SYMPATHY OF U.S.A.

Evening Star, Issue 23378, 22 September 1939, Page 10

SYMPATHY OF U.S.A.

PEOPLE REALISE LIBERTY AT STAKE CANADIAN PREACHER'S VIEWS The view that the United States, of America would eventually join with Britain and her Allies in the fight for democracy was expressed by Dr J. G. Inkster, 8.A., D.D., minister of Knox Church, Toronto, in an interview in Wellington. The sympathy of the United States was wholly pro-British, he said. The American people were essentially democratic, and realised that in the present' war democracy, liberty, and justice were at stake. No one, of course, could say definitely what stand the United States would take; he was basing his opinion on the experience of the last war. If American people were killed through! ships being torpedoed or sunk those re-* sponsible would be held to account. During the Great War Dr Inkster was in Victoria, 8.C., and at the'start of. hostilities, he said, the people were criticising President Wilson because* though he was writing beautiful Notes, he was doing nothing. But: when America had to take a definite stand for the principles of democracy she went in “ with both feet.” He believed tho same would happen again. The recent Royal visit was an his* toric occasion of the first importance for Canada, the Empire, and the world, said Dr Inkster. It was important for Canada because of the wave of patriotism and loyalty which swept over all Canada and specially over Quebec, It united Canada as she was never before united. The visit was important for the Empire because Imperial enthusiasm swept over every arm of the Empire as a whole. The subtle symbolism of the Crown and Throne was never so subtle . and never so strong. The Royal visit was important! for the world, because the world saw, that British people were one in faith, and destiny. “ We must not overlook, also, whati the visit meant for cordial international relations between the United States and Canada and the Empire,” said Dr Inkster. Knox Church, Toronto, of which Dr Inkster has been minister since 1921, is the largest Presbyterian .Church there. Its present membership is 1,838, and the revenue from all sources is more than £17,000 a year. In addition to being minister of Ki.tix Church, Dr Inkster is a prominent figure in the affairs of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, and ho has also taken a deep interest in the community at large. .When the King and Queen toured Canada recently Her. Majesty when in. Toronto presented new colours to her own Canadian regimentj the Toronto Scottish, of which she is the colonel-in-chief. Dr Inkster is the chaplain of this regiment, with the rank of major.