Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1852-12-02
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kSVR he PHILADELPHIA AHpesieaH CoUr.
One Of the bOldest, bravest prelates
n this country is unquestionably the
Bishop Of New Jerpey. We have said
verv littIe In the Courier. of this case,
but as it is one Of public interest, we will
put our readers in possession of the
leading facts, briefly, and finally as
We do net desire to revert to the subject
again in its present aspect.
Briefly then, the recent House of BIZ
shops, as.onr readers know, decid I'd by
q minority of one, that no trial should
be had. on the understanding that the
Diocese of New Jersey should examine
into the matters; especially those per-
tanning to certain new charges. which the
three presenting Bishops bad intro
duccd. These charges referred to the
Bishops occasionally stimulating some
of his business friends with generous
wine when he wanted Reinforcement
or a rev endorsement, on notes. In
this, we suppose, the idea was. that
mau in an obIiviOns state, would do more
than he would when sober. 1t men
will allow themselves to be used in this
way, We do not know that they have
any right to complain. The Bishop,
Judging by the action Of the former
convention, might safely have gone to
trial on this count. Il is certainly not
so serious, Us the charges Of obtaining
money under pretenses, from the iguo-
raDt and simple minded. Nor 60 bad,
neither, as the reckless extravaganza
with which some two or three hundred
thousand dollars was squandered. nor
the character Of the assignment which
sacrificed property at rates that would
Astonish an ordinary man Of business ;
nor the omission of an item Of eleven
hundred dollars for wines and liquors. in
the schedule which was sworn to by the
Bishop as containing a true List Of all
his debts. The trial has been opposed
and put off with a degree Of self, Willed
determination that prevents vs. from get
ting at the real facts Of this unfortunate
ease. We, therefore. will venture no In
dividual opinion either as to the guilt Or
innocence Of the accused. We may,
however. regret, as deeply IS the sober
minded. thinking portion Of the COM
munity unquestionably do. that any OBJ
structon should have been put in the
way Of snch trial as would place the
Bishop Of New Jersey fully right before
the world. ...., 5..,..... ..t
But the whole matter BY majority
Of ons-the three presenting Bishops
not voting referred back to the
New Jersey Convention. That Con.
vention has been in session, and it is OF
this that we are now 10 speak. This
Convention consists, Of less than one
half Of the proper number that is,
less than 40 ChaSches out Of "a in the
Diocese, and this minority Convention of
the Bishops Diocese has been made up,
fos the most part. Of members either Dis
reeily or indirecily interesGed some as
endorsers, as guarantees, or holding ap.
Pointments under the Bishop, and hav-
ing their salaries and livings through
him.
On meeting recently, in the first place,
motion was made to 60 into committee
Of the whole. so that the Bishop might
be relieved from the painful necessity of
presiding during a discussion personal
to himself.
The bold Bishop refused to put tie
motion, and presided throughout The
whole session. This was the commence
ment Of a most remarkable series of as
sumptions Of despotic power.
After this. @. Parker. Esq, Of Trims
~ Church, Newark, offered resolution
shat Whereas, the fair fame of the |
Bishop has been impeached. nothing can
remove the impeachment. but a canoni-
cal trial." The Bishop also. refused to
put the question. He said he "would
not stultify himself and his CO nmittee by
putting it," And. says spectator.
" such an avalanche Of Reputation. self
adulatlon and self,exculpation, as was
poured out upon the devoted head Of
she unhappy mover Of the resolutions,
never has fallen TO- cur lot 10 hear."
The Hon. Mr.. Halsiead, Of Trenton,
ettered q resolution. thai the commit.
tee have power to examine any addition.
81 chsrges that may be brought before
shem." This. also, tho Bishop refused
10 pwt
lnthe course OF the debate, The Hon.
James Parker, Of Perth Amboy, the
eldest member Of the Convention. a Gen.
sleman vsnerable 10 years. and fall Of
Aoporss at the conclusion Of q speech um.
on the resolations, alluded to the con;
duct Of the Bishop in refusing to nut
questions properly offered. This was
not TO- be broolsd. even from one whose
head was whitehead By the irosts Of sew :
snty sig winters. Even such an one was
vehamently told, that noth;ag protscssd
asns out his grey hairs! The spir Il Of
10 rose IN that aged breast. He asked
no profession ON that SCORE. He could