Editorial Committee letter to A.A. Grossman - November 20, 1918

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Mr A A Grossmann Milwaukee November 20 1918 Dear friend and brother,- Your notice of Walther League campaign for Army and Navy literature has been carefully considered by the Editorial Committee. After due deliberation we must say that we do not see our way clear to publish this announcement, even with the approval of Dir. Kohn. We certainly are in harmony with the purpose of this drive. We have taken occasion repeatedly to speak well of Walther League and its purposes. However, when it is a matter of a synod-wide financial campaign, we do not feel we should create a precedent by giving space to an organization which, while deserving of every support and worthy of synodical recognition, is, as a matter of fact, not officially recognized by our Synod, in convention assembled. There are other organizations within our synod which might with the same right request support of a drive for synodical purposes, and after once creating a precedent we should find it difficult to say no. Of course, the above must in no wise be understood as a criticism of our Army and Navy Board for giving official sanction to the Walther League drive. That was within their rights, and each pastor may be properly appealed to on the strength of such recommendation. But the Lutheran Witness stands in another relation to the Synod and its editors prefer to stick to the time-honored custom of opening its columns for financial calls only to agencies which are authorized by some resolution of synod. We shall be glad to receive a report on your campaign and shall give to it all the space that you may desire. Both the Walther League and its present undertaking has our hearty good will. Very truly Yours The Editorial Committee.