Brownlow's Knoxville Whig. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1866-1869, 1868-05-20
Letters from Chicago.

CHICAGO, ILL., May TIN 1903
! The General Conference is getting we'll organized
The COMMITTEES, standing and special, are appoint
ed On the day before yesterday the address Of the
Bishops was read 1t contains interesting and val
liable statistics Of the growth Of the Church. In
the South, beginning with the Hoston June 8, the
Bishops had organized the Mississippi, Tennessee,
South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, North Carolina,
Georgia, and Alabama Conferences. In those Con-
ference at the last sessions 373 travelling preachers
were appointed, and the membership was eoo7l.-
| Besides in these, in Kentucky, Arkansas and Mis-
souri, the work has been greatly enlarged, the in
in those States during the four years having
been III travAing preachers and 27,225 members
making total gain in the South Of $50 travelling
preachers and 1926 members.
In addition, 10 these, two colored Conferences
have been organized, with lOl ministers and o. 4s7
members, making grand total of increase in the
South alone Of SCI travelling ministers, and l44 s13
members This growth is most marvellous. Thers
is nothing equal to il in ancient or modern Church
history, 30 far as We have learned.
The question Of the admission of the delegates
from these newly organized Conferences is likely to
be one Of the most exciting of the session.
the session. Yesterday the committee reported in
part, recommending their admission TO seats and to
the privileges Of the body, except the right to vote
This was unsatisfactory TO the Conference generally,
who are anxious TO have the delegates admitted
without delay. A substitute was offered by Rev.
Mr.. Reddy, providing for recognition of the Con-
ferences and for admission of the delegates. Mr.
Reddy defended his substitute with marked ability,
and evidently TO the great satisfaction of the Con-
ference. He was followed to-day by Rev. Dr. Curry,
editor Of the Christian Advocate New York. against
the substitute and against the right of those dele
gates to seats. DR.. Currys argument was mastery
one from his premises but he evidently has the
wrong side Of the case, and he viii not probably
carry the Conference TO bis views. Tomorrow the
case will be resumed, and Rev Dr. George Peck and
Rev DR.. z. o. Haven expected to speak in favor
of admission. Not unlikely the debate may con-
tnue day or two, and the vote not be reached un-
Ill next week. In the meantime, the business of the
Conference so far delayed until the question is de-
terminod.
Chicago is very full. Some OF the preachers go
long distance for their entertainment. They can,
however ride in the street cars and except for the
time thus occupied they are we'll provided for, and
they make no complaint.
The pulpits of the city are generally supplied by
the delegates, and far can lesrn with marked
ability
Rev. Peter Cartwright, d. D., the old hero, is
here and still retains much of his former viVaoity
and eccentricty. He preached in Indiana street
Church on Sunday, characteristic sermon. He is
now eighty-four years of age, and he has been in
the effective ranks Of the travelling connection for
sixtyfour years. Rev. Peter Akers, D. d. is another
Of the veterans of the Conference rivalling Dr. Cart
wright in years, although he has not seen SO much
ministerial service. he is delegate from the same
Conference.
There are comparatively fewer old men in this
General Conference than is usual. Here and there
may be seen venerable patriarch; but mostly the
members are in the early prime of manhood, and
some of them quite young. One of them the dele
gate from Nevada is very small and of quite youth
ful appearance.
The weather here has been stormy, cold and
changeable. Much rain mas fallen, and in some
parts Of the country foods hurricanes and whirl-
winds have done great damage
Next week great Laymen's Convention is TO be
held here which, with the National Convention soon
to follow, viii make Chicago very animated. will
write again next week.
r.