W.C. Kohn letter to Theodore Graebner - October 24, 1918

Transcript

[Concordia Teachers College letterhead] [October] 24, 1918. Prof. Theo. Graebner, 3618 Texas Ave., St. Louis, [Missouri] My dear Friend, Your letter has conveyed no good news to me, that you do not intend to print my whole report on the camp pastor, situation since our people would surely like to know what we have done in the matter. Nevertheless I wish to thank you that you have not printed the protests which were sent you prior to my report, as it actually was according to our policy. We would have deplored the publication of any protests as a premature act and a handicap in our work. If, therefore, you would kindly mention, in introductory remarks to page three, which you promised to print, that we have worked diligently, and petitioned the government to give our pastors the opportunity to adequately serve our boys, and add the last report I sent you, it will serve the same purpose. We are again in a dispute with our Eastern Department about cooperation with the N.L.C. I have two lengthy letters from two brethren, urging us to unite in work with the N.L.C. We will have a hard fight and a difficult stand, especially since I am not in the theological work any more as in former days, and it takes quite a study to refute all their arguments. Since it is a matter of so far-reaching importance, it should really be taken up by the officials of the Synod, not by a Board working to its utmost capacity for the Army and Navy. But I suppose we will have to take the iniative steps. Our Board is firm against Unionism, and I hope it will remains so to be. Thanking you for past kindness, I remain Yours very truly, W.C. Kohn