24 APRIL 1926, Page 14

_ [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Your lady correspondent,

writing in the last number of the Speciator, seems anxious to impose upon the Rev. G. A. Studdert Kennedya large share of blame for the public apathy towards the work of the I.C.F., and she quotes rather an isolated extract h.om his address in the Central Hall, West- minster, on Armistice Night, 1921. As one who was present at that meeting, I have rather a different impression of Mr. Studdert Kennedy's utterance.

Speaking on the futility of war, he said that what we all shOuld have known was that there was no freedom to be won by the sword, no honour to be vindicated by it, and no peace to be got out of it: Inan appeal to those who'might haVe loft dear ones he asked forgiveness for their enemies, for they knew not what they did. They were mad, he said ; he himself was mad ; they were all mad out there. They were given decorations for what they did when they were mad. He appealed to all to concentrate their whole thoughts and minds on the frustration of force, and to turn in their need to the Prince of Peace.

I believe that this same principle is being applied to industry to-day--thanks to the Industrial Christian Fellowship. I your correspondent would be charitable enough to study Mr. Kennedy's work, with its big and successful appeal to the masses—particularly to the youth of the nation—I think slip' would perceive through the man a challengingmessage, and appreciate some far-reaching Christian work, successful be- cause of its undoubted honesty and truth, from which the world cannot escape.—I am, Sir, &c.,