New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-02-24
TIE METHODIST CONTENTION.


CATIoN-THE TEMPERANCE QUESTION.
SYRACUSE, Feb. %. The attendance ln-
creased at the Methodist State Convention to-day 10
about 1000 At the morning session Committees on
Business and Finance appointed The Rev. Dr. feck
OF Albany from the Committee on the subject OF "our
Position and Duties Christian Citizens submitted an
nportant paper which excited deep interest Under the
heading OF our Position" the report holds as follows
First We propose TO speak aud act not as churchmon,
but as free American citizens. , 49,, -.
second We ask no peculiar privileges lor our own
church. we will cOncede none 10 any other. "a,
Third We demand equality Of rights for all loyal eiti
Fourth We do not question the right OF sectarian edu
cation by those who wiugto meet the expenses ana
r6 We insist upon equal privileges Of education for
all future American citizens III common SCHOOLS as "a
SiJh A refusal 70 enjoy these common school prvi'
lege- furnishes ground OF exemption r0m equal taAh
ton or right to special appropriations -, a.,
United states Of America, az well rs OF England that
civil liberty and modern civilization are grounded IN tne
Christian religion We propose therefore, Ia maintain
onr rights AS citizens by unblushng defense aud fear
less propagation of Christianity.
Eighth: Not sectarian education, but secular learning
and moral culture based upon reverence Tor Coz ana ms
holy word are Indispensable TO good eit]enshiP' anu
hence. the proper charge OF the state ,,.o l.,
ginm: The Bible gwen TO man as man. There is,
therefore no legitimate power in any man. or cOmblna
tons OF TO deny its use for any length OF time 70
any human being. 1t is our national book ana we VIII
firmly aud untedy resist all attempts 10 reo'et oh
Ttnm: In the above.namcd principles the American
Eerenn: Drunkenness and supplying in any way 10,
toXcnng beverages crimes against the state ihey
should therefore, be suppressed and not sancohed Dy
law. 1850 49,. . - 49, ,,s,,o,, ain, ,ha ohsolu,e
prohbtion OF the sale OF intoxicating liquor To be used
as We propose therefore, TO e9ntrloue OUT
entire influence 70 the eleyating OF public sentiment
and law 10 this grand result. In the meantime we
stand opposed the entire license system ana propose
legislation which shall hold all dealers aoe 70 proseeu
tIon and damages the injury inflicted by their acts
upon the persons estates OF the American people
.ort.. Na.hh hath ia
American freedom. Its protection by the Government 10
therefore high public trust ,,.., -
ton are destructive Of the rights OF the people Ihey
should therefore DO exposed punished and by
the people.
Under the heading Of " Our Duties" it holds
FIRST No man has n right 10 sink his citizenship In his
religion 10 surrender his manhood 10 any man OF
gent active and thorough In every department Oh gov
Ssrond The moral element ought to be vital and con.
trailing m politics and Christian are under special
obligation TO make energetic and persistent enor'
TSrd When as at this time, under the promptings OF
Romanism in the Of religion. measures are III pro-
gress which directly at war with the iunaaen.a
Srncples of our Government II Is the duty OF al true
citizens stand firmly and together IN aeese %
everything valuable in life liberty ana the pursuit Vi
fJmpth when party commands the Support Of bad
| priocipies bad measures, or bad men. all good men
TSh Christian citizens ought to rescue primary cleo
lions and the ballot from the control OF vicious uou
Sip6. The political consciences OF American citizens
sbould he formed and directed by the spirit Oh lIue
Christianity so that high OF public justice may
| control our elections
| Regarding organization IL holds
Wa do not propose to form Christian nor even .
Protestant political party but We take the position tnn
good men throughout the nation should De ao,ods"g
organized and prepared 10 act promptly ana unlteay III
nnnort ~ these principles and In opposition 10 every
,SnS hat endangers our free institutions as first the
Roman Catholic conspiracy against our pubic scnSos
cnnd tbe endowment and support by the state OF sec
saran third the legal sanction OF the quo.
"anc ourth the destruction OF tho Christian caspah
| ar,h nil forms OF political corruption. ,-...
Il Methodist State Committee 10 10 DO aIpoin.cu
charged with disseminating and rendering PracGGoai
hese principles This Committee Is To call ahother .n
yentoi one or two years hence All citizens acceI.S
and representing these principles are invited 70
ate I'm this work The petition In Circulation asns tno
Ieysature OF New York to repeal the law sppropras
20 the support Of secaan Schools Is ihaorsou
The report closes follows; - l.,
Whether we shall act with existing organizations or IN
directly must be determined by future developmenls
aud especially by manner which our principles nnu
honest endeavors arrest political corruptioh @o
treated. 80
This question Is referred TO State convention OF et
,ens agreeing In the herein set FORTH TO be held
under the auspices OF the aforementioned committee
and other coordinate committees
The report was received with hearty approval ana AFTER
remarks by the Rev Mr. Goodwin Butler and Peek ana
seyerai Others It was adopted entire committee was
appointed " forward Of this report to the Senate