The Sun.
London, England, 1870-04-19 00:00:00

FREAKS OF A. WOULD-BE BISHOP.

The Rev. E. A. Verity is vicar of Habergham ; but, not
contented with a career of usefulness in that respectable
sphere, he desired to be a bishop when the vacancy for
the see of Manchester occurred. Mr. Verity endea-
voured to enlist the Lancashire trade unions
in his cause. He drew up a memorial, which
the power-loom weavers of that place were to
sign, and which was to be forwarded to Mr. Gladstone.
This document, the paternity of which is attributed to
the rev. gentleman himself, expressed the regret of the
power-loom weavers at the demise of the late prelate, and
their wish to point out to her Most Gracious Majesty the
kind of pastor necessary for the wants of the people and the
edification of the Church in this peculiar and populous
diocese. The document then proceeded :—" That your
memorialists, with this view, earnestly recommend as a
person fit and proper for perferment to the said episco-
pate, the Rev. Edward Arundel Verity, Doctor of
Divinity, and vicar of Habergham, of whose conversation
and learning we are fully assured ; and would earnestly
pray her Most Gracious Majesty kindly to accede to these
their wishes in his behalf, and in due course prefer the said
Edward Arudel Verity to the said episcopate, and as in
duty bound, they will ever pray, &e." Such was the
draught which Mr. Verity submitted to. the power-loom
weavers, but that fraternity was in no haste to forward
it. Mr. Verity also wrote a letter requesting the
secretary to call an executive meeting immediately, for
the purpose of signing his memoriaL No reply
tieing received, the rev. gentleman wrote again as follows ;

" Habergham Parsonage, Burnley, Jan 12th, 1870.
"Mydear Birtwistle, Have you received a letter and copy
of memorial for the Executive fo sign with a view of help-
ing me to the episcopate of Manchester? If so, has it been
copied, signed, and sent off ? It is important that the
weavers should join with the other trades in backing up
their old advocate. Never heed the announcements of the
Examiner and Times. It has given five or six names to the
public already, and each a different one. Mr. Wm. Dron-
field is in London, and will call and see Mr. G. and explain
the wishes of the Lancashire trades. Now that a weaver
has a vote as good as a " duke," the public offices of
Church and State will have to be filled by those who
are the friends of the people. It may sound rather
queer in the ears unaccustomed to the use of
such high names and titles to be told that the
suffrages of the people are to rule the country,
but it is the fact, notwithstanding. The Prime
Minister is the servant of the people, and
their patronage is his patronage. Mr. G. declares he is
the people's minister. Well, we are going to try him
whether he is the people's or the Pope's friend. If he is
the former, here is a splendid opportuoity of showing it,
by acceding to their wishes ; if he is the latter he will pro-
mote a stranger to the people—a higher Churchman and
of Romish views. Let me know, please, if you have sent
your memorial off.—With kind regards to the executive
and yourself, I remain, yours faithfully,_

`E. A. VERITY.

" Mr. Thos. Birtwistle."

The memorial was at length presented to the Premier,
and the following reply was sent to Mr. Birtwistle by the
right hon. gentleman's secretary :
Sir,—l am directed by Mr. Gladstone to acknowledge
thereceipt of a memorial from the Association of Lan-
cashire Power Loom Weavers, praying that the Rev. E.
A. Verity may be selected for the new Bishop of Man.
chester, and to inform you in reply that, as far as the
Crown is concerned the matter is decided by the selection
for that see of Mr. Fraser, who, it is behoved! possesses
cirient quiofficationa fob the office, ' • ---