The Builder Magazine
March 1919 - Volume V - Number 3
REPORT OF THE MASONIC OVERSEAS MISSION
BY BRO. TOWNSEND SCUDDER, P.G.M., NEW YORK
Those who have followed closely the argument in various articles recently appearing in THE BUILDER dealing with Masonry's Duty in the War, and particularly the report of the Cedar Rapids Masonic Conference in the January issue, will appreciate the enthralling interest of this story of the negotiations with the Government to allow Masonry to participate in the War activities so closely allied to its basic principles of relief.
Everywhere and at all times Masons have been asking why Masonry was not allowed that participation. Some have criticized our Fraternity for its seeming indifference. In the report of the Cedar Rapids Conference was voiced the conclusion of its participants that the only way in which Masonry might ever hope to receive the recognition which its membership deserved was by finding for itself a truly National Voice. Having arrived at that conclusion, the Conference presented to the Grand Lodges of the United States a method by which this end might be accomplished, for their consideration and adoption, if they found the plan wise. Already there is evidence, in the affirmative action of every Grand Lodge which had its Annual Communication subsequent to the Cedar Rapids Conference, (these Grand Lodges being Georgia, Alabama, Texas, South Carolina, Minnesota, Florida, North Carolina, Utah, Tennessee, Connecticut and Louisiana,) that UNITY is the one crying need, and that unity is clearly defined in the Constitution of the MASONIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES, as set forth in the January number of THE BUILDER.
The action of the Cedar Rapids Conference was largely founded upon a verbal report from M.W. Townsend Scudder, P.G.M. of New York, wherein was fully described the refusal of the Government to recognize Freemasonry as it had recognized other societies desiring to perform a similar service, and the reason advanced for that refusal.
That verbal report, with all its supporting documentary evidence, has now been made in writing to the Grand Masters of the United States, and is embodied in the Proceedings of the Cedar Rapids Conference.
Because we believe a wider circulation among the Craft is vital to our individual and collective plans for the future, particularly as they are to affect the destinies of the proposed MASONIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF TEXE UNITED STATES, this Society will reproduce in full Judge Scudder's masterly report in the columns of TIIE BUILDER, and invites the attention of the whole Craft to a careful study of our position as it is, without some form of co-operation, as a basis and foundation for future co-ordination of effort alone educational and relief lines.
To THE M.W. WILLIAM S. FARMER, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York, and to all Masonic Grand Jurisdictions in the United States participating in the efforts to induce our government to consent to overseas service by the Masonic fraternity in the interest of our forces engaged in the great war.
BRETHREN, as chairman of the Commission appointed in 1917, by M.W. Thomas Penney, Grand Master, and confirmed in such appointment by you in 1918, to organize in Europe war relief for the benefit of our men in the army and navy, and to secure the permission of the government of the United States to that end, I have the honor to make the following report. Although appointed in the first instance by the Grand Master of Masons in New York, the Commission was thereafter, by the Grand Masters of many of our sister jurisdictions, appointed and designated as their own.
In order that the readers of this report may properly understand our efforts to engage in overseas work, and trace the steps taken by us to that end, it is necessary to begin with a conference held in the office of the Secretary of War in October, 1917. At this conference a large number of fraternal organizations were represented.
This conference was held at the invitation of the Secretary of War for the purpose of discussing, and considering the modification of, an order previously made by him which excluded Freemasons and other fraternities and associations from engaging in welfare work within military camps and accorded that privilege exclusively to the Young Men's Christian Association and the Knights of Columbus. This order had been made without notice to the Masonic fraternity or opportunity afforded it to be heard in the matter of its desire to participate in such service, to engage in which it was at all times ready, willing, and financially able without soliciting outside assistance.
This conference resulted in a statement by the Secretary that thereafter camps and cantonments of the army would be open for the erection and use of buildings therein by fraternal, benevolent, or similar societies of recognized and well-established character, having members in such camps or cantonments, upon permission first obtained from the officer commanding the camp or cantonment in question. The Masonic fraternity in New York state thereafter endeavored to take advantage of the Secretary's announcement, but met with little encouragement on the part of the military authorities. Balked in these efforts, the fraternity devoted itself to social work for the benefit of our soldiers and sailors, in the communities immediately adjacent to the camps, and also in the large cities visited by the men on leave.
About this time the transatlantic movement of our troops began, and because of this fact the extension of our fraternity's activities to foreign lands was determined upon if governmental sanction thereto could be secured.
Public announcement had been made that the government of the United States would establish abroad what were described as "leaveareas," whither, and whither alone, our soldiers on leave would be permitted to go. Recalling the obstructions thrown in the way of our previous attempts at service in camps, and pondering on this announcement relative to the so-called "leaveareas," light seemed suddenly shed upon the perplexing problem confronting us, and our course to the goal of Masonic war relief made plain by the announcement in an address of the Secretary of War that the major help to be rendered by maternal societies was in the communities outside of, rather than in, the camps themselves. Steps were promptly taken to carry this idea into effect, and it was learned that the Commission on Training Camp Activities, a body within the War Department, had jurisdiction over all social service activities similar to those projected by our fraternity. At the head of this Commission on Training Camp Activities was, and still is, Mr. Raymond B. Fosdick.
I forthwith placed myself in communication with Hon. William M. Calder, senator from New York, by addressing to him the following letter:
"April 7, 1918.
“Hon. William M. Calder,
"United States Senate, Washington, D. C.
"Dear Senator Calder:
"The Freemasons in New York State have, by reason of many appeals from Europe, become impressed with the belief that there exists abroad today a new field for helpful service by the fraternity, and this field lies not in the camps of the United States armies, but in the cities behind the lines, to which our soldiers go when on leave.
"These communications from abroad confirm a statement of the Secretary of War at a meeting held at the War Department on October 29, 1917, in which he said that he was of the opinion that the major help to be rendered by fraternal societies is in the communities outside rather than in the camp itself, from which the soldier wants to go whenever he has an opportunity.
"The idea in mind is that we found and maintain in cities in France, to which our soldiers will go when on leave, quarters in the nature of clubs, open to our men in the service, where they may receive and entertain their friends, and where they will find periodicals and newspapers from the United States, stationery for letter-writing, and modest opportunities for indulging their musical tastes.
"Our object is to cheer the spirits of the men, to direct, by this instrumentality, into proper channels the natural longing of the men for amusement and diversion, and to afford a place for social recreation.
"Similar activities we contemplate extending to Italy, as occasion shall present.
"Furthermore, in Switzerland we propose to establish an agency for the amelioration of the condition of our men taken prisoners of war. We wish, also, to be free to go to England, for the reason that the establishment of one or more such agencies there may be deemed advantageous, and because the commission desires to obtain the benefits, derived from personal conferences as suggested by English Freemasons, of the experience of English Masons in similar service.
"The commission to organize this work abroad will consist of four or five members appointed by the Grand Master of Masons in the state of New York. Four of the members are:
"Townsend Scudder, Past Grand Master, and Justice of the Supreme Court of New York. Erastus C. Knight, of Buffalo, N.Y., ex-Mayor of Buffalo and ex-Comptroller of the state of New York. William C. Prime, of Yonkers, N. Y., a member of the New York bar. Rougier Thorne, of Glen Cove, N. Y., a New York business man.
"All expenses of this enterprise will be borne by the fraternity. We are hopeful, however, of receiving the countenance of the United States authorities.
'I am informed that Mr. Raymond B. Fosdick, in charge of training camp activities, is the official to whom such a project should be submitted. Is this so? If it is, will you kindly arrange that I can have an interview with him when I come to Washington? If he is not the proper official, who is?
"We would, of course, require passports. What are the proper steps to take to secure these?
"Your assistance in all this will be highly appreciated. "Faithfully yours,
"Townsend Scudder."
In reply I received a telegram from Senator Calde as follows:
"Postal Telegraph
Commercial Cables
TELEGRAM
"167NYDO 37 Govt 830P
St Washn DC Apr 9
"Hon. Townsend Scudder, Supreme Court Chambers
"16 Court St., Bklyn, N. Y.
"Have made appointment for you to meet Raymond Fosdick in Washington eleven o'clock Friday Homing. Come to Willard for breakfast eight thirty.
"Wm. M. Calder."
Accompanied by Bro. Erastus C. Knight, I journeyed to Washington, met Senator Calder, and with him called upon Mr. Fosdick. To him was communicated in full our aspirations to engage in war relief work overseas and the insistent demand therefor coming from members of our fraternity then in service abroad. Mr. Fosdick then said that, although he was not a Mason, his grandfather had been, and he, the speaker, was in sympathy with the ideals of the fraternity, and conversant with its past history of service in the cause of humanity. He then went on to say that, in matters of service such as the one under discussion, the United States government required a responsible head of an organization with which it contemplated dealing, and pointed out the difficulties in the path of members of civilian organizations who might seek to engage in war relief abroad. He said that the government was endeavoring to co-ordinate all such agencies and unite them in service as far as possible because of the embarrassment due to the multiplicity of credentials and the burden these placed upon the Allied governments and our military authorities. He further said that he understood that the Masonic fraternity in the United States was "a disjointed organization," every state being a separate jurisdiction, in addition to which there were numerous other Masonic bodies, none of them in this country owing allegiance to any one head organization.
"The United States War Department," he said, "cannot issue 49 separate permits to as many different Masonic Jurisdictions. The best it could do would be to issue one permit to the fraternity, under which all would have to come, for which purpose a single head or committee would be necessary which would represent the entire Masonic fraternity in this country, with which the government could deal and which it could hold responsible."
In reply he was told that, while it was true that there were these various independent Masonic bodies and Jurisdictions, they were, nevertheless, in complete harmony in the desire for this service, and would surely unite on a single committee to handle this work, were governmental approval given to a practical plan of operations which would meet the fraternity's hopes and desires.
After considerable discussion of this point, Mr. Fosdick was so far convinced of the future unity of the fraternity in this matter that we proceeded to a discussion of the purposes we had in view and of a plan to carry them into execution. At the outset of this part of the conference he was told that our fraternity stood ready to adopt any plan of service which the government might desire us to follow, and at our own exclusive expense. In response, he asked if we had not some plan formulated to this end. In response to this inquiry, our tentative plan was outlined to him.
A lengthy discussion of this plan resulted in his hearty approval, because, as he said, "there could not be too much of this sort of work." He further stated that if the project were reduced to writing and sent to him, he would take up the matter with Mr. Baker (Secretary of War), but that he could now promise the approval of the War Department thereto.
The foregoing is, it must be understood, only the substance of the conversations with Mr. Fosdick. There were two conferences on that day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, and the discussion was long and earnest. At these two conferences Mr. Fosdick displayed a mind open to conviction and a judgment apparently totally unbiased, so much so that the final impression he made upon us was his evident desire to avail himself of our proffered services, even to the extent of thanking the Masons for offering to contribute their personal services and financial resources to the welfare of our soldiers and sailors.
This interview was followed by a letter, dated April 16, 1918, addressed to Mr. Fosdick as chairman of the Commission on Training Camp Activities, outlining the tentative Plan of the fraternity:
"April 16, 1918.
"Raymond B. Fosdick, Esq.,
"Chairman, Commission on Training Camp Activities,
"War Department, Washington, D. C.
"Dear Mr. Fosdick:
"Agreeable to your suggestion, I have pleasure in outlining work New York Masons desire to undertake in Europe, to the end that you may present it to the Secretary of War.
"The Freemasons in New York state have, by reason of many appeals from Europe, become impressed with the belief that there exists abroad today a new field for helpful service by the fraternity, and that this field lies not in the camps of the United States armies, but in the cities behind the lines, to which our soldiers go when on leave.
"These communications from abroad confirm a statement of the Secretary of War at a meeting held at the War Department on October the 29th, 1917, in which he said that he was of the opinion that the major help to be rendered by fraternal societies is in the communities outside rather than in the camp itself, from which the soldier wants to go whenever he has an opportunity.
"The idea in mind is that we found and maintain in cities in France and Great Britain, to which our soldiers will go when on leave, quarters in the nature of clubs, open to our men in the service, where they may receive and entertain their friends, and where they will find periodicals and newspapers from the United States, stationery for letter-writing, and modest opportunities for indulging their musical tastes.
"Our object is to cheer the spirits of the men, to direct, by this instrumentality, into proper channels the natural longing of the men for amusement and diversion, and to afford a place for social recreation.
"Similar activities we contemplate extending to Italy as occasion shall present.
"Furthermore, in Switzerland we propose to establish an agency for the amelioration of the condition of our men taken prisoners of war. We wish, also, to be free to go to England, because, besides the establishment of such agencies there as may be deemed advantageous, the commission desires to obtain the benefit derived from personal conferences suggested by English Freemasons, of the experience of English Masons in similar service.
"The commission to organize this work abroad will consist of four or five members appointed by the Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York. Four of the members are: Townsend Shudder, Past Grand Master, and Justice of the Supreme Court of New York. Erastus C. Knight, of Buffalo, N.Y., ex-Mayor of Buffalo and ex-Comptroller of the state of New York. William C. Prime, of Yonkers, N. Y., a member of the New York bar. Rougier Thorne, of Glen Cove, N. Y., a New York business man.
"All expenses of this enterprise will be borne by the fraternity. We are hopeful, however, of receiving the countenance of the United States authorities.
"New York has in the service about ten thousand Masons.
"Should it happen that other Masonic Jurisdictions care to join in this work, it is the wish of the New York Masons that they be privileged so to do on an even footing and in conjunction with New York, or, if such other jurisdictions have other plans which meet the approval of the Department, New York will be glad to join in furthering them, our ambition being to serve usefully.
"I am enclosing a copy of the pledge that is required of candidates in the service who join the Masonic fraternity through our Military Lodge. This Lodge is endeavoring to encourage and strengthen the young men and to cheer fathers giving their sons to the country's service.
"We are open to any suggestion the Secretary of War cares to make.
"Thanking you for your courtesy, "Sincerely,
"Townsend Scudder."
The pledge referred to in the foregoing letter, and enclosed with it, is as follows:
SEA AND FIELD LODGE, NO. 1, F. & A. M., NEW YORK
We undertake to maintain our part of the war free from hatred, brutality or graft, true to the American purpose and ideals.
Aware of the temptations incidental to camp life and the moral and social wreckage involved, we covenant to gether to live the clean life and to seek to establish the American uniform as a symbol and guaranty of real manhood.
We pledge our example and our influence to make these ideals dominant in the American Army and Navy.
Particular attention is called at this point in the report to the designedly elastic nature of the plan outlined in the foregoing letter. This was so drawn up that any Masonic body or Jurisdiction thereafter wishing to participate in this movement could do so.
It being proposed to open recreation houses in leaveareas, one in each, the more Masonic bodies participating, contributing their respective financial resources, the more leaveareas could be covered. This elasticity of plan was emphasized in the conferences with Mr. Fosdick, and was thoroughly understood by him when his approval was given. The object was, obviously, to enable any and all Masonic bodies to participate in the projected work abroad, and, at the same time, by so uniting them all in one project, thereby comply with the unalterable decision of our government to grant permission to Freemasons for overseas service only in case all Masonic bodies desiring to take part were united in the enterprise.
On April 19th, no word having been received from Mr. Fosdick, and wishing to impress upon him as strongly as possible the loyalty of the fraternity to the government, and its purpose to do nothing which might in the least embarrass the latter, I wrote to Mr. Fosdick, enclosing a letter, dated October 29, 1917, sent by Grand Master Thomas Penney of New York to the Grand Masters of the forty-eight other Masonic Jurisdictions in the United States, the sentiments expressed in. which letter had been approved by our sister Jurisdictions, and the plan of action therein outlined endorsed.
"April 19. 1918.
"Hon. Raymond B. Fosdick,
"Chairman Committee on Training Camp Activities,
"War Department, Washington, D. C.
"Dear Mr. Fosdick:
"I am enclosing herewith a copy of the letter sent out by the Grand Lodge of New York in an effort to meet the situation raised by the decision of the War Department in connection with the activities of non-military organizations in cantonment camps, etc. It occurred to me that perhaps you would be interested to know what New York state sought to do and what we believe we accomplished. We regretted exceedingly that one Jurisdiction seemingly did not at first see the situation as we did. I am referring to Georgia.
"Sincerely,
"Townsend Scudder."
"Office of the
"GRAND MASTER OF MASONS IN THE STATE OF
NEW YORK
"Thomas Penney, Grand Master
"Buffalo, N. Y.
"October 29, 1917.
"Dear Brother Grand Master:
"The fundamental duty of the craft of Masons is loyalty to the government of the United States. Cooperation with, support of, obedience to the government must and will mark the fraternity's efforts to do its bit in the war. Its purpose being to support and to uphold those in authority, and having no quarrel with any governmental agency nor with any organization equally zealous to serve, the craft will countenance no controversy nor permit itself to be drawn into one.
"The present is not a time for criticism. Because danger lurks in ill-advised action having for purpose the broadening of the government's rules with reference to fraternal societies' activities in military establishments, it seems wise that every precaution be taken to prevent what might place the craft in a false light and blight its hope to be constructively helpful to the men with the colors, to the people, and to the government.
"Since the scope of Masonic service has not been defined, an informal meeting of the representatives of our several jurisdictions, or of as many of them as can conveniently be brought together, seems timely, to the end that Masonic service in this war crisis, vital to our beloved country, may be discussed and, if possible, recommendations agreed upon having for object the efficient co-operation of all Masons in the United States in the service of government and country.
"With this patriotic object in view, I have pleasure in offering the hospitality of the Grand Lodge of New York to such a gathering, and if the response hereto confirms me in my present view, will gladly designate a time and place. The wisdom of refraining from action or declaration until the scope of the fraternity's service can be determined, lest its position be prejudiced, needs no comment.
"With assurances of profound esteem, and hoping for an expression of your views at no distant date, I am
"Fraternally yours,
"By the Grand Master,
"Robert Judson Kenworthy,
"Grand Secretary."
Thomas Penney,
Grand Master.
Eight days having elapsed without a reply from Mr. Fosdick to my letter of April 16th, and feeling somewhat nervous at receiving no word, I took advantage of the kind offer of Senator Calder to assist in forwarding the enterprise as far as he could do so, and sent him the following letter:
“April 24. 1918.
Honorable William M. Calder,
"U. S. Senate, Washington, D. C.
"Dear Senator:
"Please drop in at the first opportunity and see Mr. Raymond B. Fosdick and prod him a little on our matter. I do not want to be importunate, but on the other hand it is quite important that we get our necessary papers, etc.
"Faithfully yours.
"Townsend Scudder.
“I have sent Mr. Fosdick all the data he requested. Sorry to trouble you.
T.S.”
The day after the foregoing letter to Senator Calder the following two letters were received from Mr. Fosdick, both dated April 23, 1918, one promising the full support of the War Department in the prosecution of our work, and the other expressing appreciation of the loyal support by the fraternity to the government in the situation which it had to face two or three months previously.
By this Mr. Fosdick referred to the situation created by the Secretary of War's permission to a secret, sectarian society, the Knights of Columbus, as a recognized relief organization, to do social service work in camps and cantonments, to the exclusion of the Masonic brotherhood, a non-sectarian, self-financing society, and other similar bodies.
"WAR DEPARTMENT
"Commission on Training Camp Activities
"Washington, April 23,1918.
"Honorable Townsend Scudder,
"Supreme Court, State of New York,
"Mineola, N. Y.
"My dear Judge Scudder:
"I have your interesting letter of April 16th, outlining the work which the New York Masons desire to undertake in Europe in connection with the welfare of our troops. I am gratified to know that your commission is sailing soon, and I can promise you the full support of the War Department in the prosecution of your work.
"Please let me know if at any time I can be of any assistance.
Cordially yours,
"Raymond B. Fosdick,
"Chairman."
"WAR DEPARTMENT
"Commission on Training Camp Activities
"Washington, April 23, 1918.
"Honorable Townsend Scudder,
"Supreme Court, State of New York,
"Mineola, N. Y.
"My dear Judge Scudder:
"Thank you for your letter of April 19th enclosmg a copy of the communication sent out by the Grand Lodge of New York in connection with the situation which we had to face two or three months ago. I did not realize what loyal support your organization gave us at that time, and I am confident that it was responsible in no small degree for the harmonious relations finally established.
"Cordially yours,
"Raymond B. Fosdick,
Chairman."
Because of the receipt of the foregoing letters of April 23d, there was sent to Senator Calder the following letter, dated April 25, 1918, and a telegram dated May 2, 1918, from Senator Calder was received in reply:
"April 25, 1918.
Honorable William M. Calder,
"U. S. Senate, Washington, D. C.
"Dear Calder:
“I have received word from Mr. Raymond B. Fosdick, Chairman of the Commission on Training Camp Activities, stating 'I can promise you the full support of the War Department in the prosecution of your work.'
"The next point is how we should proceed in connection with passports, and what credentials we ought to have from Fosdick's Committee, or the Secretary of War, so that when we apply for our passports the evidence that we are entitled to them or that our work has received this endorsement may be at hand. Can you make this inquiry and let me know?
"Faithfully,
"Townsend Scudder."
"WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM
"Received at 313 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, N. Y.
"St Washington DC 1156 A M May 21918
"The Hon. Townsend Scudder
"Supreme Court Chambers Bklyn NY
"Mr Fosdick advises you address him at once concerning Masonic plans for work abroad he will be glad to expedite passports and any other business that your Commission has in mind
"Wm M Calder 132PM"
About the time of the receipt of the telegram of May 2d from Senator Calder there reached me the following letter from Mr. Fosdick, dated April 30, 1918:
"WAR DEPARTMENT
"Commission on Training Camp Activities
"Washington, April 30,1918.
“Honorable Townsend Scudder,
"Supreme Court of the State of New York,
"Mineola, N. Y.
"My dear Judge Scudder:
"Confidentially, I am sailing for France next week, to look up the whole matter of recreation for the troops both in France and England. Is there anything that we ought to say to each other before I go? When does your Mission start, and are there any further plans that have beep developed?
"Cordially yours,
"Raymond B. Fosdick, Chairman."
On May 2, 1918, Mr. Fosdick's communication of April 30th was answered by the following letter:
"SUPREME COURT OF TEE STATE OF NEW YORK
"Mineola, N. Y., May 2, 1918.
"Hon. Raymond B. Fosdick,
"Chairman Commission on Training Camp Activities,
"Washington, D. C.
"Dear Mr. Fosdick:
"Thank you very much for yours of April the 30th. I should like to see you before you sail. Do you expect to spend any days in New York? The Grand Lodge of Masons meets on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of next week, May 7th, 8th and 9th, and on the evening of the 9th there is to be a conference of the Grand Masters of the several states of the Union, which will be held in New York. At this conference Masonic work along the lines which we have discussed will be taken up.
"I do not think that we will be able to sail before June, and I have been wondering whether in order to secure the necessary passports, etc., I did not require some certificate from your department in a general way approving our plan, as a supplement perhaps to the letter I received from you perhaps a week ago.
"My home is 112 Willow Street, Brooklyn; telephone Main 4872, and I will be there every evening. I mention this so perhaps you could find time to communicate faith me so that I could call upon you. I hope so.
"Sincerely,
"Townsend Scudder."
Word was received on April 30th or May 1st from Mr. Fosdick by a long distance telephone that he was to be in New York and could be reached at the Hotel Prince George or at the Rockefeller Foundation in the Borough of Manhattan.
Being myself unable to meet Mr. Fosdick at the time set by him, because I was presiding at a term of the Supreme Court at that time, and because Mr. Fosdick could not meet me in the evening, I requested Bro. William C. Prime, a member of the Masonic Overseas Mission, to meet Mr. Fosdick in my stead, and ascertain from him what information, in addition to that already given him "concerning our Masonic plans for work abroad," he had in mind, and which called forth the telegram of May 2d from Senator Calder. I also sought information as to the form of the Masonic Mission's credentials, and the necessary steps to be taken to secure from the State Department the proper passports.
Bro. Prime was received by Mr. Fosdick at the Rockefeller Foundation, and the salient points of the ensuing conference were transmitted to me by Bro. Prime by the following letter, dated May 3, 1918:
"R.E. & A.J. PRIME
"25 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, N.Y.
and 2 Rector Street, New York City
"Yonkers, N.Y., May 3, 1918.
"Hon. Townsend Scudder,
"Glen Head, N. Y.
"Dear Judge:
"As you requested on Wednesday, I immediately got hold of Mr. Fosdick on the telephone at Washington, and found he was coming to New York on Thursday night, to be here this morning, and he made an appointment with me at the Rockefeller Foundation, 61 Broadway, where I have just seen him, and gone over fully with him the business of paving the way for the departure of the Mission.
"He told me that he had done everything that he thought he could do, excepting that he would immediately write and send to Mr. McBride, his assistant, a letter to the State Department, which you could pick up in Washington, and which he thought would forestall any difficulties, and ensure the issue of passports. I gave him the personnel of the Mission, of which he made a note, and told him somewhat of our plan.
"He showed a lively interest in what I said, and discussed with me at some length the subject of rents in Paris and elsewhere; said that he would be in Paris early in May, would see Carter, make general inquiry regarding rents and conditions, and write you fully from Paris. He said that he expected his trip would be very brief, and he might get back before we left, but would write in any case, giving you full information as far as he could obtain it.
"He is to be at the Prince George tonight, and I think will sail tomorrow or next day. I told him that I would write you immediately the result of our interview, and that it might be that you would endeavor to get in touch with him later, and before he sailed.
"Very truly yours,
W.C. Prime."
CO-OPERATION OF THE Y.M.C.A. SOUGHT
Upon receipt of the letter of Mr. Fosdick, dated April 23d, promising us "the full support of the War Department in the prosecution of our work" overseas, we sought an interview with the International Committee of the Young Men's Christian Association to secure from them, if possible, their co-operation in our undertaking in Europe at least to the extent of giving us the advantage of the facilities of travel enjoyed by them through the courtesy of the French authorities to enable us more quickly and with the least delay to pass from one leavearea to another in organizing and prosecuting our work. We felt the more justified in seeking this co-operation because of the fact that Freemasons had contributed to the Y.M.C.A. large sums of money to assist the work of the latter.
Through the kind offices of R.W. Jacob C. Klinck an interview was had on April 26, 1918, between Mr. C.V. Hibbard, Associate General Secretary of the International Committee of the Y.M.C.A., and a Masonic committee composed of Brothers Townsend Scudder, Rev. Dr. Charles C. Albertson, Rev. Dr. Clarence A. Barbour, and Rev. Dr. S. Parkes Cadman, at which the plan and scope of our projected overseas work were laid before Mr. Hibbard and fully explained and discussed, and we told him we were seeking the co-operation of the Y.M.C.A., particularly in the matter of travel in Europe, as heretofore set forth. Mr. Hibbard first inquired if we had government consent, to which we replied in the affirmative, and he was promised a copy of my letter of April 16,1918, addressed to Raymond B. Fosdick and a copy of Mr. Fosdick's reply thereto, dated April 23d. These were subsequently duly sent to Mr. Hibbard.
Mr. Hibbard stated to our committee that he was not in a position to promise us the co-operation we sought, but saw no reason why it should not be accorded us if we brought ourselves under the rules governing the Y.M.C.A. in its relations with the Allied governments. He went on to say that our proposal for cooperation would have to be submitted to Dr. John R. Mott, General Secretary of the Y.M.C.A., who was abroad, whose return he suggested we await. As time was a vital element, we suggested that our proposal be cabled to Dr. Mott. To this he assented, saying he would send the cable upon receipt from us of the facts in writing. Pursuant to this understanding the following letter, dated April 27, 1918, with the enclosures therein mentioned, was sent to Mr. Hibbard, the expense of cabling being duly paid by us:
"April 27,1918.
"C.V. Hibbard, Esq.,
"Overseas Dept., Y.M.C.A.,
"347 Madison Avenue, New York.
"Dear Mr. Hibbard:
"I am enclosing herewith a copy of my letter to Mr. Raymond B. Fosdick, Chairman of the Commission on Training Camp Activities of the War Department, and a copy of his reply thereto under date of April the 23rd. My letter to Mr. Fosdick was a resume of the conversation which I had with him in Washington when I first presented the hopes of the Masonic fraternity in connection with war relief service overseas. For your convenience and use, if it meets with your approval, I am sending a synopsis of our plan to be cabled to Europe agreeably to the suggestion of yesterday. I am also enclosing the pledge exacted of the young men in the service, sons of Masons, who join the fraternity in anticipation of their overseas service.
"Faithfully yours,
"Townsend Scudder.
"112 Willow Street,
"Brooklyn, N. Y.
"Permit me to thank you for your very courteous reneeption and for your generous donation of time. T. S."
The following is a copy of the proposed cable to Dr. Mott enclosed in the foregoing letter of April 27th:
IN THE MATTER OF MASONIC OVERSEAS WAR RELIEF WORK
The Masonic fraternity purposes maintaining in cities in France and Great Britain, and in Italy when time is ripe, to which American soldiers go when on leave or recuperating, quarters in the nature of clubs, open to all men in the service, but where Masons in the service will be hosts, may receive and entertain their friends, reciprocating courtesies received, and where they will find American literature, amusement and useful information. The object is to cheer the men and direct into proper channels their natural longing for amusement and diversion.
In Switzerland it is intended to establish an agency to reach and ameliorate the condition of Masons, prisoners in Germany.
The War Department has approved this work. The Masonic committee going to Europe to organize it feel that the facility of movement enjoyed by the Y.M.C.A., if extended to their committee, will facilitate its work. To this extent they ask the privilege of working under the Y.M.C.A. Can this privilege be accorded them?
Subsequently to the sending of the cablegram, numerous interviews with officials of the Y.M.C.A. were had, and considerable correspondence exchanged, culminating in the following letter:
"THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIONS
“347 Madison Avenue, New York City
"September 24, 1918.
"Judge Townsend Scudder,
"Glen Head, Long Island, N. Y.
"My dear Judge Scudder:
“I wish to acknowledge your letter setting forth the desires of the Masonic fraternity to share in those helpful ministries to the soldiers overseas with which the Y.M.C.A. has been identified, and intimating that, while you may be moving along independent lines, there will be abundant opportunities for co-operation, and indeed coordination, between the efforts of the Masonic fraternity and the Y.M.C.A. Pending the presentation of your proposals formally to the Committee on Overseas Activities, I have consulted with Dr. Mott and his associate, Mr. Brockman, and we are altogether certain that your suggestions will find a hearty response in formal action when the committee meets.
"As you know, and as is quite natural, we have in the secretarial staff overseas a considerable number who belong to the Masonic membership in the United States. It would be perfectly possible, therefore, for us either to assign or release some of these to specific tasks where you might desire co-operation. There are individual types of work which we are carrying on or special areas within which we operate which might likewise be designated as the sphere of your special interests. I understand, however, that there is possibility of your being given by the military some special assignment of work. While it is natural that such work as you undertake will have a peculiar interest to members of the Masonic fraternity, who are in the army, your plan as indicated in your letter is in perfect alignment with our own policy, namely, to minister freely to the needs of all. In every way, therefore, it seems to me that we shall be able to co-operate heartily, and you may count upon our organization and our personnel to assist you in every way that is within our power. Perhaps I ought to call attention, however, to our own limitations which may appear when we come to discuss definite plans, namely, that we will have to be subject to existing military regulations, and likewise to the necessities of practical administration of our work calling for a certain degree of freedom and elasticity in all special designations and a certain mobility of our personnel as to their movements under war conditions.
"We shall then await with interest some future word from you as to the special service that you feel we might render, and the practical co-operation that we can extend and this will appear more clearly as you discover the lines along which your activities overseas will move.
"Very cordially yours,
"C. R. Watson."
The further negotiations of the Masonic Mission with the Y.M.C.A. after the government notwithstanding its former and early approval and promises, had finally refused us permission for independent service abroad, will be set forth later in this report.
CONFERENCE OF GRAND MASTERS OF MASONS IN NEW YORK, MAY 9, 1918
Negotiations with the government had now progressed so far that it was feasible to call the proposed conference of Grand Masters and lay before them a definite plan for overseas service by the fraternity. The call for this conference was issued by M.W. Thomas Penney, Grand Master of New York, on April 17, 1918.
It will be noted that this call was issued after the first interview with Mr. Fosdick in Washington, in which he had given his oral approval of our overseas project, but prior to the receipt of his written approval. This was because of the implicit confidence reposed in Mr. Fosdick's word, and because also of insistent demands from the many thousands of Masons in service in Europe for action abroad by the Masonic fraternity at the earliest possible moment.
Recalling the requirement by the government that all Masons participating in this projected overseas service be united so that one permission could be granted to them collectively, and because it was desirable that this work be performed by as many Masonic bodies as possible, and not by the Masons of New York only, such a conference of Grand Masters became at this point in the progress of our enterprise imperative. The following is the letter of April 17, 1918, calling such conference, and the printed outline of subjects for discussion thereat enclosed in such letter of call:
"Office of the
"GRAND MASTER OF MASONS IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK
"866 Ellicott Square, Buffalo
April 17, 1918.
"Thomas Penney,
"Grand Master.
"Dear Brother Grand Master:
'In November last I addressed the Grand Masters of the several Masonic Jurisdictions in the United States, touching upon the war conditions and the opportunities and responsibilities resting upon Free Masonry in that connection, with particular reference to the desirability of a conference of Grand Masters for consideration of war problems and concerted constructive action im that regard.
"The letter was issued to all of our Sister Jurisdictions, and responses were received from more than a majority, so patriotically spontaneous that I felt impelled to follow up my suggestion by calling a conference. Owing, however, to the suggestions from a number, of pending sessions of their respective Grand Lodges, to which they desired the subject referred, or of early termination of their term of office, and therefore authority, and desire that the matter be taken in hand by their successors, I have withheld action until now it seems appropriate that the call should issue.
"I therefore suggest that a conference of the representatives of the several Grand Jurisdictions be held at the Masonic Hall, New York City, on the evening of Thursday, May 9, 1918, at 8:00 o'clock, to continue from day to day until the necessary business of such conference can properly be canvassed and transacted, and its purposes at least put in the way of accomplishment.
"Merely as a suggestion, and in order that you may have an opportunity of considering before we get together the scope of such a session, I have thought it well to outline somewhat the subjects for discussion, and accompanying this letter you will see printed the agenda, so far as it can now be formulated. It will be helpful if you will give this outline your careful consideration as promptly as convenient, and advise me in ample time of any additional suggestions that you have to make for business, or subjects to be considered.
"May I hope for a prompt response, assuring your cooperation and representation?
"Sincerely and fraternally,
"Thomas Penney,
Grand Master."
OUTLINE OF SUBJECTS FOR DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION AT CONFERENCE OF GRAND MASTERS TO BE HELD AT NEW YORK CITY, MAY 9, 1918
1. It is ascertained that in the near future the government will bring home those men who have been so severely injured as to be incapable of useful service abroad. They will be blind, crippled, deaf, demented. Extensive hospitals on the seaboard and elsewhere are in process of establishment for their reception, classification and separation according to their needs, and other hospitals are also in process of establishment for the special treatment of other particular ills.
It is planned to establish instrumentalities for reconstruction and re-education of derelicts.
This important business is already undertaken and carried on both in France and in England. It will naturally be largely, if not wholly, under government control and maintenance.
Query: What can Free Masonry do for its own and others and what should it do, and how, in connection with this important business?
2. Various stations will be established throughout the country for the reception and treatment of convalescents. In this work women can be of inestimable service, and the opportunity both for men and women to minister to our wounded, to entertain and occupy their minds, will be enormous.
Query: What can Free Masonry do and how, in this important busimess?
3. The Red Cross, Y.M.C.A., Y.M.H.A., and K. of C. are performing valiant service at camps and at the front in connection with the welfare of the men, moral and otherwise.
Query: Are these instrumentalities sufficient or all that can usefully be employed for the moral stabilizing of the men at the front or in camps, particularly the men engaged in the service?
4. The employment by Free Masonry of chaplains or other agencies at home and abroad, in camps and elsewhere in connection with the maintenance of moral standards and close touch between the men in the service and their friends at home.
5. The Grand Lodge of New York is about to despatch R.W. Erastus C. Knight, who will be joined later by M.W. Townsend Scudder, as its representative to France. They are commissioned to organize such agency or agencies as the circumstances require to minister to Free Masons in the service generally, save as respects supplying them with funds. Their instructions cover duties which will demand constant touch with members of the Craft, and keeping them in touch with friends and relatives at home.
Query: Will other jurisdictions participate in this service, either in respect of independent agencies or co-operation in the expense of one representative or set of representatives?
6. Certain camps, such as Camp Merritt at Tenafly, N. J., are being employed for concentration and embarkation of soldiers. Men frequently are despatched thither for immediate transportation abroad, who have not been home or in touch with friends.or kin for considerable periods. They are disheartened, home-sick, low-spirited.
Query: Should Masonic agents, working independently or under the wing of the Y.M.C.A. or Red Cross, be employed at such camps to cheer, assist, and otherwise minister to Free Masons who may be thus situated, and if so, with what scope of authority as to funds, and how maintained?
7. An inevitable consequence of the war will be the human wrecks or partial wrecks of middle age, or less than middle age, most of them comparative youths. Also men physically fit, but requiring aid and employment.
They will require assistance to maintain themselves, and their dependents also will require assistance financially and otherwise.
Query: Ways and means to cope with this problem. Should it be nation-wide, co-operative, strong jurisdictions assisting weak, or should each jurisdiction arrange to take care of its own?
If the former, should a general Masonic fund be accumulated? If so, how and how administered?
8. What are the several Grand Jurisdictions in the United States now doing?
This conference met on May 9, 1918, and continue its sittings over May 10th, and was actually attended by twelve Grand Jurisdictions. In addition, letters ax proving the purpose of the conference and promising support and co-operation were received from many others, making a participation, in person or by letter, by 37 Masonic Jurisdictions in the United States.
The following resolution was adopted by the conference:
RESOLUTION ADOPTED AT A CONFERENCE OF GRAND MASTERS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF GRAND JURISDICTIONS OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS IN THE UNITED STATES, HELD ON MAY 10, 1918.
Resolved, That it is the sense of the Brethren here assembled, hailing from the following Grand Jurisdictions - Massachusetts, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Oklahoma, Ohio, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Oregon, New Hampshire and New York - that there is present need for Masonic service overseas to minister to Masons with the colors in the forces of the United States; that some service lies in the cities, the recreation centers to which the boys go in large numbers while on leave, in work that may be approved by the War Department; that in such cities, seemingly, there should be established general Masonic headquarters where Masons may receive Masonic welcome, comfort and encouragement, and where our boys may be hosts at home; that the duplication of such headquarters in one and the same town would be a waste of energy and funds; that such headquarters be manned from time to time by workers from any or all of our Jurisdictions as circumstances permit; that the espense thereof be paid so far as possible out of a general fund; that the fund be dedicated to Masonic Fraternal Service Overseas; that the several Masonic jurisdictions be invited to contribute to this fund on an annual basis for each member; that the management of the fund be entrusted to a committee composed of representatives of the several contributing jurisdictions selected as each jurisdiction sees fit; that each such jurisdiction cast one vote; that this service be in no wise exclusive, but rather a tribute to and token of Masonic brotherhood without regard to territorial divisions; that we recommend that the several Grand Lodges in the United States create War Boards ready to engage in this work as demand may appear, and we also recommend the presentation of this plan to our several jurisdictions.
The minutes of the proceedings of the conference of Grand Masters of May 9th were duly printed, and a copy thereof, including said resolution, in book form, sent to every sister Jurisdiction in the United States.
Publicity of the projected plan of Masonic Service abroad, as approved by the government, was given through the medium of the Associated Press, and this news was enthusiastically received by the Masonic fraternity, which promptly commenced raising among its members the funds to meet the expenses of the enterprise. Many members of the fraternity now volunteered their services. Our plan having thus received governmental approval and endorsement, and the Masons standing ready to meet the other requirements of the Department, willing to give their personal services, and able of themselves to meet all financial demands, nothing seemed now necessary save the issuance of formal passports by the State Department.
EFFORTS TO SECURE PASSPORTS
Mr. Fosdick had notified us that, to expedite the securing of our passports, he had written a letter, addressed to the Secretary of State, which we could procure by calling at the office of the Commission on Training Camp Activities, in the War Department, Washington. It will be recalled that this is the Commission of which Mr. Fosdick is chairman.
Mr. Fosdick had previously advised us that it would be necessary for us to present to the Secretary of State, in addition to his above-mentioned letter, a certificate from the Grand Master of Masons in New York of the appointment of the personnel of the Masonic Overseas Mission.
A few days were allowed to elapse after the adjournment of the New York conference above described to enable those attending, after their return home, to communicate the names of any whom they might wish to have included in the personnel of the mission, it being understood that if none were so designated, the mission as then constituted was to proceed.
On May 19th, no such designation having been received, your chairman and Bro. Erastus C. Knight went to Washington and duly called at the office of the Commission on Training Camp Activities, where we were received by Mr. Malcolm L. McBride, acting chairman in the absence of Mr. Fosdick, who delivered to us the letter signed by Mr. Fosdick, and addressed to the Secretary of State. The following is a copy of this letter:
“WAR DEPARTMENT
"Commission on Training Camp Activities
Washington, May 6, 1918.
"The Honorable the Secretary of State,
"Washington.
"Sir:
"Mr. Justice Scudder, of the Supreme Court of New York, is the chairman of a commission of five men representing the Masons of New York who are applying for passports to study the situation overseas as far as the leisure time activities of our troops is concerned, with the idea of providing whatever may be necessary both for their own constituent membership and others in the army who may need their services. We have already approved the issuance of passports to two other fraternal organizations, and I am sincerely hopeful that no objection will be interposed in the case of Judge Scudder's commission.
"Respectfully yours,
"Raymond B. Fosdick,
"Chairman."
We had with us our letter of credentials signed by Grand Master William S. Farmer, dated May 6, 1918, addressed to Hon. Robert Lansing, Secretary of State, a copy of which follows:
"Office of the
"GRAND MASTER OF MASONS IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK
"Masonic Temple,
"Syracuse, May 6, 1918.
"Hon. Robert Lansing,
"Secretary of State,
"Washington, D. C.
"My dear Sir:
"I beg to inform you that I have appointed Hon. Townsend Scudder, Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Hon. Erastus C. Knight, one-time Mayor of the city of Buffalo and one-time Comptroller of the state of New York; Rev. Oscar F.R. Treder, Dean of Garden City Cathedral, Garden City, L.I.; Mr. Rougier Thorne, of Glen Cove, L.I., and Mr. William C. Prime, of Yonkers, N.Y., to constitute a mission to Freemasons in the United States forces overseas, whose particular duties are to visit France, Italy, Switzerland and Great Britain, and to establish and maintain such agencies for the comfort and cheer of Freemasons in particular in the military and naval service of the United States in the present war, as seem possible and practicable.
“To the end that they may have free and safe conduct, as far as is possible in the circumstances, I beg to request that their journey be facilitated by all means in your power, and that passports and other necessary credentials in the name of the United States government be issued to them with all convenient speed.
"The duration of their stay is uncertain, but it is likely that Mr. Knight will remain abroad longer than the others.
“Respectfully yours,
"William S. Farmer,
"Grand Master."
Upon receiving from the acting chairman, Mr. McBride; Mr. Fosdick's letter to Secretary of State, we inquired where it should be presented, and if an appointment for that purpose was necessary. He replied that, while we might, as a matter of courtesy, take our letters to the office of the Secretary of State, we would doubtless be referred directly to the passport bureau, where the letters would be received and filed. He further invited us, should we there encounter any delays, to communicate with him, when he would take care of the matter.
With a feeling of confidence we left Mr. McBride and carried our letters to the office of the Secretary of State, and presented ourselves at the office of Mr. Polk, counsellor to the Secretary. Mr. Polk was absent, ill, and the person in charge of his office directed us to take our letters to the passport bureau, saying: "I will call them up and tell them you are coming so as to obviate any delay and the matter will be given immediate attention." We stood there while the passport bureau was called up. I heard the conversation, and could supply the rest. It seems the head of the bureau was not in, and would not be in, but his deputy was a gentleman by the name of Walsh or Welch. He was told that we were coming to take up the passports, and to facilitate in every way that he could.
We went over to the passport bureau, which we found filled with people. I sent in my card; a man eame out, asked who we were. I told him that we were the men about whom the Secretary of State's office had spoken to him a few moments before over the telephone. He said, "What can I do to serve you ?" I said, "It will probably take a few moments. Shall we sit down? I see you have some people in your private office, and we will gladly await our turn." He said, "That is very kind of you, and I will get rid of them as soon as I can."
REFUSAL TO ISSUE PASSPORTS
I did not care to announce our business out in the main anteroom, thus crowded with people. In a few moments we were shown into his office. "Now," he said, "what is it you wish?" I said, "We are here to obtain passports for the Masonic Mission going overseas to engage in war relief work in the recreation centers of our soldiers." "I am opposed to it," were the laconic words which greeted us. Of course, he was but a clerk in an office, seemingly vested with no great discretion. I said to him, "But the War Department has passed upon this. Are you conscious of that fact?" "Oh," he said, "the War Department does not finally decide these things." I said, "Who does?" He said, "We do." I said, "Who are 'we'?" "Why," he said, "it is decided here in the first instance." I said, "Where is it decided in the last instance?" "Well," he said, "of course, ultimately it may get to the Secretary of State if appeal is taken to him." I said, "Then you are the tribunal to whom this matter must now be presented ?" "Yes," he replied. I said, "Very well, then. We will sit down and I will go over it gladly with you." He said, "It is quite unnecessary." "But," said I, "my dear sir, you certainly want to have the facts, do you not?" He answered, "You told them to me and I understand it all. You are a Masonic Mission seeking to go overseas to engage in war relief work. We do not approve of such activities by secret societies. If you are permitted to have your passports to engage in this work, then we have got to permit every other secret society to engage in the same work, which would include every Greek letter society. We will not permit it. We cannot do it." I told him that our work overseas was in no way identified with our usual activities as a secret society, that our service was to be of the same general nature as that of the Y.M.C.A. and the Knights of Columbus, and that a ruling which would be applicable to college secret societies could not hold good with us. To which he replied that "The principle is the same." I said, "I hardly anticipated this situation. I could not myself render judgment upon a matter coming before me on as little evidence as you have here, and I really feel it should be more deliberately presented and considered." He said, "That is quite unnecessary, quite unnecessary. If you want to file your papers here, you can, of course." I said, "We have our papers and were told to file them here, so I will file them, but do not act upon them. I will take the matter up in other quarters, for I think there must be some misunderstanding." He said, "We won't act upon them until we hear from higher up," or something of that kind, and we parted.
We immediately returned to the office of the Commission on Training Camp Activities, and related to Mr. McBride our experience at the passport bureau. He showed considerable astonishment and annoyance over our treatment, and said that he would at once place himself in communication with the Secretary of War and arrange for a meeting between us. After some telephoning by Mr. McBride, he told us that he could not arrange for an interview with Secretary Baker, but had instructions to take us to Mr. Keppel, the Third Assistant Secretary of War, under whose jurisdiction our matter came.
Accompanied by Mr. McBride, we then repaired to the office of the Third Assistant Secretary of War, Mr. F.P. Keppel, by whom we were most courteously received. The object of our call having been briefly stated by Mr. McBride, Mr. Keppel asked me to tell him in detail everything which had transpired in the passport bureau, which I did. He listened with great attention, occasionally asking questions, inquiring specifically for the name of the man with whom we had had the conversation. When I had finished Mr. Keppel said, in substance, "This is very extraordinary, and I do not understand it at all. Conditions are changing from day to day, and it may be that the State Department has instructions regarding passports not communicated to the War Department. I will take up the matter with Secretary Baker and the Secretary of State, and advise you what to do."
I drew attention to the fact that, before going to the passport bureau, we had called at the office of Mr. Polk, counsellor to the Secretary of State, where we had been instructed how to proceed and what to do with our letters, and this office made the appointment for us with the passport bureau, a proceeding not necessary had the bureau instructions not to issue passports in a case such as ours, approved by the War Department. Upon his saying, "The matter will be fully looked into," we took our leave.
Bro. Knight and I at once returned to Mr. Polk's office, where we saw his secretary, a gentleman by the name of, I think, Howell to whom I related all the steps taken by us in our enterprise from the time we made known to Mr. Fosdick our ambitions to the conversation with Mr. Keppel, just concluded. We asked him to call the matter to the attention of Mr. Polk as soon as he saw him, saying we would like to see Mr. Polk personally. I then and there, also, for the first time voiced my suspicion that there might be at work influences hostile to the Masonic fraternity in its endeavor to serve the soldiers overseas. Feeling that the utmost plain speaking was now needed to avoid a superficial consideration and hasty decision in this passport matter, and that, if our matter were taken up in earnest with the State Department, it would come before Mr. Polk, I addressed Mr. Howell in substance as follows:
That our fraternity had an active membership of nearly 2,000,000, that it had been identified with every great work of service in the history of our country, that it had been wounded by its exclusion from participation in war relief work in camps and cantonments in the United States, that announcement of the consent of the War Department had been received by the fraternity with enthusiasm, that all over our country Masons were making financial arrangements to meet the expense oi! the overseas work, to engage in which permission had been received from the government, and that, if at this stage of our progress, we should find ourselves confronted by an insuperable obstacle to carrying out our projected service work, great and widespread resentment might well be aroused. For these reasons I urged that these facts be laid before Mr. Polk to the end that, when the matter came before him he might be fully apprised of its importance and give it his personal consideration.
In all these conversations and efforts to achieve our aims it was also my firm endeavor not to embarrass the government in the war crisis in which our country then found itself, knowing that such a course was the only one to meet with the fraternity's approval, while, at the same time, leaving no stone unturned to reach the goal of our ambitions.
We now returned to New York to await the promised advices from the Third Assistant Secretary of War.
CORRESPONDENCE WITH WAR DEPARTMENT DURING MR. FOSDICK'S ABSENCE
Shortly after our return from Washington, a letter dated May 23,1918, was received from Mr. F. P. Keppel, Third Assistant Secretary of War, of which the following is a copy:
"WAR DEPARTMENT
"Office of the
"Third Assistant Secretary.
"Washington, May 23,1918.
"Honorable Townsend Scudder,
"112 Willow Street,
"Brooklyn, N. Y.
"Dear Judge Scudder:
“I took up with the Secretary ot War the proposed trip of yourself and your associates to France, and Mr. Baker feels with regard to this suggestion, and that of several others now before him, that, as Mr. Fosdick is now in France himself, it would be better for all such proposals to await his return before a definite decision is made.
"I am asking Mr. McBride to bring the case of the proposed visits of the representatives of the Masons to Mr. Fosdick's attention by cable, so that he will be prepared to give a prompt reply upon his return.
"Yours very truly,
"F. P. Keppel,
"Third Assistant Secretary."
The foregoing letter of May 23rd was followed by another letter from Mr. Keppel, dated June 1, 1918, of which the following is a copy:
“WAR DEPARTMENT
"Office of the
"Third Assistant Secretary.
"Washington, June 1, 1918.
"Dear Judge Scudder:
"Pursuant to the understanding reached at our talk a few days ago, I took up with Mr. Fosdick by cable the question of your plans for a trip to Europe. I have just received from him, through the courtesy of General Pershing, a cable recommending that the matter of your visit be held up until Mr. Fosdick's return, in view of his doubt that there is adequate opportunity for you to accomplish independently in France what you have in mind. "Yours very truly,
"F. P. Keppel,
"Hon. Townsend Scudder,
Third Assistant Secretary.
"10 Wall Street,
"New York City, N. Y."
In view of Mr. Fosdick's doubt that there was adequate opportunity for us to accomplish independently in France what we had in mind, as stated in Mr. Keppel's letter of June 1st, we began to press the officers of the Y.M.C.A. for an early decision on our suggestion of co-operation between them and the Masonic fraternity, as hereinbefore set forth.
Attention is here called to the fact that in this letter of June 1st the word "independently" for the first time is emphasized in the correspondence with Washington.
Not hearing anything further from Mr. Keppel up to June 17th, I on that date addressed to him the following letter:
"June 17, 1918.
"Honorable F. P. Keppel,
“Third Assistant Secretary, War Department,
"Washington, D.C.
"Dear Mr. Keppel:
"Replying to your favors of May 23rd and of June 1st, I beg to say that in harmony with your suggestion the Masonic fraternity cheerfully will await Mr. Fosdick's return from Europe to learn from him how it can serve overseas most efficiently..
“The determination by the Department of the scope of Masonic service overseas, of course, will take into account the effect its decision will have upon the two million active Free Masons in the United States.
“The loyalty of the oldest, richest and numerically the strongest brotherhood is unequivocal. Masonry has no quarrel with any organization zealous to serve cause and colmtry, but it did not understand its own exclusion from such service.
“Its enthusiasm was spontaneous when news spread over the United States of the War Department's Commission on Training Camp Activities' approval of Masons as such, in the recreation centers overseas, contributing to the cheer and comfort of the men with the colors, to whose numbers the Masonic fraternity already is contributing fully one hundred thousand of its members.
"On the strength of this approval, New York called a conference of Grand Masters of the United States, to invite their co-operation in this service; the
