New-York tribune., 1871-01-13
LOCAL MISCELLANY.
THE METHODIST BOOK CONCERN.

THE METHODIST BOOK CONCERN
THE CHARGES AGAINST DIR. LANAIIhN-oPENiS0
OF THE INyEsTIGATIoN-A SECRET SESSION.
The Book Committee of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church met yesterday morning In the mission
room OF the publishing house TO investigate In connec
ton with the Board Of Bishops, the charges brought
against the Rev Dr. Ianahan, Assistant Agent OF the
Methodist Book Concern. The proceedings rom the
outset were strictly private, every ono being e&cude
except the members of the Court -Four OF the seven
Bishops OF the Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishops
simpson, james, Scott and Ancs were in attendance the
others being detained by sickness The following mem
bers OF the Book Committee were also present! j" hi
Vernon James Pike l. s. Bingham, James ErSlh' " '"
Maltby j. +. Kennedy, Henry Siccr, &. W. "oodrun'
+. A. Bader Cyrus Brooks, J, Rothweler' ana H. Dan
mister
After permanent organization had been Effected by
the election OF the Rev DR.. Brooks, President and the
Rev l. g. Bingham. Secretary, an invitation was ef-
tended to the Board OF Bishops TO attend the sesson
communication read from the Rev. Dr. lahahah
asking permission to participate through Ills counse IN
the discussion regard TO throwing the sessions open 10
the public This privilege was afforded the Defendant
of.cr brief discussion Bishop James In behalf OF the
Roard OF Bishops presented written definition OF the
prerogatves authority during the progress OF te III
yestigation not claiming any right to Interfere Ill sne
organization and government of the Court or In tho
direction OF the trial. reervng for Ne'o
mower in the final adjudication The Board OF Bishops
also petitoned that seRographer should be empoyeu
in their behalf to take testimony. This request was
granted and special stenoeraphers were also aioweo
| the prosecution and the defense. 49,, -
The subect OF conducting the investigation WIN oPen
! doors was next considered The Rev DR.. Ianahan,
through his counsel the Rev. Mr.. Buckley and Judge
Reynolds, made strong appeal In favor OF giving pun
lcity TO the proceedings, not only aYOwnS hS "hnIs
ness to have reporters admitted, but claiming II as his
right that his reputation might be 'indcaed ueoie the
country During the debate which followed the acton
of tho Press in reporting the previous Investigations OF
the Committee was severely censured, and the puDca
ton In The Christian Advocate of an er pae report OF
the last session Of the Committee was u'parngy con-
demned The debate closed at O'Clock and reso
luton in of opening the doors without rcserVaoh
| to the public was lost by the following vote;
| ATrmatyo-yernon Pike Wooiruf ani bloer-t n =, p.,
Ab.lnt-Rawla, Moore vanceye
The Bishops took part in the discussion, advocating
omen sessions, without exception; but in accordance
with the constitution Of the Court they were not quaL
fed TO vote on this question. The Rev Dr. Pike pro-
posed that $50 tickets be Issued every Bishop ana mem
ber OF the Committee having five and the Rev II. f.
Pease the main prosecutor, and the Rev. Dr. Lanahan'
the defendant, being allowed 25 each Another menDer
nrcsented substitute requiring the official stenogapher.
~ furnish the leading Journals with daily abstracts OF
proceedings Pending the hour Of recess me naI os
position OF these motions was postponed until lhe al'c
The attendance in the halls and anteroom during the
membeTs S OF the Methodist Church The policy Of the
Committee In excluding the public from the proeeeihgs
OF the Court was generally condemned ana great usp
noinfment vas EXPRESSED when the decision was an
nouuccd There WAS a disposition among certain OF te
clergy to protest against the action ol lne No' III ~
respect . . a.. ,a..ior -. al
mng the public, with reserSatohs Who 10 tb 'or
finally laid on the table by the same vote as IN te Or-
Ing. A communication received from tne heF. Ut;
Ianahsn oalin0 permission 20 employ a ]. Vanderpcel
as counse in CONNECTION with the Rev Mr. Buckley and
Judge REYNOLDS The objection raised by one OF the
members that Mr. Vanderpocl was not member or the
resolntion was adopted excluding the employment or
counsel who are not members OF the Methodist Chutch
The Court djourned " meet this morning at O'CLOCK