The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-09-28
Serious Trouble in the Illinois EpiscO-
.- pal Diocese.

We learn from the Chicago Journal that
the controversy between the Episcopalians
of Illinois and their Bishop, the Rt. Rev.
Henry Whitehouse, D. D., has at last cul-
minated in an open quarrel. The Conven-
tion of the Diocese, which had been in ses-
sion at Quincy for three days, broke up on
Friday in utter confusion. There had long
been two questions of Importance between
the Bishop and his people. He chose tolive
in New York, while they naturally wished
to have him near at hand, and be had final
ly agreed to remove to Illinois. There was
also much ill feeling ia the minds of many,
respecting lot in Caicago, gfven to the
Diocese by E. Beers, ESQ.,, for the purpose
of building cathedral and mansion for the
Bishop. This lot, against the wishes of
the Diocese, the Bishop sold for Sc 900, re-
tanning the money, insisting that be had
right to keep it in trust, and appropriate it
when and where he should choose.
This matter came up in the Convention
on Friday, when an effort was made to vote
the $4,000 out of the Bishops hands, to be
returned to Mr.. Beers, the donor of the lot.
A " compromise resolution in reference to
the Cathedral fund, having been offered,
which took the subject out of the hands of
the Convention, because the Bishop had
declared it trust fund, several gentlemen
strenuously opposed the compromise"
one of whom, the Rev. Mr.. Cowell, of
Lockport, was ruled out of order by the
Bishop, and peremptorily told to take his
seat. Pending the vote, much i'll feeling
was aroused by the Bishop deciding to ad.
NIT Mr.. Gilbert, young deacon, to seat
and vote, many members regarding him as
ineligible.
Mr.. Gilberts ballot caused Mr.. Asburys
resolution, as substitute for the appoint
ment of committee on the Sc 600, to be
carried by one majority. Several gontle-
meI then offered various resolutions respect.
ing the ouilding of cathedral, all of which
were decided by the Bishop to be out of Or
der. So indignant, at the last, did many of
the members become, that protest, quite
numerousiy signed, was offered by Mr.. Parks
against the Bishops decisions. This, too,
was ruled out of order. Great confusion
ensued, when the Rev. MIR. Hodges, of the
Chicago Church Of the Holy Communion,
demanded the right to speak. The Bishop
insisted that he should not. Many members
here protested against the Bishops setting
men down in that Woy. The confusion here
became very great. Rev. Mr.. Pratt moved
that Mr.. Hodges be allowed to speak. The
motion was seconded by Rev. DR.. Clarkson;
and after great attempts by the Bishop to
silence him, the Convention, by vote of
% to IL OF the clelg allowed him to speak /,
and be took the floor amid profound silence,
and spoke out with loud and eloquent voice
that thrilled every one present, somewhat as
ga" am unwilling, Right Reverend Sir,
to go back to my home in Chicago without
expressing my solemn protest, or without
utteripg the convictions OF my heart and
conscience, with regard to the $4,000 you
have taken from Mr.. Beers. And here,;as
minister of Christ's Church, as christian
man, and as member of this house, I do
proclaim that whole matter, from beginning
to end, to be dishonest transaaion.' 81 sa9
The whole house were moved by the force
and heartiness with which be, uttered these
words, and as soon as be, left bis seat, the
Bishop rose to deliver the parting address
to the Convention, when d large number,
apparently oneahalf Of the house, left their
seats, turned their backs upon, the Bishop
as, be was speaking, and left the Church.
The remaining portion of the Convention,
after prayer and singing, then adjourned. :,