DR. AKED'S CONSCIENCE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 113, 26 November 1915, Page 4 (Supplement)

DR. AKED'S CONSCIENCE.

APPEAL TO STOP WAR SUPPLIES FROM U.S. The Rev. Dr. Chant* F. Aked, formerly ot Pembroke .baptist Church, Liverpool, and sine 11)1.1 a citizen oi the United States, has issued, in conjunction with tne Rev. Dr. Walter Kauschenbuseh, an American theological professor oi Gei'muii ancesstry, an appeal to prohibit tno shipment of munitions of war irom tne uu.ud States to the Allies.

This appeal, according to a private letter from the United States, has been sent by post to citizens of the United States by one of the many German organisations. Following are extracts from Dr. Aked's circular: — "In common with all other citizens of the United States we are morally involved in the trade in arms and ammunition. We wish to cleanse our conscience, at least by protest. " We are toid that an embargo under the present circumstances would work hardship for Great Britain and her Allies only, and therefore would have an unneutral bearing. The reply is plain; the exportation of arms under present circumstances also works hardship tor one side only, and has a still more unneutral look.

" What ought we to do ? We should prohibit the exportation of arms and ammunitioin. On grounds of humanity we should refuse to feed the conflagration of civilisation to secure financial profit for ourselves." Dr. Aked left England in 1907 to become pastor of the Fifth-avenue Baptist Church, New York, at a salary of £2,500 a year. The New York newspapers called him "the Twelve Thousand Dollar Parson," and the church was popularly known as " Rockefeller's Church," after the multi-millionaire, who was a trustee. Afterwards Dr. Aked accepted a call to San Francisco at £2,000 a year.