those who are responsible for this
book thought that one of those who had been on the
field in France, and one who had been connected
with the work in the Near East should each write
out some of their experiences and observations for
this book. Brethren Vernon Smucker, then of
Orrville, Ohio, and Orie O. Miller of Akron, Penn-
sylvania, have been chosen, and it is a great pleasure
to have their contributions follow:
L Our Relief Work in France
By Vernon Smucker
On the afternoon of May 24, 1919, the steamship
Orduna of the Cunard Line sailed out of New York
Harbor for Liverpool, England. Brother S. E. All-
g^-er and myself had left our homes some time be-
fore this and for over a week had stopped at Phila-
delphia where we were provided with the necessities
186 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
for our voyage by the American Friends Service
Committee, received passports, credentials, and other
necessary papers, and then proceeded to New York
in time to board the above mentioned vessel. We
were on our way to France, sent by the Mennonite
Relief Commission and the American Friends Service
Committee to investigate the work which our Men-
nonite brethren were doing in the war-stricken dis-
tricts of France under the supervision of the Friends,
as well as to bring them encouragement and cheer
and to assure them of the support and good will of
the Church at home in the work which they had
undertaken.
After an exceptionally smooth and pleasant voy-
age we landed at Liverpool, England, on June 2.
The next day we proceeded to London where we
were met and provided for by English Friends. A
little over a day was spent here getting the neces-
sary papers, etc., after which we left for Paris, arriv-
ing there on the evening of June 5. A day was
spent here in getting the required papers and creden-
tials to travel in the war zone, and after an all-day
trip from Paris we reached Clermont-en-Argonne on
the evening of June 7. Our journey was uneventful
but interesting, and everywhere we were shown the
greatest courtesy. Travel in the war zone was then
very much restricted. In fact no one was allowed to
go there except by official permission based on good
reasons. All our papers, passports, etc., were se-
cured with the aid of the Friends who were a recog-
nized relief agency and had established official con-
nections, so that we experienced little or no diffi-
culties along these lines.
At the time of our arrival in France some over
RELIEF WORK 187
three hundred persons were associated in relief work
in what was termed the Friends' Mission. Of these,
the majority were Americans, though a number were
English. In the early days of the work and during
the war a majority of the workers in the Mission
were English, but later the Americans predominated.
Out of the number there in June, 1919, fifty-one
were Mennonites. Two Mennonites had already re-
turned to their homes after a year of service. This
made a total of fifty-three who w^ere engaged in
relief work in France. Five or six of this number
were members of some of the smaller divisions in
the central west, and not directly affiliated with the
main branch of the Church, but the others were
from our congregations in Pennsylvania, Virginia,
Maryland, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and
Canada. With a few exceptions, all of the brethren
had been to camp. Some were furloughed from
camp in order that they might take up this work and
others had gone after the signing of the armistice
and their consequent release from all military obliga-
tions. Some had spent time at the Ft. Leavenworth
military prison and went to France directly after
their release, though of course under no obligations
to do so.
We found the relief work in France thoroughly
organized and efficiently conducted. One of the
important phases of work was the building of tem-
porary wooden houses in the war-stricken districts
so as to enable the people to come back to their old
homes from which they had been forced to flee dur-
ing the war. In the southern part of France the
Friends had established two factories, one at Dole
and the other at Ornans, where houses were built
188 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
in sections. The houses were two or three room
structures, sometimes larger, and sometimes with a
hangar or shed attached for the live stock which the
family owned. The buildings were standardized,
each section numbered or marked, and these sections
shipped direct to the war-devastated areas A num-
ber of our people, probably a dozen in all, were at
one time or another stationed in these quiet villages,
far from the scene of war and destruction, doing the
routine work of building sections and shipping them
to the north where they were erected as homes for
the grateful French people.
Previous to our visit in France the work of re-
lief had been carried on in a more or less scattered
area, but shortly before our arrival there the Red
Cross gave over to the Friends what was known as
the Verdun sector, where some of ^e hardest bat-
tles of the war had been fought. This comprised a
section almost two hundred square miles in area and
in many places presented a most desolate aspect.
Scores of once prosperous villages lay in ruins, some
without one single habitable dwelling, others with
some buildings which could be repaired, and still
others which escaped more or less unharmed, though
the latter were few. Barbed wire entanglements,
trendies, shell-holes, mine-craters, ammunition, and
various implements of war were everywhere in evi-
dence and bore mute testimony to the fierceness and
hatred with which the war had been waged.
The main offices of the Friends* organization
were at Paris, but the actual administration of the
work was carried on from Grange-le-Comte, a large
rural estate near Clermont-en-Argonne, in the prov-
ince of Meuse, in the aforementioned Verdun sector.
RELIEF WORK 189
This was a busy place. Over one hundred workers
were gathered here, taking care of the stores, sup-
plies, etc., which were received here and then dis-
tributed to the various smaller groups out in the sur-
rounding villages. Probably twelve or fifteen of our
brethren were stationed at Grange, helping in the
various activities here. Over a hundred motor ve-
hicles of various kinds, ranging from giant Liberty
trucks to motorcycles, were gathered in the yard at
night. It took a small corps of mechanics to keep
these in repair, two of our brethren among them for
a time. Immense stores of food supplies, clothing,
and other necessaries of life were stored here, to be
sent out to the smaller stations, or cqiiipes as they
were called, for use both of the workers and of the
French people. The old chateau was fitted up for
offices and its walls redounded with the merry click
of typewriters, while substantial outbuildings, tem-
porary barracks and even tents did duty for furnish-
ing shelter to the workers. A large mess hall or din-
ing room was built and other temporary improve-
ments were made. All this is mentioned to convey
some idea of the kind and magnitude of the work in
w^hich our brethren were engaged.
The majority of our brethren who were not in
the carpenter shops in southern France, or at Grange
taking care of and sending out supplies, were sta-
tioned in small villages within a radius of five or ten
miles from Grange doing actual building work.
Small groups, or equip es, composed of from five to
twenty-five individuals, organized with a chef and a
sous-chef (leader and assistant), would go out into
a destroyed village, erect a temporary shelter until
a building couki be set up, by some means get in
190 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
touch with the mayor or some other pre-war official
of the village, find out who wanted to return, who
owned the Ijand, where they desired the building to
be located, etc., and then, being furnished with house
sections and supplies by the transport department,
would prepare foundations and begin to erect hous-
es. With four or five men working on one house it
took an average of about two days or a little less to
complete the house and have it ready for occupation
by the family for which it was intended. Often the
family would return even before the house was en-
tirely completed. In some mysterious way the word
went out that a village was being rebuilt and soon
the refugees of that village would be coming back.
Sometimes the houses would be erected on the same
plot of ground on which the ruins of the old lay, and
at other times the new houses were built on sort of
a village common to one side of the ruined village.
In this way villages which were wholly desolate
would in the course of a few weeks or a few months
become alive with returned refugees, and old neigh-
bors would compare experiences during the past
years of the war, congratulate themselves that it was
all over, and once more begin their struggle for
existence. A strange joy and good cheer seemed to
radiate from each one, — for were they not again at
home, in their own village, and on their own plot of
ground ?
Our brethren in the building work were not sent
out in separate or distinctly Mennonite groups, but
some were included in different groups, with the
Friends and other workers. At one time there was
a suggestion from our brethren themselves that they
be sent out as Mennonite groups, but the suggestion
RBLIEF WORK 191
was not looked upon with favor by the heads of the
Mission and the brethren soon decided that perhaps
it would not be for the best if they were thus sent
out. In some of the groups none of our brethren
were included, in others the number ranged from
one to three, and in one of the groups there were at
one time five and later eight Mennonites out of a
total of not over ten or twelve in the whole group.
This was very exceptional, however, and was a mat-
ter of chance rather than deliberate design on the
part of those in authority. It may be noted that this
particular group surpassed any other in the number
of houses erected in a given time, and while there
may have been various reasons for this, the heads of
the Mission attributed it to the faithful and con-
scientious w^ork of "The Mennonites," holding this
particular group up as an example for the others.
It was partly the spirit of rivalry thus created which
convinced our brethren of the undesirability of work-
ing in separate groups, since there was danger that
the rivalry might not always be friendly on the part
of those groups that were surpassed in their own or-
ganization by members of another denomination.
But building houses and enabling the French
people to come back to their homes did not end the
responsibility of the relief workers. The country
was devastated. All the live stock, farming tools,
food supplies, etc., had been destroyed or carried ofif.
The land was covered with barbed-wire, trenches,
shell-holes, or ammunition, and it required time be-
fore it could again be made productive. Meanwhile,
and until railway service and shipping facilities were
again restored to normal conditions, it was necessary
that these people should be in some way provided
192 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
for. Otherwise they would starve in their own
homes.
To meet these conditions, stores were estab-
lished in the different villages and goods were sold
at cost, or less, to the returned refugees. Food sup-
plies were made available and in cases of extreme
need food and clothing were given away. As a rule,
however, this was not necessary, and every effort
was made to prevent the people from becoming
pauperized. It will readily be seen that the trans-
porting of goods was an important factor in giving
relief and several of our brethren were busily en-
gaged in this work, using the big Liberty trucks,
which had been built for war and destruction, for
bringing comfort and cheer to the needy.
An agricultural department was also maintained
and several of our brethren were engaged in that
work. This consisted largely of plowing (either
with horses or tractors), threshing grain, making
hay, etc. These operations were not without their
dangers, for sometimes an unexploded shell would
lie in the field, or be buried just beneath the surface,
needing only a touch at the proper place by the knife
of the mower or the point of the plow to explode its
deadly charge. Fortunately none of the relief work-
ers were injured through any of these dangers.
Mowers and various kinds of agricultural imple-
ments were purchased "by the Mission and loaned to
the farmers to aid them in gathering their crops.
The work of the agricultural department was not by
any means the least important phase of relief work
in France.
Among some of the other activities were such
things as shipping goats, rabbits, chickens, and bees
from other parts of France to the war-stricken reg-
ions and distributing them among the people. One
RELIEF WORK ' 193
of our brethren was on a goat-buying expedition in
southern France when we arrived at Clermont, and
others were at some time or other engaged in some
of the other activities. An effort was made by the
heads of the Mission to give each man work along
the line for which he was best fitted and trained.
All of the work required self-reliance and courage
in the strange surroundings, as well as the skill
necessary to perform the needful tasks.
Dentists, doctors, nurses, and sanitary experts
were also included among the workers of the Mis-
sion. Aside from looking after the health and well-
being of the more than three hundred relief work-
ers, they made regular trips to the surrounding vil-
lages and ministered to the needs of the French peo-
ple. During the war, a maternity hospital was'
maintained at Chalons, where large numbers of
mothers and new-born babes were temporarily cared
for. This hospital has since been endowed by the
Friends and established on a permanent basis as a
memorial of the relief work done in France and the
good will which prompted this service.
We were privileged to have a number of relig-
ious services w^ith the brethren during the time we
spent in their midst. Communion service was held
in a smail tent on one Sunday in the little shell-torn
village of Aubreville, and at another time a two-day
meeting was held, where subjects of general religious
interest and concern were discussed. The brethren
were much interested in hearing news from the
home Gharch and seemed deeply grateful for the
greetings and good wishes which we were privileged
to briog them. We were pleased to learn that in a
number o£ cases they had taken the initiative in
194 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
starting Sunday schools in the equipes in which they
were working, and many of them exercised a very-
commendable religious zeal in their work and ac-
tivities.
The executive heads of the Friends' organization
spoke very highly of the work and character of the
great majority of our brethren and expressed them-
selves as being highly pleased with their efforts.
They gave them positions of responsibility, the same
as their own men, and attributed a due share of the
success of their undertaking to the work of the Men-
nonite boys, as well as to the financial aid given by
the Mennonite Church.
The work naturally had a marked effect on the
French people. Their attitude was kind and hospit-
able throughout. They soon learned that these men
were opposed to war, and that they were doing"
these deeds of kindness not from any selfish mo-
tives but because of definite religious convictions.
And while there was always the barrier of language
to their free intercourse, yet we are sure that the
language of love and good will is understood every-
where, without regard to race, color, or creed, and
no one can tell what the final result of the work will
be.
There is another class of people who will always
remember the relief workers. Numerous prison
camps were located in the area in which the work
was done, where thousands of German prisoners of
war awaited the final signing and ratifying of the
peace treaty. A number of these prisoners were
employed in working for the French and also for
the Friends' Mission, giving the men an opportunity
to come in direct contact with them. Many friend-
REiLIEF WORK 195
ships were formed and many expressions of grati-
tude were heard from the German prisoners toward
those whom they had considered their enemies, but
whom they now recognized as the enemies of none,
and from whom they had received the first kind and
considerate treatment that had been accorded them
for months and in many cases years. Since these
prisoners could not be recompensed for their work,
and since the Friends' Mission did not feel that they
could conscientiously employ prison labor as such,
a careful record was taken of the home, family, and
condition of every prisoner who worked for them,
and later, during the winter of 1919-20, they sent
three relief workers, including one of our brethren,
into Germany to look up the families of these prison-
ers, give them all the news possible of son or hus-
band or brother from whom nothing had been heard
for so long, and pay them a fair wage for all the
time which the prisoner had spent in the employ of
the relief workers. Many touching incidents were
met with in these visitations, and many never-to-be-
forgotten impressions were received by both the
visitors and the visited.
We believe that the m©ney which we as a
Church contributed to this work was well and effi-
ciently spent and that the work which our brethren
helped to do was necessary and important. We be-
lieve too that such of our brethren who faithfully let
their lights shine in their work were blessed and
made a blessing to those with whom they came in
contact, and that many real opportunities were pre-
sented for faithfully witnessing for Christ and mak-
ing known His teachings. To the extent that these
opportunities were made use of we believe that our
196 MENNONITBS IN THE WORLD WAR
participation in this relief work was a blessing to the
Church in general and a much needed help to those
who were in distress.
We spent about four weeks on the field, living
with the brethren in the diflferent cqiiipcs and get-
ting all the first-hand knowledge and information
possible. On July 9 the writer sailed for home on a
troop transport from Brest, France, while Brother
Allgyer spent a month longer in visiting among the
Mennonite communities in France, Alsace, and
Switzerland. The latter arrived home in time for a
report to the General Conference held at Harrison-
burg, Va., during the latter part of August, 1919.
II. Our Relief Work in the Near East and Russia
By Orie O. Miller
At the meeting held in Lancaster, Pennsylvania,
the following few general decisions were made: first,
that the invitation of the American Committee for
opening work in Turkey and for sending over a
group of workers, be accepted ; second, that about a
dozen brethren be appointed to constitute this first
group ; third that the brethren Aaron Loucks and
William Derstine be appointed as leaders for this
unit. They were instructed to accompany the Unit
to the field, to direct the opening of the work, to
determine its further policies, and after a few months
to return to America and submit a report of their
findings to the Relief Commission. Next, a list of
l)raspective workers was drawn up. This included
Mennonite men who were still in camps, others who
had volunteered for service with the Friends' relief
work in Europe, and other suggested names of those
RELIEF WORK 197
thought to be interested in such work. Within three
weeks eleven young men had accepted this invitation
for service, and were appointed.
Near East Relief
On January 25, 1919, the first group of nine,
sailed from New York on the Relief ship *'Pensa-
cola" direct for Beirut, Syria. Besides the brethren
Loucks and Derstine, there were : Silas Hertzler of
Newport News, Va. ; Chris Graber of Noble, Iowa ;
Ezra Deter of Morrison, Illinois; Wm. and Frank
Stoltzfus of Lima, Ohio; David Zimmerman and
Orie O. Miller of Ephrata, Penna. Thirty-three
non-Mennonite relief workers sailed on this same
ship. The cargo consisted of several thousand tons
of relief supplies including clothing, cloth, shoes,
sewing machines, food, medicines, complete hospital
and surgical equipment for twenty, one-hundred bed
hospitals, several hundred auto trucks, etc. To
Beirut was a trip of twenty-six days. At this time
of the year the Atlantic Ocean is usually stormy and
rough, and this trip was no exception. The stormy
weather, the poor accommodations for living and
sleeping on shipboard, and the poor food which was
provided during most of the journey, kept all except
the most hardy ones from enjoying the trip as they
otherwise would have done. There were Turkish
language lessons every day, and usually a lecture in
the evening describing the land and the people of
Turkey or discussing some phase of the work await-
ing us. There were a number of books along these
same lines available for reading, and among our own
group there were daily Bible study and devotional
hours. These various activities made the time pass
198 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
quickly and profitably for all those who could take
advantage of them.
It was with a good deal of eagerness, but also
with considerable anxiety, that . we first sighted
Beirut. This city was destined to be the scene of
the whole year's service for some of us. Seven Men-
nonite workers, and three of the others with a good-
ly portion of the supplies were left at this port. The
brethren Loucks and Derstine continued with the
ship to Derindji, which is a small port on the Gulf
of Ismid, and about fifty miles distant from Con-
stantinople. They understood from the New York
officials of the American Relief Committee that our
Unit was to be located north of Syria, perhaps in
Cilicia. This section would be more accessible from
Constantinople than from Beirut. At Constantinople
was the American Committee's main foreign office,
and there the final arrangements for our work need-
ed to be concluded.
Beirut is the port and largest city in the Leb-
anon. This district lies at the east end of the Medi-
terranean, between the ports of Tyre and Latakia.
The length of its coast line is over a hundred miles
and its average breadth about thirty. This region
was nominally a part of pre-war Turkey, but the
Lebanese always enjoyed a certain degree of in-
dependence. For instance, their men could not be
conscripted into Turkish military service. As the
war progressed this fact irritated the Turks more
and more. Partly in retaliation, Lebanon had its
food supply cut off. These rugged mountaineers
had for generations past terraced and cultivated
their rough mountain sides until every available foot
of ground was made to produce; but still their
RELIEF iWORK 199
wheat, sugar, beans, and material for clothing all
came from the outside. After these supplies were
entirely cut off they suffered terribly. As the Turk-
ish hatred of the Armenian resulted in deportations,
so here their hatred of the Syrian resulted in a sys-
tematic starvation of a whole people. Out of a
population of five hundred thousand more than one
hundred and fifty thousand starved or died from the
effects of starvation within a period of two years.
Whole villages were depopulated, the houses left in
ruins, the vineyards and orange groves neglected.
Those who had not died there had gone to the larg-
er cities in search of food.
Three and a half months previous to our arrival
the American Red Cross had extended its work
north from Jerusalem into Syria with headquarters
at Beirut. Their workers had gone into these large
cities and in the sub-districts into which the sur-
rounding area was divided and relief was organized.
Industrial workshops had been opened where women
and girls were employed at a minimum living wage.
At one time three thousand were so employed in
Beirut alone. Here, at Sidon, Beirut, Damascus and
at a number of other places orphanages had been
opened into which were put full orphans and home-
less children as they were picked off the streets or
brought in from out-of-the-way places. In various
centers soup kitchens were opened where a daily
serving of soup and bread was issued to properly in-
vestigated needy cases. Hospitals, clinics, medical
dispensaries, departments of clothing distribution,
provided for the relief of other needy classes. At
first all of the new workers helped in that organiza-
tion. The understanding with the officials of the
200 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
Red Cross was that as soon as we would be called
for by the brethren who had gone on to Constanti-
nople, we would be released at Beirut.
Farther north in the Aleppo area the situation
was worse in some respects and better in others.
The plains about Aleppo for miles and miles are in-
habited by Arabs. These are a nomadic people,
moving east with their flocks and herds in winter
and away from the desert as the hot, dry season
comes on. They live on a lower stage of civilization
than the Syrians. Their needs are very simple.
Milk and meat for food, wool and hides for clothing
are all furnished by their flocks. They usually camp
long enough in one place during the summer to pro-
duce a few vegetables. A few cooking utensils and
their weapons for fighting are about all they need
from the outside world. They also suffered by the
war but not so severely. But into this region the
Armenians were deported. From all points of Asia
Minor these lines of fleeing, persecuted, driven refu-
gees converged towards Aleppo. Thousands and
tens of thousands died along the way. The roads by
which they came from Mardin, Marash, Caesarea,
and the other large cities of the north were lined
with their bleaching bones. But many succeeded in
reaching Aleppo. After arriving they found no
shelter, no food, no work. The Red Cross opened
industrial shops, gave men work in building roads,
distributed bread and soup in outdoor kitchens, fur-
nished blankets, clothing, and hospital facilities, re-
leased Armenian girls from Turkish harems and
made an effort to get people back to their homes.
Here also our men helped out wherever they couhl.
About five weeks passed during which we had
RE/LIEF WORK 201
no news from Brethren Loucks and Derstine. Dur-
ing this time the terms of several of the Red Cross
workers expired. Others resigned and left. Some
of our men were appointed to fill these vacancies
which were positions of considerable responsibility.
There were similar places in prospect for the others.
In the meantime the two leaders who had gone on to
Constantinople were disappointed in the attitude
taken by Relief Committee officials there towards
our mission. Because of Bro. Derstine's mechanical
ability his services were, however, for a time, almost
indispensable at Derindji. Here hundreds of motor
trucks were being assembled for carrying supplies
into the interior. He was given general charge of
this work for this short time. Bro. Loucks accom-
panied the first train load of relief supplies through
Anatolia and into Cilicia, investigating conditions
enroute. At Adana he left the train, spent a few
w^eeks in helping to unload the supplies there, and
in becoming acquainted with the need in Adana,
Tarsus, and surrounding parts. The New York of-
fice had suggested that we work as a Unit in this
section. The conclusions of Bro. Loucks were that
no opening existed for such work there, and he
shortly returned for Bro. Derstine. Together they
looked over this field again, and the above conclu-
sions were confirmed in the minds of both. With
this investigation they felt their work was done. It
was deemed inadvisable to make further efforts to
organize an independent Mennonite work. They ar-
rived at Beirut on March 29 and spent Sunday with
the group there, before continuing their journey to
America. The workers at Beirut were disappointed
in this report, but soon adjusted themselves to the
202 MIEN'NONITES IN TH;E WORLD WAR
thought of spending the whole year's service in the
Syrian field.
On April I the management, control, and sup-
port of the work being done by the American
Red Cross was transferred to the American Com-
mitte for relief in the Near East. This made all of
us regular members of the organization personnel.
So while we were disappointed in not being able to
organize a distinctly Mennonite Unit under the di-
rect supervision of our Relief Commission, all but
one became members of this larger Syria Unit whose
headquarters was Beirut. James H. Nicol, a mis-
sionary in Syria of ten years, who had organized and
conducted the work of the Red Cross in Beirut, was
continued as director of the work done by the
American Committee for Relief in this same field.
He most sympathetically and understandingly en-
tered into the purposes and ideals that had brought
us to the field. His attitude tended to make the
work agreeable to our men. Each of them consid-
ered him a personal friend.
The Syria field was divided into the Beirut and
the Aleppo areas, and each of these areas into seven
districts. In each one of these districts a small
American Relief Unit was organized. In most of
them the work was divided into four departments as
follows: Orphanage, industrial, medical, and general
relief. At the head of each department was placed
an American worker with a staff of native assistants.
In charge of the whole Unit was a local director,
assisted in his work by a unit treasurer and a man-
ager of transportation and supplies. Different units
may have varied slightly in organization. Special
needs may have required still other departments,
RELIEF WORK 203
'hmt usually the unit was made up of from six to
ei^ht American workers. This group lived together
as one family and w^ere given a great deal of freedom
iBii -working out local policies and in determining how
tliMiir monthly budget should be spent. They were
cJcpendent on the headquarters office at Beirut for
tJateir funds, their supplies, their new personnel, and
tbe decision on the larger general policies of giving
relief. In Beirut were the treasurer's and executive
-offices for the field, and large warehouses filled with
si!S|»plies.
All kinds and types of workers were needed in
3im organization of this kind. Our men were pe-
€U)laarly fitted for certain phases of this work. Grad-
iically they were distributed over the entire field.
E^inest Miller and Jesse Smucker were both assigned
t& Mardin, and worked there for some months. Bro.
Simucker opened and conducted the boys' orphanage
matil he was sent with two other workers to organ-
ize work at Diabeker. He finished his term as treas-
nfer of that unit, charge of the supplies, and carried
OFB relief work in a few of the most needy villages
alcN^ut the city. Bro. Miller began his term at Mar-
<ff'r3 as manager of transport and supplies. After
Biro, Smucker left he also took charge of the boys'
^Kfplianage, and during the last six months of his
ijsf-nj was the director of the Mardin unit. Paul Sny-
der served a short time as mechanic in the auto re-
pair shop at Aleppo, but was stationed for the bal-
aiiace of the year at Marash, where he had charge of
transport and supplies. He was one of the few
Aioaerican workers who remained at his post during
At siege of that city, and was a personal witness to
tfeffi: horrors of the Marash massacre which occurred
204 MEiNNONITES IN THE WOUDD WAR
in February, 1920. Chris Gra'ber was stationed in Bei-
rut until the latter part of May, working principally
in the transport department. He was then transferred
to Aleppo and for a short time had charge of the
supplies for that area, and then was placed at the
head of the Armenian refugee work in that city.
There were at times as many as eight thousand
Armenians in the army barracks in which the com-
mittee sheltered them. In these barracks was a fully
equipped hundred and fifty bed hospital, workshops,
providing employment for the women, an orphanage,
and soup kitchens furnishing a daily serving of fomi
to all. The men were grouped in squads and given
work on the roads. The strain of looking after tMs
work coupled with Aleppo's unhealthy climate af-
fected Bro. Graber's health. After a month in the
hospital he was allowed to return to Beirut, and
after a few weeks further rest there he was sent to-
open work in the Antioch district. He was iin
charge of this unit during the remainder of his term-
Ezra Deter was stationed in Beirut, and spent the
first half of his term in hauling supplies to the var-
ious out-stations with one of the big G. M. C. trucks-
He was later assigned to Aleppo and succeeded
Chris Graber there as manager of supplies. He com-
pleted his term there. After a few months service in
the Beirut transport department both Wm. Stoltzfos
and Silas Hertzler were assigned to the Sidon dis-
trict. Bro. Stoltzfus became the director of the work
in this district, and Bro. Hertzler had charge of
three hundred boys in the orphanage. Until July,
1920, Frank Stoltzfus assisted in hauling supplies;
from Beirut to the outstations, and then was as-
signed special work at Jerusalem. Here was a wdl
RELIEF WORK 205
'equipped orphanage of five hundred children. He
was assistant director of the institution, and had
cfnargc of the educational work in the orphanage.
David Zimmerman was given charge of the motor
transport and repair department at Beirut very soon
^fter his arrival on the field. He continued in this
capacity during his whole term of service with the
AmerJtan Committee. His special qualifications as
a mechanic made him very useful for special work
at the various out-stations. He and the writer were
the only two of the group who remained at Beirut
tliroughout the year. Until May 1 I assisted in
the supply department, and from that time was its
<|jrector. On August 1 I was given additional
■«liities as director of the Beirut district, and a month
later became the assistant director of the Syria field.
Leon Myers left the second unit of Mennonite
workers at Constantinople and gave his first year
<>t service in Asia Minor in the Marsovan area. He
had charge of a number of motor trucks, which were
kept busy carrying supplies from the coast towns to
the far interior stations. During his second year on
the field he was stationed at Constantinople and
operated the Near Elast relief bakery. The capacity
-of this plant was eighteen thousand loaves of bread
per day.
In July. 1919, A. M. Eash of Chicago, 111., and
John Warye of West Liberty, Ohio, arrived on the
field. Bro. Eash was at once appointed director of
tilje Syrian Orphanage at Jerusalem, where he re-
Ttnained for a period of two years. Br6. Warye was
asfisgned to the Caesarea area in Asia Minor. He
organized and conducted industrial work among the
.orphan boys.
206 M'ElNlNONI.TES IN THE WORLD WAR
In December, 1919, Chris Augsburgcr of West
Liberty, Ohio, Ernest H. Miller of Fentress, V'iii--
ginia, and Eli Stoltzfus of Lima, Ohio, reacbcd
Constantinople and were all three assigned work an
the Syrian field. The administration in Beirut cailed
for another group of Mennonite workers early h«»
1920. On April 8 of that year this group reacfe©d
Beirut. Roy Kaufman of West Liberty, Ohio, Ray
Bender of Springs, Pennsylvania, Martin Weaver <»f
Newton, Kansas, Milo Zimmerman of Harper, Kaias-
as, Roy Myers of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Datxadt^
Stoltzfus of Martinsburg, Pennsylvania, Fred Swarte^
endruber of Wayland, Iowa, and Menno NussbacMTM
of Orrville, Ohio, were in this last group. Tt&cse-
men took in large measure the places vacated by the-
first group of eleven whose term of one year had cse-
pired. In all twenty-five men have been recommend-
ed and sent out by our Relief Commission, for woolc
in this field. Twenty-three of the total number ha^i©'
given their service in the Syria field.
In Syria the common language is Arabic. Ooit-
side of the coast cities, where the population is
mixed, the race is also Arabic. Missionary wofflc
has been done among these people for over a hma-
dred years. The Presbyterian mission has organized
native churches in all of the larger cities and towns^
and in many of them has schools of various grades-
and kinds. The American University oif Beirnnt
furnishes a course of training which compares well
with the best colleges of our own country. So«KMr
of the American missionaries, and of the College
teachers, as well as large numbers of the natiV<e
Christians and students became a part of the ReKwdf
organization. The work would have been impossiMe
RELIEF WORK 207
without their help. This in turn has given our own
workers a close and intimate association and contact
with the missionary movements and problems in
that part of the foreign field. Such an opportunity
for studying foreign missions in a first hand way
has probably not come to any group of our people
before. In the minds of the native people our men
were classed with the missionaries. These condi-
tions presented numerous opportunities of witness-
ing for Christ and His teachings. Among the mis-
sionaries and the other relief workers our men were
always designated as the Mennonite group. This
gave many real opportunities for an explanation of
our attitude towards war as well as of other special
points for which we stand. The year's experience
has tested in a practical way the reality of these be-
liefs for every man.
The first of the regular workers returned in
April, 1920. The terms of service were for one year.
Every worker who has returned, remained on the
field longer than his agreement required. The Near
East Relief organization has in many ways shown
its appreciation for the particular service rendered
by our workers, as well as for the generous support
given the work by our people. Our men seem to
have filled a needed place in the Relief program, and
a lasting work has 'been accomplished.
Russian Relief
Early in 1919, sentiment developed urging the
Mennonite Relief Commission to investigate needs
and conditions in South Russia, and to consider ex-
tending relief operations into that country. Russia's
suffering from the result of the World War, and her
208 M1BNNONIT.es IN THE WORLD WAR
economic collapse following the revolutions were
common knowledge by this time. The fact that
Civil War continued to rage for two more years in
various sections of South Russia, where large col-
onies of Mennonites lived, drew the attention of the
Mennonite Church in America to this particular
country. The Relief Commission took the first of-
ficial action in August, 1919. A committee of three
of the workers in France were appointed to proceed
to South Russia, investigate conditions, and submit
a report of their findings. The brethren Alvin J.
Miller, Roy Allgyer, and A. E. Hiebert composed
this committee. They visited Oressa, Sebastopol, and
sections about these two cities, and reported the
existence of an alarming and terrible need. They
recommended the immediate shipment of a quantity
of clothing and medical supplies and the sending of
a Unit of workers. The Commission proceeded at
once in line with these recommendations. Several
definite proposals from other organizations for co-
operative efforts were considered, but nothing def-
inite was undertaken for some months.
In June, 1920, a delegation from the Mennonites
of South Russia came to the United States. They
were appointed and sent to solicit help for the Men-
nonites of their country, and to find a new location
to which their people might emigrate. These four
men came into touch with the various branches of
the Church, but spent most of their time in the mid-
dle west, where previous groups of Russian Menno-
nite immigrants had settled. As a result of their
visit, the interest in their particular field grew in
every branch of the Mennonite Church in this coun-
try.
RELIEiF WORK 209
About this same time, several of the returned
relief workers from Syria suggested sending a small
unit as far as Constantinople. Such a unit actually
so near the field, having on hand supplies and funds,
might be in better position to make arrangements
for entering South Russia than would be possible
from this countr}^ The Near East Relief offered
to assist such a project in whatever ways they
could, and further suggested that, should the way
into Russia be closed, relief work be organized for
the Russian refugees in and about Constantinople.
The Relief Commission considered these suggestions
favorably.
The next important development, was the or-
ganization of the Mennonite Central Committee, un-
der whose direction work was finally begun, and is
still being conducted. In July, 1920, at Elkhart,
Indiana, representatives from the various Mennonite
bodies came together, and as a result of action taken
at that meeting, the Central Committee was formed.
It consists of six members, one being appointed by
each of the Relief Committees co-operating in South
Russian Relief. Its function is to co-ordinate the
efforts of these different committees. This commit-
tee appoints and sends workers, determines the
monthly budget, and makes the final decision on
general relief policies.
During August, a church-wide effort was made
to gather a quantity of new and used clothing for
distribution on the field. In most of the local con-
gregations and in at least one conference district,
this campaigTi was conducted by the Sisters* Sewing
Circles. More than forty thousand garments were
given, beakies quantities of bedding, cloth and mend-
210 MENINONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
ing material. In September a shipment of twenty-
five tons was sent to Constantinople. A unit consist-
ing of Arthur Slagel of Flanagan, Illinois, Clayton
Kratz of Blooming Glen, Pennsylvania, and Orie O.
Miller of Akron, Pennsylvania, was appointed. Au-
thority was given to open the work on a minimum
budget of ten thousand dollars per month. On Sep-
tember first, by the steamer Providence, we sailed
from New York for Naples, Italy. After a stay in
Italy of eight days, we secured passage on another
steamer, and landed at Constantinople on Sept. 27.
All of us were strangers in this city. After
securing temporary hotel accommodations, we pro-
ceeded to get in touch with government officials who
would help us in continuing the journey across the.
Black Sea. Since we represented an independent
Mennonite Relief Unit, considerable explanation was
necessary as to our motives, plans, and purposes, so
that our mission could be properly understood. In
every case there was a sympathetic and helpful in-
terest in our efforts. The Near East Relief in Con-
stantinople expressed the same willingness to be of
assistance as had their New York office earlier. The
U. S. Government officials at the embassy gave us
the same recognition, and granted the same facilities
and privileges that they did to any other American
Relief organization. The American Red Cross, who
already had an organization in the Crimea, were
pleased to have us help in the relief of that needy
section. The later attitude of these various organ-
izations was entirely in accord with the attitudes
they took in the beginning. Without their assist-
ance the work would hardly have been possible. The
help and advice given by others of both American
RELIEF WORK ' 211
and Russian nationality was most valuable to us.
They were men whose experience had put them in
vital touch with conditions existing in Russia.
After arranging for Brother Slagel to remain in
Constantinople, where he could continue to represent
our interests, Brother Kratz and I sailed on October
2, by American destroyer for Sebastopol, Cri-
mea. This port was reached five days later. At
that time the Crimea, and a goodly portion of South
Russia just north of the Crimea, was under the con-
trol of the anti-Bolshevist leader, Baron WrangeL
The first few days there were spent in getting in
touch with American and Russian officials who could
grant us permit and facilities for travel in the in-
terior of the country, and also to acquaint them with
the work we had in mind to do, so that the same
could later be organized and carried on unhindered.
We learned also of the actual work being done by
the American Red Cross, and worked out with their
officials a scheme whereby Avhat we had in mind,
would supplement and not overlap what they were
doing. Several Mennonite families lived in this city
as refugees. We lived with one of these during our
stay. They gave us information concerning the
needs among their people farther north, and in part
prepared us for conditions as we saw them a little
later.
On October 6 we left Sdbastopol for a two
week's journey into the interior. Twenty-four hours
by train brought us to our first stop, Melitopol.
Here we spent our first Sunday on Russian soil, and
during the day attended the Mennonite services
there. On the following day the journey was con-
tinued by carriage to Halbstadt, which is the most
212 M/ENfNiaNITES IN THiE WORLD WAR
important town in the largest colony of Mennonites
in Russia. During- the next few days we could see
and get first hand information of the need existing
there. This section of Russia had been overrun re-
peatedly by the fighting armies as well as by roving
bands of robbers. The people had been repeatedly
robbed of practically all their movable possessions.
Some of their leading men had been cruelly mur-
dered and the women defamed and diseased. Typhus
had been brought into these Mennonite communities
by the soldiers, and large numbers had died from
the disease. The people had become poor, miser-
able, and their outlook hopeless. We met with their
relief organizations, and together worked out plans
for the distribution of the funds and supplies among
them which had been sent us from America, and
Avhich were then waiting at Constantinople. Plans
were made for the opening of orphanages, helping
the hospitals, the distribution of clothing and in giv-
ing other relief of a general nature. We then jour-
neyed on to Alexandrovsk, which was the center of
another large Mennonite community, saw even a
greater need there, and worked out similar plans for
helping them. Brother Kratz then returned to Halb-
stadt, where he began the organization of the work
in preparation for the coming of the supplies, while
I returned to Sebastopol, and after a few days pro-
cured passage back to Constantinople.
Brother Slagel and I gathered otir supplies and
he had just left Constantinople in charge of this ship-
ment when the news of Wrangel's defeat reached us.
It was then that I made another short trip to Sebas-
topol, but was there only long enough to leave a few
written suggestions for the further conduct of the
RELIEF WORK 213
work. These were left with the Mennonite families,
and were to be given to Brother Kratz, as soon as
communication would again be established between
them and Halbstadt. I also succeeded in bringing
along back to Constantinople about two-thirds of
the supplies belonging to the Unit. After the return
from this trip, the prospects for work such as we
had planned were poor indeed.
With Baron Wrangel's defeat and flight from
Russia there came to Constantinople about 130,000
Russian refugees. Over eighty per cent of these were
soldiers or officers of his army. The remainder were
either families of these soldiers or those who lives
would be in danger under Soviet government be-
cause of their past anti-Bolshevik actions. Of this
number there were nearly two hundred Mennonites.
One hundred five ships brought this army of refu-
gees across the Black Sea. Many of them had to
stay on these ships for over two weeks. The situa-
tion soon became appalling. Here was our oppor-
tunity. In various ways the Unit was soon aiding
in their relief. Efforts were made to get these peo-
ple back again into normal self-supporting life, either
by findii% them work in that vicinity or arranging
for their emigration to countries where friends could
assist them. An orphanage was opened in which
homeless and under-nourished Russian refugee chil-
dren could be temporarily cared for, until parents
could again assume such responsibility. Later, after
Brother Slagel succeeded in bringing the supplies
back to Constantinople, a department was organized
for distributing the new and used clothing that had
been sent from America. In these and various other
ways efforts were made towards an efficient distribu-
214 ME'NINO'NITES IN TlH|E WORLiD W)AR
tion of the funds and supplies that had been put at
our disposal.
Early in December Frank Stoltzfus of Lima,
Ohio, and Joseph Brunk of Denbigh, Virginia, came
from America to assist in this work. On March 29,
1921, Vesta Zook of Topeka, Indiana, and Vinora
Weaver of Goshen, Indiana, sailed from New York
to join the Unit. Before leaving Constantinople on
my return to America, policies were drawn up and
adopted by the Unit for the further conduct of the
work in that city, and for its extension again into
South Russia. There the need exists in a larger
way, affecting the whole population, and there relief
can be given which might do a more permanent
good. That is the section for which the work was
undertaken in the first place.
As a distinctly Mennonite Relief Unit, this has
been a new extension or department in the work of
our Church. In a missionary way opportunities
have come to our workers, such as has not been pos-
sible in any relief work which the Church has sup-
ported hitherto. The workers are taking advantage
of these opportunities to the extent of their ability
and time. But it will be the duty of later writers to
note the lasting effects of a distinctly Mennonite re-
lief work on the general missionary extension pro-
gram of the Church.
CHAPTER XV
LESSONS TAUGHT BY THE WAR
The Teacher
Teaching implies that there is a teacher and one
or more pupils ; that the majority of those taught,
whether they like the teacher or not, will try to
work out the lessons while the teacher simply guides
the minds of the pupils. The latter form their own
conclusions. It need not imply that the lessons
taught are pleasant, nor that the pupil will want to
live in the elements embodied in the lessons. Some
lessons are very practical and are intended for im-
mediate use; others simply teach how to avoid cer-
tain results, and keep from things which lead to sad
experiences. The war was a hard and cwel teacher,
but it is to be hoped that some of its lessons have
been well learned, even by the world, but especially
by Christians.
War Has Taught Conservation
War has taught lessons on conservation along
many lines. We can live on bread that is made from
a combination of grains; it need not be pure, spring
wheat. A person can get along with two pounds of
sugar per month. We got along without using the
automobile on Sunday. It is both convenient and
economical to "Use the back of the tetter for the
carbon copy of the answer." Man can work hard
216 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
and get along with very little meat. The list might
be greatly lengthened. The purpose of all this was
not that we might be able to add to our bank ac-
count (In some cases these economics cost more
than the thing saved) but that some one else might
have what we did not actually need. Save, conserve,
economize, were words that went from ocean to
ocean and from the Frigid Zone to the Gulf. No one
meant that these bodies should not have all that was
needed, but that everything should be used sparingly
and to the best possible advantage and to be select-
ed with the good of the whole people in mind.
Some bowed to those teachings at once and got
many benefits from these laws and proclamations —
things which will be helpful in times of peace as
well as in war. They sought cheaper foods, studied
the comparative nutrient values, weighed these with
the costs, and made purchases accordingly. Farm-
ers studied their crops in connection with the labor
problem as never before. How to accomplish the
most with the least outlay, and yet comply with the
wishes of Government in increasing the production
was a trying question, but farmers in general went
at it with a determination to make the best of the
situation. The classes which tried to meet the prob-
lem of sacrifice in this way were greatly benefited,
and after the war they were in a positiq^ to adjust
themselves in the reconstruction which must always
follow in the path of the war. But the class which
rebelled and refused to conserve except when driven
to it, closed their eyes to the demands ol Govern-
ment. The war is over. They were compelled to
yield in many things, but they learned lio Wesson of
LESSON.S TAUGHT BY THE WAR 217
profit because they gave no room for the spirit of
sacrifice and co-operation.
Conserving for the Kingdom of God
The Church learned all of the above and more.
She learned that she is better off by using greater
economy even in some of the necessaries of life.
She learned how to make more money and give more
for the Lord's cause. Never before had she given
so largely; she would not have considered it possi-
ble. More than all, she learned that it was possible
to get along when a large per cent of her young men
were taken away from her, and that for a cause
which she could not endorse. The fact that she has
been largely rural has helped her to conserve her
man-power to the Church. Let her keep all these
things in mind and conserve them for the kingdom
of God ; the young men and women, the accumulat-
ing wealth, the thought power that had been devoted
to the war; let all of these be as freely used for the
ingathering of the lost as they were to fill the army
camps and disciplinary barracks, but let it be done
willingly and not grudgingly. Conserve, not to add
acre to acre or bond to bond, but soul to soul ; to
add to freedom that which is freedom indeed.
Worldly Insecurity
Another lesson which the war should have
taught every one is that of worldly insecurity. Peo-
ple were depending largely on the freedom and in-
dependence of the country, prosperity was enjoyed
by humanity at large, peace societies were organized
and were growing strong, and people thought that
a great war was an impossibility; but the war has
taught us the truth that so long as we are in this
218 MBNINiONITlElS IN TBE WOiRiDD WAR
world we may expect difficulties between nations
and that so long as people have false notions as to
what constitutes national honor, so long wars will
not be unknown.
The Influenza
As the war was across the sea the people who
remained in this country considered themselves
reasonably safe. Many prayers went up in behalf of
those who crossed the briny deep, but little thought
was given as to the dangers at home ; but when the
influenza came (the war was responsible for this
also) and swept more people into their graves than
the war did, some realized more and more that life
was very insecure.
Mine, yet not Mine
Before the war it was a common thought that if
one had money, that he was at liberty to use it as he
pleased so long as he did not violate the laws of the
land. Independence was prominent. **This is mine,'*
was a common expression and usually meant that no
one had any right to dictate in regard to the use that
was made of it, and if someone was presumptuous
enough to try to do so, no attention would be gi\ren
to the demands. When liberty bond or Red
Cross drives were on, regardless of one's conscien-
tious scruples against abetting war, others came and
said, "You will donate so much to the Red Cross,"
or, "You will buy so many bonds." To refuse, in
many cases, meant persecution. In some cases cat-
tle were driven away, homes ransacked, houses
daubed with paint inside and out, bodies covered
with tar and feathers or otherwise tortnred, and all
done in the name of "loyalty." But it was a kind of
LESSONIS TAUGHT BY THE WAR 219
loyalty which received no sanction from the war
department nor from any right-thinking people. At
the same time it showed how insecure was all that
was earthly. The sad part about it is that it took
the horrors of war to teach such a meager lesson —
one that all should have realized and acted upon
Tvrithout a war, either small or great.
The Folly of Militarism
That armies and navies are absolutely no ade-
quate preparation for defense had been shown many
times but was probably never so manifest as in the
late war. Germany had a mighty army, well trained
in military tactics, had the best equipped munitions
plants in the world, had all the latest inventions for
causing destruction and death that could be found ;
but at the end of four years of warfare she found
herself defeated, humiliated, with dictated peace
terms, under conditions that a refusal to accept
would have meant more of the same kind of humilia-
tion and harder peace terms. She is a hated, bank-
rupt nation, and her children yet unborn will not
live long enough to see the nation fully recovered
from the effects of the war.
That military training has proven a blessing to
a comparatively small percentage of young men can
not be denied, neither can it be denied that a much
larger per cent have been injured very much morally
and spiritually by the society of the army camp.
Militarism has a few points in its favor, but it has
charges enough against it, has proven a curse to
humanity at large, has ruined lives enough for time
and eternity to cast it into oblivion, never more to
be resurrected.
220 MEN>:fONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
True Preparedness
True preparedness is not in armies, does not lie
in a large body of men well trained in military tac-
tics and fully equipped navies, but in trust and
obedience to the living God. If the United States
had been right with Him, Germany could never have
touched us to our hurt. The same is true of the
other countries engaged against her. Notice Israel ;
the Lord fought her battles so long as she truly
served Him. At such times there were no records
of thousands of fatalities as there were in the late
war. It was when she forsook Him that her con-
flicts came. It was then that her fatalities were
high. True preparedness is in Jesus Christ, and in
Him onJy.
God's Overruling for Good
Manufacturers of war materials and money
kings were more interested in filling their pockets
than in obeying the living God. Men thought more
of the honor of their country than they did of fol-
lowing the lowly Nazarene and waiting to see the
salvation which the Lord would bring. With this
condition in this country and war in Europe, it is
not at all surprising that the United States was
drawn into the conflict also. If she must fight she
certainly must conscript, for people had learned too
well that there is a better way to settle disputes
than with instruments of death and destruction.
They would not go in sufficient numbers by simply
voluntary enlistment. Conscription dare not be by
class based on religion, hence the conscientious ob-
jector must go also. Our brethren went but they
could not fight. They were made to suflTer, but in
LES6iO'NS TAUGHT BY THJE WAR 221
the majority of cases their trials proved to be bless-
ings in disguise. They had time to study and they
wanted to know what the Scriptures taught in ref-
erence to the question at hand, and when brought
before the officers they were ready to give an answer
for the hope that was within them. Officers in many
cases tried to bring Scriptures to justify war, only
to be surprised to see how quickly these young men,
much younger and supposed to be ignorant, could
take every argument away from them. W. G.
Kellogg, chairman of the Board of Inquiry, speaking
of the conscientious objectors said, "These men
knew their Bible They knew it narrowly, un-
intelligently, but they knew it." The same author
speaking of the Mennonite C. O., says, "His Bible,
well-thum!bed, is surely somewhere in his deep
pockets, and he can turn readily to almost any chap-
ter that may be in question." While this was given
with a tinge of ridicule, it must be admitted to be
good testimony in this that it recognizes tfe'at Men-
nonite young men know their Bibles.
Two Lessons in these Incidents
First, while it is true that many of our brethren
*'knew their Bibles" on the points in question after
they had been in camp for some time, it is also true
that some of them would have fared better from the
beginning if they had been more familiar with what
the Bible taught before they went to camp. A good
Bible knowledge is a valuable asset at all times.
One of the most formidable obstacles in "getting the
C. O. across" was a "Thus saith the Lord," on the
tongue of the objector.
Second, while the Bible is the greatest defense
222 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
that any one could have at such a time, it should be
remembered that this same Bible teaches that, **all
that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer per-
secution." It costs something to live the Christ life.
When the trials came, not all stood the test. Of the
estimated three thousand nine hundred C. O.'s, one
hundred twenty-two were assigned to general mili-
tary service by the Board of Inquiry, three hundred
ninety to noncombatant service, fifteen hundred
eighty-eight were judged sincere and were recom-
mended for farm furlough or Friends reconstruction
work. One table is given showing that of one thou-
sand sixty C. O.'s examined in twelve different
camps, five hundred fifty-four were Mennonites. It
would be interesting to know how many of these
came from each branch of the Church. While some
branches have reported their number, others have
not made very great efforts to gather this informa-
tion. The main branch, simply termed "Menno-
nites," has reported two hundred fifty-two who on
conscientious grounds, refused to accept service;
the Old Order Amish report one hundred twenty-
eight, and the Hutterites, forty-nine.
Need of More Christian Work
Those who are interested in the moral and spir-
itual uplift of humanity and at the same time have
studied the effects of the war upon the thought-life
as it is manifested in words and actions of mankind
today have ample food for thought. Notwithstand-
ing that claims have been made that we are on the
verge of a great revival in religion, it is an acknowl-
edged fact that profanity increased very rapidly in
the camps and the soldier having returned to his
LiElSSON-S TAUGHT BY THE WAR 223
home has not left his camp conversation behind him.
There is a greater disregard for God and the deeper
things of the Christian life than there was before the
war. The Church has more to do at her own door
than she had before the war, and if she fails to
gather in more of this outside element and raise it
to the standard of a life in Christ, she must herself
expect spiritual and numerical loss. According to
good authority one of the largest Protestant denom-
inations lost more than sixty-nine thousand members
in 1919 in the United States. The war has taught
many lessons and none more forcibly than the fact
that it has a ver}^ damaging effect on the morals of
mankind and that Paul stated a very significant fact
in Galatians 6:7 — "Whatsoever a man soweth, that
shall he also reap." The world is reaping, but if
the Church does not put forth her earnest efforts to
stem the tide her own existence will be in danger.
She, too, will reap ! 'Tf ye know these things, happy
are ye if ye do them."
Prophesies and Prophesies
When the war assumed such large proportions
there were a great many predictions as to the final
results. Many thought that this was the consumma-
tion of all things; that the great battle of Armaged-
don would be fought in the western part of Pales-
tine, and when the British entered that country from
Egypt, even a few Mennonites were taken up with
that idea, and saw in Revelation 16:16, just before
the pouring out of the seventh vial of the wrath of
God, the last great battle between good and evil.
Scriptures were quoted showing that the United
States would get into the conflict, and in the end
224 MIENlNiONITES IN THiE WORLD WAR
would be sadly defeated; that she would become
tributary to some other nation, not Germany. There
were prophecies modern and prophesies ancient. The
ancient ones were often twisted to fit the modern
ones. The cause is easy to determine. Some one
got an idea, then went to the Bible to get something
to prove his point. People who follow this method
of Bible study are not very apt to arrive at the truth.
Study it, leaving out all preconceived ideas; study
to get the truth it intends to convey, not what you
want it to convey. Most of the prophecies made in
reference to the war, and especially those which
were considered as based on some Scripture passage.
failed to come to pass, not because the Scriptures
were not true, but because some one wanted to make
them say something which they did not say. Study
and discuss those things which are necessary to sal-
vation and the spiritual welfare of mankind instead
of speculating on Scripture passages. It is more
profitable.
Value of Right Living
With conditions as enumerated, one can readily
understand that normal thinking was hardly to be
expected. Hence at such times, above all others,
right living is highly essential. Regular food, not
too great a variety, very plain, not excessive in
amount but enough, seemed to agree with the young
men in camp, and the majority of them were com-
paratively healthy. The "conserving" campaign in
the homes proved a blessing rather than a curse.
These are lessons which should be retained. But
the influence of right living in a higher and nobler
sense was then, and is now, of still greater value.
LBSSONS TAUGHT BY THE WAR 225
When thought in general was along lines of hatred,
murder, and destruction ; when the newspapers were
full of everything that was bad about the enemy;
and when deeds were represented as good or bad
according to who did them rather than on the merits
or demerits of the act, it was indeed needful that the
Christ-life should shine out very clearly. Thus
every act would not only point to a better life but
would also be a rebuke to sin which seemed to reign
unchecked. Right living is always needful, but
never more so than when, as then, Satan seemed to
be taking everything by storm. The darker the
night, the brighter the light shines and the more it
is appreciated by the lost and weary traveler. May
the lessons on right living, as taught by the war,
not soon be forgotten.
CHAPTER XVI
PROBLEMS FOR THE CHURCH
Military Training in the Schools
There are a number of problems which have
grown out of the war confronting our Church. Oth-
ers existed earlier, but the great upheaval brought
them more forcibly to the brotherhood and they are
demanding a solution. Not the least of these is the
question of military training in the schools. Some
high schools, colleges, and universities have that in
their courses of study, and to refuse to take the
training means to be expelled from school. In many
states the child is obliged to attend *hool until it
is fourteen years of age, and some are in high school
before that age. To obey their convictions and the
teachings of the Church drives them away from the
place which they were obliged to attend under a
heavy penalty. This needs a solution.
Universal Military Training
There are a number of bills before Congress pro-
viding for universal military training. These bills
differ somewhat in their wording, but roughly speak-
ing, they all finally aim at a two-year course of
training somewhere between the ages of eighteen
and twenty-six, and as stated in one of the bills^
"All persons trained under this act shaJl automat-
ically become members of the national reserve -
PROBiLEMS FOR THE CHURCH 227
upon the completion of their training." In other
words, if any one of these bills became a law, with-
out exception aside from physical and mental unfit-
ness, every young man in the land must take at least
six months of training (the least time required by
any of the bills now pending), and once trained, he
"automatically" becomes a soldier subject to call at
any time ; his only escape being the passing of his
forty-sixth birthday. A number of petitions have
come to some of the congressmen opposing the pass-
ing of such a bill, one signed by more than twenty
thousand members of the Mennonite Church asks
tor exemption for nonresistants in case such a law
is passed.
The final result regarding such a law is not yet
known. The young men of this country need to be
saved from such a situation if that is possible, and
if not possible then our young brethren need to
know exactly what the position of the Church is on
the question of military training, that as a body she
is ready to suffer with them fi that is necessary.
Military training and nonresistance are diametrically
opposed to each other. Only one of these can live
and thrive in the minds of the young people. As to
which it shall be depends on the training and prac-
tice of the present time in the home, in the school,
and in the Church. Will the Church rise to her
powers and responsibilities in Christ Jesus? Her
interest in this question is shown in the quick re-
sponses to the petition, and in the earnest prayers
for protection and divine overruling.
Indoctrination
The Church needs to be ably, carefully, prayer-
228 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
fully taught. Theories as well as subjects that are
not Biblical, should be banished from the pulpit.
The place is too sacred and the time too short to
present anything which is not deeply rooted in God's
Word. Truth needs to be thoroughly expounded so
that the hearer may grasp it. The preacher should
have no hobbies. The people w^ant to hear all that is
necessary to salvation. If the Church is properly
taught there is not nearly so much danger of her
getting away from the truth.
There is a great weakness in the work of in-
doctrination in many pulpits at this time. Even
Mennonite ministers are not clear enough on the
issues which are popular. Desperate efforts are be-
ing made at confederation, union, and the building
up of a religion minus self-denial except as it is
found in serving others, taking away sin without the
blood of Christ, leaving the cross out of life, and
leaving the unpopular out of Christianity. Let the
ministry be thoroughly posted on what the Word of
God teaches, let them listen quietly for the direc-
tions of the Spirit, and let them study plans of im-
pressing the truth in the most convincing ways. Let
the teaching be done with all the tenderness of a
father, and yet with the thunderings of Sinai, and,
under God, results are sure to follow.
Trench Salvation
The trench salvation which was held up both in
pulpit and camp has had a very damaging eflfect.
Many ministers held that when one gave his life for
his country he had a pretty sure passport to heaven.
One minister in preaching to a large audience said,
**The man who goes into this war and sheds his
PROBLEMS FOR THIE CHURCH 229
blood to save his country, to protect your home and
mine, to preserve this United States as a land of the
free, is as much a savior of men as Jesus Christ was.
God and the angels would welcome such a man at
the pearly gates of immortal glory." Is it surpris-
ing that some of the denominations w^hich were most
enthusiastic in encouraging men to go to war have
lost most heavily in membership in the last few
years? H. K. Carroll, compiler of the first official
census of religions in the United States, claims that
one of the leading Protestant denominations, in 1919,
had a decrease of more than sixty-nine thousand ;
another, more than thirty-five thousand ; and anoth-
er, more than thirty-two thousand. To overcome
this, partially a result of religious attitude of pulpit
orations during the war, is a task. The Church
needs to stand "four square" on the teachings of
Eternal Truth. "Neither is there salvation in any
other ; for there is none other name under heaven
given among men, whereby we must be saved."
Dying for country, for home, for wife and children,
may be a seeming need, but it brings salvation to no
man. The closer a church remained to the Gospel
during the war, the more she is in a position now to
win men back to the truth.
Consistent Separation
The Bible teaches a separation from the world.
"Ye are not of the world." This position was taken
by our brethren in camp, and as a rule was met with
some consideration from the officers; but they ex-
pected words and actions to correspond with the
profession. When a C. O. smoked, chewed tobacco,
swore, used vulgar language, or did a number of
230 MlENNiaNiimBS IN THE WO^RLD WAR
other things not consistent with his profession, his
chances to get into the regular service in the army
increased very materially.
It has been suggested that should there be an-
other war, there be more attention given by oflficials
to the attitude on separation from the world. Those
whose appearance and actions showed actual separa-
tion would likely be excused from service while
those who simply professed and did not show it
would not be granted the rights that a C. O. had in
this war. On the other hand, if the ministry does
not teach a consistent separation from the world,
two things are also very evident : first, that the
young men are not likely to be separate; second,
that it would be much harder for their brethren to
get such freedom even if they were separate them-
selves.
But the ministry is not alone responsible for this
teaching. The Sunday school teacher is as responsi-
ble as the minister, and possibly more so because he
comes into such close touch with the pupil, and in
his *'follow-up work" does not have so many to look
after. Possibly a still greater responsibility comes
to the home. If the child is trained for the world
from infancy, it will be very hard to train it for Je-
sus Christ when it is grown up. Then, too, separa-
tion is not only a Bible doctrine in theory. The
Lord would never have incorporated it in His Book
if He did not expect it to be practiced. Here is a
responsibility for every member of the Church.
Abnormal Condidoms
War itself is abnormal and tends to make every-
thing else so. Much more food will be needed than
PROBLEMS FOR THE CHURCH 231
in times of peace because it must be expected that
much will be destroyed by the enemy, some go to
the bottom of the sea or otherwsie be lost in transit
or by improper storage. All due allowance must be
made for waste in the process of preparation be-
cause of inexperienced cooks. The number of food
producers and factory workers will be materially
decreased because these producers have gone to war
and will be consumers and not producers. Money
will be inflated and large investments will be made
in wild schemes to get rich quick. All these things
tend to increase prices of food-stuffs and manufac-
tured articles. It costs more to live and the price
of labor rises rapidly, which only tends to raise the
prices of the necessities of life still more, and labor
asks for another raise ; and so it goes.
When the war closes there must be a period of
re-adjustment and here is where the trial comes.
Labor has had higher wages and shorter hours.
There is a general demand for a reduction of prices
on food-stuffs to pre-war levels. Self-interest says,
"It cost me so much ; I can not sell it at a sacrifice."
Labor aids in the cry against high prices but says,
""There must be no change in price of labor or in
the length of hours." At once unrest and even riots
are started. Strikes become the order of the day,
and there is a general unrest. Creation of public
sentiment, legislation, and what not are tried but
without the desired results. Everything is tried
-except the right thing. Let humanity try the Gospel
plan of looking toward the welfare of others as well
as to its own and see how quickly these things
change.
The problem of unrest is not so much a problem
232 MENNONITES IN TRIE WORLD WAR
for the Church as a body as for the individuals com-
posing that body. This spirit of unrest is destruc-
tive to the best interests of the home, the commun-
ity, and the nation. It requires the spirit of Jesus
Christ to help us to be patient, to shov^ that we live
above these things and for a better purpose. The
darkness of the world is great, but the darker the
night the more effective the light. Now, as very few
times in the history of the nation, it is extremely
necessary for every Christian to show a spirit of
calmness, cheerfulness (with sobriety) and confi-
dence, all of which are clearly rooted in Jesus Christ
— such a spirit as only the Christian can show. "I
can do all things through Christ which strengthen-
eth me."
Evangelizing America
The year 1919 shows the smallest gains in
church membership (all churches) since 1907 and
possibly for many years before that. Think of it,,
only about four and one-fifth per cent, of the gains of
1917. The showing for the Mennonite Church is
much better than that, some of the conferences hav-
ing gains in 1919 equal to or greater than those of
1917, but that larger increase in membership means
larger responsibilities in evangelizing America. By
this we do not mean that every one must be gath-
ered into the fold of Christ, but the bringing of the
Gospel to America so that every one may know
something about Christ, and be intelligently enough
informed on the question of salvation that he could
find Christ if he so desired. This is necessary for
our own maintenance. If we will not work system-
atically and persistently to this end for any other
PROBLBM6 FOR THE CHURCH 233
reason, we should be awakened to the need from that
standpoint; but above all we should remember that
the Great Commission, in the words of Jesus Christ,
commands it. We absolutely ought not to rest until
all ''from the least unto the greatest" shall have the
opportunity to personally know our Savior, first, be-
cause He has commanded it and, second, that we be
not swallowed up by the world.
Our Place in the Mission Field
If the Mennonite Church does not bring some-
thing essential to the world which other churches
are leaving out, especially in the next two decades;
if she will not reach out and fill some place with the
Gospel which other churches will not fill ; if she will
not supply workers where other churches fail to sup-
ply, she will be missing the opportunities of a cen-
tury. God has favored her as He has very few others
in the last five years. We can show our apprecia-
tion in no better way than to carry the Gospel to
His creation in other parts of the world. We have
the young people to send and we have the money to
send them. The fact that we hold our membership
in that religious organization says to the world that
w^e believe that she has the right doctrine, that sal-
vation through Christ comes to those who accept
that teaching, and that those who do not have Jesus
Christ are lost. Believing all this, the Mennonite
Church should re-double her eftorts and work un-
ceasingly with the aim of establishing Christian
work in every foreign mission field in the world, and
establishing churches by the score west of the Mis-
sissippi River, where there are areas of a thousand
square miles, and even cities of considerable size
234 MENNDiNIXES IN THE WORLD WAR
with no established Protestant Christian Church of
any kind. Is it not selfish and un-Christlike to be
willing to enjoy the benefits of a religion without
making an earnest effort to have others to enjoy the
same benefit? It is a real problem for us to educate
our people to the need and so lay the matter upon
their hearts that they will do much more for the
spreading of the Gospel than has been done to this
time.
The Money Side
"The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness there-
of." "The cattle on a thousand hills are mine."
"Whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine."
"All the earth is mine." This shows very clearly
that all our possessions — whether moneys, bonds, or
lands — all are the Lord's. Man's position is simply
that of a steward. He is responsible for the way he
uses it. When he uses it for himself, or puts it into
the bank, or invests it in land when the Lord needs
it and man will not give it, it is as much a sin as if
he has another man's possessions and will not re-
turn them. It is a problem how to get this before
the people in a way that they will receive it and do
their duty.
The Other Side
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in
Christ Jesus." "All things that I have heard of my
Father I have made known unto you." Christ gave
all that He had. finally life itself, that the world
might know. He gave all that He had received.
Dearly beloved! we are not doing that. He wants
us to do it. Money is needed, but that is not all.
PROBLEMS FOR THE CHIURCH 235
We need to give (go) ourselves. That is the way
Christ did.
We should freely give our sons and daughters.
We should encourage the young people of the
Church to willingly give themselves. Instead of this
many of the churches refuse to ordain young men so
long as they are not needed for the work at home.
How very different this is from the mind of Christ.
The Mennonites have a very large percentage
of their young people gathered into the Church, and
many of them are active — but could and would do
much more if they were urged more. Nothing has
a more wholesome effect than to have a work for
every member and every member doing that work.
If the Church wants a deeper work of grace in the
home congregation, if she wants less of selfishness —
in short, if she wants Christ fully established she
must have a greater interest in the salvation of the
lost world. If your son or daughter wants to go to
other lands to carry the Gospel to the lost, are you
'icady to lend encouragement from the first?
"Th€ Field is the World'*
That is what the Savior said, and if it was
'Svhite to harvest" then, what is the condition now?
Since then it has enlarged and is over-ripe. The
War has made about as much difference in the world
from a missionary point of view as it has politically.
The Moslem's confidence is shaken. Mecca, his
sacred city; the cave of Machpelah, the tomb of
Abraham; the Mosque of Omar in Jerusalem — all
places which are greatly reverred — are in the hands
of their enemies. Has the Allah of the Moslem for-
saken His people? Either that, or the ''Christian
236 MENNO'NITES IN THE WORLD WAR
infidel" has been favored of God for some other
purpose. Can the Moslem continue in this wsiy?
The Hindus, regardless of caste, have elbowed their
way through the war, side by side, on an equal
basis. Such a thing could never have occurred ia
India. Can their old system stand such a shock?
The Czar of Russia was the head of the Gre^
Church, and many were the missionaries and native
preachers who were compelled to quit preaching, or
leave the country, or be banished to Siberia. The
Czar is gone, the Greek Catholics are more or less
at sea. O, the wonderful, wonderful open doors for
mission work! The bankrupt condition of Euro>iJ»c
and the numerical losses of some of the larger de-
nominations in the last year, while the Mennonite
Church has been blessed with an increased membcr-
F,hip, doubles our responsibilities. May she be hum-
ble and sufficiently consecrated to continue in this
great work.
"Church of God, awake, arise."
Let these words be sung with the pathos of a
burdened soul, ladened with responsibility, a burden
which can never be satisfied with anything less thao
the salvation of the lost, the upbuilding of God*s
kingdom, and the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
With the unsettled conditions in the world, how-
very necessary this is ! May our loving Father h^p
us to see the importance of this problem.
Why Was She Kept?
Other denominations have sprung up, have lived
a while and were then swallowed up by newer ones,
or have themselves grown until they number their
adherents by the hundred thousands. The Menno-
PROBLEMS FOR THE CHURCH 237
mte Church has lived for four centuries, but in spite
of her age she is still one of the smaller bodies.
Why has she thus existed? She ranks fairly high in
the amount of wealth per capita, and has that wealth
^Mite evenly distributed. She has for the last two or
three decades been gathering her young people into
tfee Church remarkably well, and many are prepar-
img themselves for special service. This is sugges-
tive of two things: first, that through all these cen-
tuaries God has had a purpose in sustaining her, and
it was He who made it possible that the young peo-
ple could be thus gathered in and the wealth so
<rvenly distributed ; second, that if the Church neg-
lescts, at this time of great need, to send her young
imcti and women and her money to other lands in
SKich numbers and amounts as the Lord wants and
rxgbtly expects for the spreading of sound doctrine —
tfee doctrine of atonement through the substitution-
cry death of Christ upon the cross, salvation in Him
and in Him only — unless she wakes up and does the
win of the Lord in this she need not be surprised if
€kid withdraws His blessings and allows those who
fed been favored to grope their way in darkness as
fcest they can. That would mean decline and death
in 3 few short years. He has woniierfully blest for
a purpose. Let that purpose have our foremost
thought, our best efforts, and our ardent prayers.
It is not the purpose of this book to parade the
Mennonite Church, nor the boys in camp, nor those
wBo in their homes have passed through severe
trials, except in so far as may be needed to show the
practical side of nonresistance, and the way that the
^Hiestiofl was met under pressure. May it be a
238 MBNNONITBS IN THE WORLD WAR
means of strengthening the Church in the doctrine
of our Savior, of pointing out this doctrine more
fully to the world, and of helping future generations
to meet the issues that grow out of opposition to it
in a better way than we have met them, and thereby
be better able to convince others of the practicability
of this much neglected subject — NONRESIST-
ANCE. The degree of success or failure of this
book depends on how well it accomplishes this end.
Index
Abnormal Conditions 230
Abraham Lincoln 31, 34
Absence, Leave of 81
Accepting Pay 110
Admonitions to Those at
Schwyz 18
A Good Suggestion 109
Agriculture and Relief 192
Albigenscs 17
Alcatraz 113,135,146
Aleppo 200, 202, 204
Allgyer, Roy 196
Allgyer, Samuel E. 183, 185,
196
Alliances 40
Alms Giving 15
Alponsus of Aragon 17
America, Evangelizing 232
America, Mennonites Com-
ing to, 21
American Committee 196
American Friends 181, 186
American Squad 151
America's National Honor 41
Amish 28, 67, :^, 11
Anabaptists 20
Analyzing Nonresistance 42
A New Problem 42
Another Reason for Oppos-
ing War 44
Application of Nonresistant
Principles 53
A Questionnaire 89
Arch Duke Francis Ferdi-
nand 39
A Retrospect 148
Armenia, Work in, 183, 184
Arrival at Fort Leavenworth
136
A Scare 87
Attitude at Washington 147
Attitude of the Young Men
at Camp 92, 93
Attitude toward Noncombat-
ant Service 51
Attitude toward Declaring
War 41
Avenues through which to
Help 138, 181
Baker, Newton D., Secretary
of War. 66, 68, 103, 169
Baptism, Value of, 15
Beginnings of the Church,
13
Beirut, 196, 202, 205
Bender, D. H. 167
Bender, G. L. 178
Benefits to Parents 171
Benefits to Camp Officials
172
Benner, R. W. 159, 163
Bible 14, 16, 129, 221, 122,
224
Board of Inquiry, 103, 105,
107. 172
Bontrager, M. E., 163
Building Houses as Relief
Work 190, 191
Burned Alive 16
Butchery, Scientific 48
Calvin and Nonresistance 19
Camp Commanders, Benefits
no
IklENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
to, 173
Camp Experiences 122
Camp Officials, Position of.
93
Camp Visitation, 122, 167,
175
Canada, Our Brethren in, 31,
42, 70
Captain Hough 103
Carnal Weapons 13
Catharine II, Czarina of
Russia 21
Catharists 16
Causes for Relief Work 177
Cause for World War, Seem-
ing, 39
Causes for the World War,
Underlying, 39
Centralizing the Work 170
Christian Good 32
Christianity Religion of State
14, 15
Church, Beginnings of, 13
Church Centers 13
Church Letters 74
Church Membership 14
Church of the Brethren 68
Church Ordinances 15
Church of Rome 17
Civil War 31
Civil War Trials 32, 33
Classification 90. 104, 105,
140
Clinton Frame Church, Meet-
ing at, 58
Coffman, S. F. 71
Committee of Inspection and
Observation 27, 28
Committee Sent to Wash-
ington 65, 66
Committees, Work of, 167
Communion 15. 170
Compromise on Nonresist-
ance 25
Conditions Abnormal 230
Conditions in Europe 22, 23.
177
Confederate Government 33,
34
Confid'ence in the War De-
partment 88
Confidence Instilled 88
Conrad's Address, Senator,
161
Conscientious Objector (C.
O.) 23, 94, 95, 96, 97, 99.
100
C. O.'s Threatened While on
Furlough 108
C. O.'s and Other Prisoners
144
Conscription 59
Conserving for the Kingdom
of God 117
Conservation Taught by the
War 215
Consistent Separation 229
Constantine 13
Constantinople, Work Begun
at. 198, 209, 211, 213
Corruptions in the Church
14
Corruptions c^ the Clergy.
17
Councils of Defense, Early,
26
Councils of Defense, Later.
27
Courts Martial 81. 112
Courts Martial, Mock, 122,
131, 132
Creed 13
Crimea, Work in, 211
Criticisms 174
Crowder, General, 99, 101,
169
Customs, Heathen 13
Cyprian's View 14
Decree of King Alfonsus 17
Delegation of Russians to
America 208
Denominations among the
C. O.h 100, 101
Derstine, William. 1», 185,
196
Development of Papacy 15
Difference between United
States ami Canada 71
Difference Ea^t and West 72
INDEX
241
Different Positions Taken 53
Discharges 110
Disciplinary Barracks 113,
135
District and Local Tribunals
n
Draft Boards 86
Draftees Tested 35
Draftee's Fine, The, "hi
Dimkards 33
Duty of Pastors 167
Early Councils of Defense 26
East and West Canada 72
Effect of Military Training
23
Effect of the Questionnaire
90
Effects of Exemption Con-
trasted Zl
Emigration, Militarism and
22
Emigration to Canada 31
England 31
English Friends 181
Erasmus on Nonresistance 19
Espionage Law 158, 160, 161,
162
European Trend and Nonre-
sistance 25
EvangeHzinff America 232
Ewart, H. H. 71
Examinations 88, 101, 102,
140, 141
Exceptions of the Act IZ, 77
ExemptBon 21, 23, 24, 25, 28,
29, 33, 70, 78, 88
Experiences, A Few, 152
Experiences in Camp 122
"Faith of Our Fathers" 136
False Patriotism ISO
Farm Furloughs 104, 105,
106, 108
Federals 34
Feelings against Mennonites
JO
Ferdinand, Arch Duke Fran-
cis 39
Field is the World 235
Finances and Mennonites 30
Fines 29, 32, ZZ, 34, 35, V
First Contingent Sent to the
East 184
Fleeing for life 202 ,
Flu. 146 21S
Folly of Militarism 219
Forks Church 179
Fort Leavenworth 113, 120,
135. 144, 148
France 25, 181, 182, 186, 192
Franconia Conference 66, 169
Freedom from Military Serv-
ice 21
Freedom of Worship, etc. 21
Friends. English and Ameri-
can 181
Friends' Mission 187
Furloughs, Farm 104, 105
Furnishing Men and Money,
Opposite Views on, 42
Furnishing Men for Relief
Work 182
Gang Work 143 .
General Bell 97
General Sherntin 45
General Conference 56, 60^
158
Germany 21, 22, 25
German Prisoners in Relief
Work 194
Germantown, Mennonites at,.
21
Germantown, Stone Church
at, 30
Getting an understanding 169
Getting Men tp Accept Serv-
ice 93, 94, 95
Giving the Soldiers a "Send-
off" 91
Giving Your Sons and
Daughters 235
Gnosticism 14
Gotfs Overruling 220
Going to Leavenworth 136
G»»d, L B. 167, 169
Gree4 49
Guard-house 69, 81,, 96^
Guards 143
242
MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
Habecker, J. C 167, 169
Hartzler, E. F. 66
Hartzler, J. S. 171
Heathen Customs 13
Heatwole, L. J. 33, 34, 159,
163
Heresies, 13
Heretics, 14, 17
Hiebert, A. E. 197
Hofers, The, 146
Holland 25
Holmes, John Haynes, 16
Holmes and Orchard on War
45
Holy Spirit, 14
House of Commons 80
Human Reconstruction 52
Hussites 20
Hutterites 146
Immortality and War 46
Important Meetings
Kitchener, Ont. 55
General Conference, 1915
56
Ohio Conference 58
Clinton Frame Church 39
General Conference, 1917
60
Meetings with Secretary of
War, Baker 66
Indoctrination 227
Influenza, 146. 218
Injudicious Camp Visiting
175
Issues Involved 49
Jealousy and the War 40
Jerusalem 13
John Haynes Holmes 16
Kansas City Lockup 136
Kansas City Papers 144
Kellogg, W. G. 221
Kcppel. F. P. 68
Kind of Work 193
Kratz, Clayton 210. 211, 213
Lack of Uniformity among
Camp Officials 93
Lack of Uniformity in Fur-
lough Plans 106
Leavenworth, Fort, 113, 120,
135, 144, 148, 187
Leavenworth, Going to, 136
Leave of Absence 81, 82, 83
Lessons taught by the War
215
Lesser Wars of America 31
Letter of Thanks 28
Letter to President Wilson
and Premier Gordon 57
Libby Prison 33
Liberty Bonds 150
Lincoln, President, 31, 34
Load of Militarism, The, 44
Local and District Boards 86
Local and District Tribunals
77
Loucks, Aaron, 65, 68, 167,
169, 170, 171, 185
Luther and Nonresistance 18
Lynch's Statement on War
45
Lyons, France, 16
Major Kellogg on the C. O.
108
Manichaeanism 14
Martin Luther 18
Martyrdom 16
Maxentius 14
McCrea, R. C, 109
Meals 145
Meade. Camp, 168, 169
Meeting at Kitchener 55
Menno Simons 19
Menno Simons and Nonre-
sistance 19
Menno Simons. His Work
and Death 20
Mennonite Board of Mis-
sions and Charities 178
Mennonite Board of Mis-
sions and Charities, East-
ern. 180. 185
Mctmonite General Confer-
ence 56, 60. 158
Mennonite Relief Commis-
sion 179. 185. 186
INDEX
243
Mennonites and the Draft 35
Mennonites and Finances 30
Mennonites and Nonresist-
ance, 23, 24, 25
Mennonites Coming to A-
merica 21, 23
Mennonites in Canada 180
Mennonites in France, Fifty-
three, 187
Mennonites in Germany 23
Mennonites in Russia 21, 24
Mennonites in Siberia 21
Mennonites in the Civil War
32, 33
Mennonites in the South 32
Mennonites on MiHtary Serv-
ice 61-65
MiHtarism and Exemption
23, 28
MiHtarism and Emigration
22, 25
Militarism, Folly of, 44, 219
MiHtarism, Growth of, 23
Military Laws 23, 32
MiHtary Prison 81
Military Service Act 71, 72,
73, 76, 79, 80
Military Training 23, 41, 226,
227
Military Uniform 23
Miller, Alvin J. 197
Miller, D. D. 167, 169
Miller, O. O. 185, 210
Miller, S. H. 163, 164
Mine, and yet not mine 218
Misrepresented Motives 52
Missionary Conference 179
Missionary Efifort 13
Mission Field, Our place 233
Mob Violence 29, 37. 151
Money Side 234
Montanism 14
Motives, Misrepresented, 52
Napolianic Ideas 22
Near East Relief Commis-
sion 209, 210
Need for More Christian
Work 222
"New Wars for Old" 45
Nicol, James H., 202
Night Raids 150
Nissley, Bishop Peter R.,
170
Noncombatant Service 43, 50,
64, 78, 79
Noncombatant Service, Atti-
tude toward 51
Noncombatant Service Ex-
pected 74
Nonresistance 17, 19, 24, 25,
37, 42, 49, 72, 74, 82, 96,
176
Nonresistance Affects Ac-
tions 26
Nonresistance, Analyzing, 42
Nonresistance the Only Is-
sue 49
Nonresistance, Reformers
and, 18
Nonresistance, William Penn
and, 26
No Uniform Decisions 78
Nonresistant Principles, Ap-
plications of, 53
Number of Nations in the
World War 53
Oath of Allegiance 29
Objections to Service in Re-
construction Hospitals 52
Office Seeking, Church. State
15
Officials of Canada 77, 78,
79, 80, 83
Ohio Conference 58
Old Order Amish Menno-
nites 66
"O My Soul Bless Thou Je-
hovah" 136
Ontario Mennonites 70-74
Orchard and Holmes on War
45
Order-in-Council 71, 72, 73,
75, 80
Ordinances 15
Other Side 234
Our Brethren in Canada 70
Our Place in the Mission
Field 233
244
MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
Our Obligations 179
Overcrowded Conditions 145
Pastors, Duty of, 167
Parliament and the Commit-
tee 80
Patriotism, False, 150
Paul, 13
Paulicans 15
Penn, William, 21
Penn (William) and Nonre-
sistance 26
Pennsylvania 21
Persecutions 13, 15, 16, 18,
29
Persecutions, Advantages of,
15
Persecuted, Menno Simons,
20
Persecutors and the Perse-
cuted 14
Persecutions from Within 15
Political Objectors 100, 101
Poor Draftee's Fine Paid 2>7
Pope 15
Position of Early Christians
on War 16
Position of Mennonites on
War 45, 56, 61
Position of Mennonites to-
ward Government 43
Position of Officials 91, 174
Position of Church on Fur-
nishing Men and Money
42
Position of Church Tested
92
Position of Young Men 93
Presidential Election and its
Effects 41
Preparation for War 41
Preparedness 220
Pre-War Military Laws 2>2
Probation of Prisoners 137
Prisoners; Dangers 138
Prisoners' Probation 137
Prisoners* Rights 139
Prison Clothes 136
Prison Persecutions 138
Privy Council of Canada 71
Problems for the Church 226
Profanity 46
Pro-German 49
Prophesies and Prophesies
223
Psychopathic-Psychologic
Board 139
Quakers 28, 71, 73
Quartermaster Service 23
Questionnaire, The, 89, 90
Reconstruction 181, 184
Reconstruction. Human, 52
Reconstruction Hospitals 53
Red Cross 150, 199, 210
Reformers and Nonresistance
18
Refugees 177, 184, 187, 190,
201, 202, 213
Registration 75, 86, 87
Relief Commission, Menno-
nite, 179, 180
Relief Fund 84
Relief Organization 83
Relief Work 85, 177, 184
Relief Workers, Dentists^
Doctors, etc. 193
Relief Workers Establish
Stores 192
Relief Work, Using German
Prisoners for, 195
Religious Objectors 100, 101,
102
Retrospect, A, 148
Right Living, Value of, 224
Roman Empire 16
Romanism 14, 15
Room Mates 144
Russia 21
Russian Delegation to U. S.
197
Russian Immigration 71
Russian Mennonites 7i, 74
Sabellianism 14
Salvation, Trench, 47
Scientific Butchery 48
"Schrecklechkeit" 41
Scriptures 224
Scripture, Translation of, 16
INDEX
245
Scriptures, Power to Inter-
pret, 14
Secretary of War, Baker 66
Seeming Cause of World
War 38
Segregation 109, 168
Selective Draft Regulations
90
Separation, Consistent, 229
"Shall He Work?" 142
Shenandoah Valley 34
Sheridan's Raid 34
Shetler. S. G. 67
Siberia, Mennonites in, 21
Simons, Menno 19
Size of Disciplinary Barracks
135
Slackers 49
Slagel, Arthur, 210, 212
Slavery 31
Smith's Church History 28,
29, 30
Smoking and Profanity 46
Smucker, Vernon 183, 185
SoHtary, The, 142, 146
Some Experiences in Camp
122
Some Officers a Trial to the
C O.'s 95, 96
Specially Qualified Officers
for the C O.'s 97
Spirit of Unrest 232
Star Parole 137, 143
Stauffer, N. B., 75, Id
Stockades 122
"Strong Arm Squad" 151
Sugar Creek Budget 163
Testing the Draftee 35
The Tobacco Trust and the
Christians 46
Thomas. Norman A., 100
Tories and Mennonites 27
Translation of the Scriptures
16
Trap for the Christians 45
"Trench Salvation" 47, 228
Trial to the Officers, The C.
O. a, 96
Tunkers 70, 71, 72, 75, 76,
78, 82, 180
Trip to France 185
Two Lessons 221
Ulrich Zwingli 18
Undue Criticism 174
Uniform. Wearing the, 82
Uniformity, Lack of, 89
United States at War with
Germany 42
United States District Court
160
United States Drawn into
the War 41
Unrest, Spirit of, 232
Value of Right Living 224
Verdun Sector 188
View of the Church and the
World on Furnishing Men
and Money 42
Volunteers for Military Serv-
ice 31
"Vote for Wilson" 41
Waldo, Peter, 16, 17
Waldenses 16, 17
Walker's Address, District
Attorney, 160
War and Immorality 46
War Countries, Condition of,
177
War Declared 41
War Defined 45
War Lords' Influence 40
War Taught Conservation
215
War Taxes 29
Why Kept? 236
Wiens, J. J., 21
Wailful Neglect 173
William Penn 21
Wilson, President, 81, 150,
174
Wilson's Definition for Non-
combatant Service 51
Wipf, Jacob. 146
Work at Disciplinary Bar-
racks 142
246 MENNONITES IN THE WORLD WAR
Baron, 111
Work in Armenia and Syria
183
Work of Committees 167
Work-or-fight Plan Id
Worldly Insecurity 217
World War, Seeming and
Underlying Causes, 39
Wrangel,
113
Wrong Classification 91
Y. M. C. A. 150
Yoder, E. Z., 167
Yoder, S. C, 167
Zwingli, Ulrich, 18, 19
Zurich 19
112,
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