nities not only in the field of economics, but in religion and politics which Chicago offers.

Such a record of service naturally attracted commendation from those who recognize and follow leadership. The two letters that follow, though possessing humorous features, illustrate the adoration and even worship and devotedness of the common people to true leadership:

you may not remembir me I am the one who weight on you in Indianapolis Ind sir I think a man of your standing it will be a honor for me to have a presn frome you at my marrying so anything you send will be glad rece but I tell you what I wood like you send me that is a cut glass vace. I am

P. S. Just send anything you like I just wont a presen at my maring from the Biggest Baptis preacher in the union sure do send Just somtin if not the cut glass vace.

The next letter is interesting in the use and misuse of the term Bishop.

DETROIT, MICH., Dec. 2, 1914

Bishop E. J. Fisher D D L LD

Bishop Baptists of Chicago

Dear Bishop

It affords me profound pleasure to write to you. I will be in Chicago the 22 of Dec. You know Bishop you are my ideal and I highly esteem you above all the Baptists Bishops in Chicago. I desire to be in your charge during my stay in the West.

I remain yours in Christ

The idiosyncrasies of Pastor Fisher easily distin

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guished him from that numerous piece of monstrosity" called the public. This was true even of his noble physique, towering over six feet, at least discernible above the stature of ordinary men. He dressed extremely well. He was proud of his calling and of his position, and whenever he walked the streets his personality caused the casual pedestrian to look around to see what sort of individual he was. On Easter, especially, was it a pleasing sight to see Mr. Fisher with high silk hat, Prince Albert suit, clean linen as "spotless as a lily-white doe," walnut crutches with brazen trimmings glittering in the sunlight, en route to Olivet. To the discomfort, however, of his daughter or son accompanying him, he spoke to every passer-by, being unembarrassed when the courtesy was not returned.

In 1914 the struggle for control of national Baptist affairs was at its height. Dr. E. W. D. Isaac, Corresponding Secretary of the Baptist Young People's Union Board, wrote on October 17:

The church supply business is gone. The copyrights have passed from us. The little Negro dolls have left us. Now the denominational paper is gone. I hope you will get busy and exert yourself concerning these matters before everything that the denomination has is gone.

Much apprehension and fierce denominational strife resulted when the Publishing Board, led by Dr. R. H.

Boyd, took, so it is alleged, properties owned by the National Baptist Convention. Although there was not an organic split, yet in sentiment there were two factions established, one led by Dr. E. C. Morris and the Convention, and the other led by Dr. R. H. Boyd and the Publishing Board. Churches and Churches and pastors lined up

with one faction or the other.

In a letter to Doctor Fisher the first of December, Doctor Isaac prophetically states:

I have contended for ten long years that a law-suit is the inevitable. I think so yet, and the quicker we have it the better for all concerned.

At every denominational gathering the fight was on. A meeting was called at Nashville for December 29, of the commissioners from the National Baptist Convention joined by representative persons of the Southern Baptist Convention for the purpose of reconciling the rebellious Publishing Board. The Publishing Board attempted to flood the commission with outsiders, hoping to create confusion and disorder and to break up the meeting.

The chairman says:

Yours of the sixteenth instant is received. I am glad to know that you will be here on the twenty-ninth. We need somebody here who has the courage to bring things to pass... I will be glad to see you and to have a conference with you before the commission is called to order. It is now time for action; any further delay is dangerous, and the people whom we represent must suffer the consequence.