The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1868-05-20
Methodist General Conference:
CHICAGO, May Y, 1868


The General Conference of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church now in session
in this city, is noticeable for being the
representative of the largest religious
body in the United States, numbering
over a million of members, and also for
being the most numerously attended
session of the Conference. ever held,
there being some two hundred and fifty
delegates in attendance.
The principal interest thus far has
been manifested over the question Of
admission to membership OF delegates
from Southern Conferences, organized
since the last General Conference. That
Conference was held just before the
surrender of Lee, and when it was ex-
a day might bring forth. Pow
er was given the Bishops to or
ganize Conferences, &c. But,
as was inevitable, the provisions of the
authorizing act did not exactly fit the
subsequently, developed circumstance.
The Bishops, however, acted In their
discretion, and organized Conferences
in the Southern States, representing
over a hundred thousand members,
many of them colored. These elected
delegates to the General Conference;
and their admission to seats constituted
the point OF debate. Among those
delegates were two colored preachers.
NO Ou6 duLuLn9lbh HSf W
though 1t was surmised that such men
as DIR. Henry Slicer and Rev. Mr.. Lam
ahan, of Baltimore, did not feel very
cordial toward conference association
with the darkies. The ostensible
ground of objection was purely tech
nical, and it was admitted on all hands
that If the alleged technical disability
really existed, 1t could be removed by
the Conferences; and yet it took the best
part of two weeks to decide the ques-
ton. The delegates were finally adj
mitted by a very strong vote.
1t was little curious to find such
men as Drs. Curry and Power, who,
all their life long have been radicals
conservatism in opposing the admis-
sion. If the past record of their lives
could cause us to expect anything con-
corning them, 1t would seem to be that
strict construction of constitution and
laws must give place to right and jus
tice, and especially that the benefit OF
doubt should be given to them. Never
theless gentlemen IDere found plead
ing on the other side. Is itpossible
that their conduct is to be explained py
a congenital penohant for being In OPP
position and in the minority, In DE-
sCurry's case, it was privately explain
ed by venerable d. ID. as ga peculiar
pride, in subjecting the feelings TO the
The discussion brought number OF
able speeches. That of DIR. Curry, In
the opposition, as specimen OF argu,
mentation, was especially able and
hne. / suspect Secular pen might
unconsciousiy apply TO II the term
ttlawyer-lIke.D DR.. Powers, on the
same side, was able and elaborate, but
less logical and more declamatoEY. On
on the other side, DIR. Geo. Peck deltv-
cred an off-hand, sensible and telling
speech, less elaborate, but really more
effectiye, aud more in the vein of early
Methodismg = DIR. Haven. President OF
Michigan University, also made an
admirable speech-albeit he seemed
little yenturesome in his construction
or UNCONVENTIONAL law, for prom1nent
candidate for the Episcophcy. Il.
Altogether, the discussion seemed to
an outsider a new edition of the old