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Show The Missionary Body is careful to state that they do not concern themselves with the legal aspect of the case- Yet surely this is the only aspect on which there can be any doubt of the Doctor's position. I cannot expound the law of the matter, but no doubt legal issues do arise in the case of the taking of life no matter under what circumstances. But, if the Missionary Body is not interested in the legal side, then the only other side is the MORAL side. Surely, on the MORAL side, Dr. Tucker is guiltless of offence. Consider. The situation was not one of his seeking. The circumstances were forced upon him through the wrongdoing and treachery of another. He was merely striving to do his duty at considerable personal risk. The tragic climax was accidental, and has entailed great grief and suffering to a worthy and upright man innocent of wrongdoing. IN THE SIGHT OF THE GOD whom the Missionaries serve, what Crime has Dr. Tucker committed? Where is their Justice and their Sympathy and their Lovingkindness to one of their own Comrades and Associates who is entitled to their support and their consolation in his distress? It is very easy for this group of Missionaries, sojourning at Peitaiho under delightful and easy conditions, to pass these Resolutions. But, we may enquire, what is their object in doing so? Certainly it is a cruel probe into an open wound as far as Dr. Tucker is concerned, and, certainly, since the Resolutions have been placed with the Chinese Press they will lead to a lot of lying and shameless propaganda on the part of Chinese agitators that will embarrass those handling the ease, and that will be disastrous to Dr. Tucker's record and reputation. The Missionary Body has long been suspected of toadying to the Chinese Press and to Chinese Public Opinion. Surely this is an outstanding example of hypocrisy. If such a tragic event as has overtaken Dr. Tucker was really necessary to bring this Missionary Body to a "sense of corporate responsibility" and to the formulation of principles designed "to guide a fellow-worker in such a crisis" surely such resolutions could be taken after Dr. Tucker's case had been disposed of, and could have been communicated to the members of their body privately and confidentally. It is an Act of Judas to rush into print, and especially Chinese print, whilst the case is still pending, to say nothing of the bitterness such published resolutions must bring to one who is already sorely stricken. Woe Unto Ye, Scribes and Pharisees! F. E. Moore. Tientsin, July 28th, 1931. Sir,-Amon£ those 27 benighted souls, so aptly dubbed "Iscariots" by Mr. Moore in your columns this morning are doubtless a dozen whom I have called friends in past years. Their treachery to Dr. Tucker, than whom not one has given more of himself in honest and faithful service to his host of friends, Chinese and foreign, can only be construed as a cheap play for publicity. Their hypocritical sanctity subjects them to the contempt of every right thinking man, woman, and child, whatever their nationality. Who are they to deplore the action of a MAN who throughout his life has devotedly and consistently done his duty as he saw it. More can hardly be required of any man. There may be those among them whose families he has served, whose children he has saved. What gratitude! Would to God that the American Missionary movement in China were blessed with more WORKERS such as Dr. Tucker-fewer hyper-pacifists as represented by the "Holier than thou twenty seven." It must be out of ignorance that they violate all ethics in prejudging a case being handled in a spirit of cooperation by the authorities, Chinese and American. It would seem that it would be time enough to exonerate themselves after these authorities have taken action in accordance with treaty precedents. Life is valuable, yes, but the accidental killing of a confessed felon does not justify the living crucifixion of a lifetime friend and associate. Friendship is a trust in China not to be lightly violated. "The twenty seven" gain their livelihood as teachers of the doctrines of the "Great Friend". Why teach his precepts if they cannot LIVE them. Instead of squaring themselves with Chinese at the expense of a friend these 27 missionaries have undoubtedly dealt a blow to Mission activities of all kinds in China beyond recall. The above must not be construed as being unsympathetic to the work missionaries are capable of carrying on. The number of missionaries who have abused their opportunities in recent years, however, places their particular activities in the category of "Big Business" rather than "Great Sacrifice" My name is available to any of the 27 who care to request it from your office. "A MISSIONARY'S SON". Tientsin, July 29th, 1931. Sir,-No decent-minded person can fail to applaud the practical Christianity displayed by your correspondent. Mr. Moore, in his protest against the scandalous manifesto, against Dr. Tucker, emanating from the notorious 27 'sojourning at Peitaiho'. I imagine, without knowing, that the U. S. Authorities might have something very serious to say on the question of a body of American Citizens commenting on, and th-reby prejudicing, a case which is subjudice and, though small consolation, it would be a pleasure to read that some such thing had happened. As surely as Judas deserted and betrayed his Master for 30 pieces of silver so have the 27 deserted and betrayed a welltried-and sorely tried-friend and brother. For 30 pieces of silver, no, but. if their souls could be bared, I venture to think that a parallel reason would be well and truly established. But!! Judas had the decency to go out and hang himself!!! Furthermore, if missionaries wish to follow out the letter (I make no reference to the spirit) of the Bible through thick and thin, as certain clauses in their manifesto applied for their own purposes would seem to indicate, why not be consistent and as a part of the teaching of general renunciation, give up their birthright and adopt the nationality of the particular country of their activities. What a peck of trouble Foreign Offices, Ministers and Consuls would be saved and how many a diplomatic situation could be differently handled. |
