Baltimore daily commercial. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1865-1867, 1865-10-19
General Episcopal Convention,

| PHILADELPHIA, Oct. lS.-ln the Episcopal General
| Convention to-day, on motion of Washington Hunt
the protest of Dr. Morton regarding the action of the
House yesterday in laying Mr.. Binncy's resolutions
on the table, was excluded from the minutes
The committee on the state of the Church reported
resolution, when DIR. Patterson called attention to
the fact that Bishop Wilmer is referred to in the re-
port bishop of this Church, which he is not until
| he signs the required foraS.
Bishop Winners name was then Withdrawn from
| the report, and the resolution as amended was
| adopted.
A report was presented establishing Freedmans'
Commission which adopted.
The order Of the day. the canon preventing Clergy
men from entering the military or naval service was
taken up
DIR. Goodwin submitted the following as a substi-
tutc for the canon reported by the committee:
No clergyman of this Church, whether Bishop
Priest or Deacon, shall voluntarily enter any mill
tGry or naval service except non-conibatant or
shall accept or hold any military or naval commits
sion except that of chaplain instructor"
debate ensued during which Rev. Mr.. Clements
OF Ohio. said he would vote against any legislation
upon this subject. There was no necessity for this
canon. Cowardy men will often be glad to array
themselves against the country fail to do their duty
and they point to the Church as shield We
may as well legiSlate that members may not be
pOstmasters. In regard to this particular subject
members should legisate for emergencies We are
not that another rebellion will not break out
God grant that ii may be far distant. But we cannot
be too of that when find body like this re-
fusing to thank God that rebellion has been crushed
Cries OF Order, order, from all parts OF the House.
DIR. Gardncrs substitute adopted by n vote of
- in the affirmative and 50 in the negative, on
standing count.
judge Otis submitted another am -ndfient as fol-
lows 1T is the rule of this Church that M duly adj
mitted candidate for holy orders shall voluntarily
bear arms in any military or naval service Lost
II yeas. 50 nays
Dr.. Adams stated that he about to bring before
the House matter which had claimed his attention
for two years. and which had been the subject of con-
Versation among members. 1t well known that
both political parties have conventions at which can
didates are nominated. 1t has been suggested that
this word contention, which is used with reference to
meetings is liable to be mistaken and eonfounded
with these political gatherings He would, therefore,
propose an amendment to the constitution by which
this body would hereafter be recognized as the Grand
Council of the Church.
message of the House of Bishops, No. Is,
received, with a resolution that thc Rev. Dr.
Tying be added to the Board of Missions and that
the report of the nominations of the Board of Mis-
sions be confirmed. The discussion of the military
canon resumed. Considerable discussion took
place to the exact position Of the question: several
members conending that they did not recognize the
vote by which the substitute adopted as conclu-
sivc. Finally Rev. Mr.. Duane moved a reconsider
alton of the vote by which the substitute was adopted
Judge Brattle of North Carolina, moved to lay
that motion the tabe-agreed to-yeas SO, nays 81
Judge Wilder submitted the following in reference
to this subject:
ifesoiced, That the whole subject of the proposed
canon and the substitute therefor be recommitted to
the committee on canons with instructions that in
place Of any in the pre- misses to report decla
ratory resolution, in substance as follows:
Resolced, That, the House of Bishops concurrng
that it is the of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the United States that it is incompatible
with their duty, position and sacred calling for the
clergy of this church to bear arms. Agreed to-yeas
So nays II.
DR.. Adams resumed the subject of amending the
constitution, and suggested that the amendment be
the Great National Synod and he moved to
refer it.
On motion of Judge Chambers it was resolved that
no member of the House should be permitted to
offer any subject for discussion or for the action
of the House after Thursday, 10Th inst
Mr.. McAllisters amendment to the canon in refer
ence to Foreign Missionary Bishops. was called up
lie referred to the growing character of the Western
territories and gave it his belief that within five
years large dioceses would be formed. We should
legiSlate TO meet such contingency, he said. Tho
amendment provides that these Bishops shall have
the right to take the first Diocese that is formed
within their field of labor
DIR. Hare opposed the amendment, and moved the
adoption of the canon as reported. Agreed to.
The Committee on CanonS reported a Canon pro-
vidng for provincial conventions in the several
States, with delegated powers.
The Convention then adjourned.