New-York tribune., 1869-06-22


this vote did not correspond with the
hopes cherished by the friends OF the move
ment. Of the ministers, 1908 voted against ana
only 1888 for it. of the laity, 1880 against
and only 2S,S84 for it. The vote OF the lalty
was, however, so small in comparison with the
total membership that it was naturally inferred
that the cause of the defeat of the measure
was to be found rather III want OF a rlght
understanding of and interest in the question,
than in direct opposition to the principle.
The champions of lay delegation redoubled,
therefore, their zeal. Through the press, espe-
cially through the special organ of the move
ment The Methodist of this city, through
tracts, through committees organized III
various parts of the country, and
through a number of mass meetings,
unceasing efforts were made to awaken the ln-
terests of the laity in the subject, and to re-
fute the objections of the opponents. That
these efforts did not remain without effect, soon
became apparent, and, in particular, mani
tested itself in the resolutions Of number OF
annual Conferences in its favor. At the Cen
eral Conference of 1863, after protracted dis
cussion, the friends and opponents agreed that
the question be again submitted to vote OF
the laity and of the ministry. With regard 20
the laity, it was provided that all the adult
members, female as well as male, should par
ticipate in the vote
When the time for taking the vote OF the
laity arrived, the friends Of the movement had
many reasons TO expect q favorable result.
All the independent papers of the Church
were Jealous supporters of the proposed
reform; and even among the official weelilles,
which are the property Of the Church, and
whose editors are elected every four years by
the General Conference, there were more
friends than opponents. Of the Bishops of the
Church. two-Bishops Simpson and KiDgley-
were ontspoken in the advocacy of the
measure, and all except two were known TO
be favorable to it. Soon after the beginning
of the vote, the friends of lay delegation were
agreeably surprised by dispatch from Bishop
Morris, the senior Bishop of the Church, to
layman in this city, saying: Count me In for
"delegation," ConspicuOusly printed In The
Methodist in the fac-simile of the Bishop, the
brief dispatch is said to have gained many con-
verts. The votes are now pouring in from all
parts of the country, and, as far as reported,
the result is highly favorable to the expecta-
tions of the friends Of lay delegation. Up to
Saturday there had been received 1850 votes
in favor and 400 against. AS the total mem
bership of the Church exceeds one million, the
votes received are only a small minority
of the total vote that will be cast. But
as they are from all parts of the country,
and as thus far every State reports majority,
they seem to represent the prevailing opinion.
Iowa, Northern Illinois, the cities of Philadel-
III. D,,Gr 4, I,,f oh oil
colored congregations which have been heard
FROM give very large majorities.. The vote Of
most of the colOred congregations is nearly
unanimous. 1t seems, therefore, to be certain
that the voice of the laity will emphatically
declare in favor of their right of representation,
and in this event it is regarded as certain that
the ministers will bow to the verdict of the peo-
pie, and that the General Conference of 1872
will engraft the new principle upon the consti-
tuition of the Church.