Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1872-06-05
The General Conference.

On the goth OF May II was our good fortune TO
take flying trip to Brooklyn, n Y, to visit the
seat Of the General Conference, which has been
in session since the first day Of May. Our ride
was made pleasant by having for associates
number Of ministers, and by the beautiful scenery
along tho route from Montpelier, through Bel
lows Falls to New London On the cars. At 10
o'clock r. NJ we took the boat for New York,
hundred and twenty miles from New London,
and, after good nights rest and two hours or
more ride after daylight, we had the privilege of
reasing our eyes upon the beautiful scenery skirt
ing the Long Island Sound, and safely landed
finally at New York Having safe leader who
knew the route to Music Hall, where the Con-
ference holds its session, we had no trouble in
finding its whereabouts
Music HALL
is no more nor less than beautiful theatre, well
adapted for accommodating an audience Of at
least three thousand people. | suppose this
building was secured for holding the Conference
because of its central position in the city, and
from the fact that there no Methodist church
adapted to such a large gathering; for during
the session Of the Conference, on different oc-
casions, the hall was crowded to its utmost ca
pacity. Methodist churches in Brooklyn pay s5
600 for the use Of this hall during the day for the
time Conference lasts, and If they have it in the
evening. they have to pay SIS extra each evening.
the COMPOSITION OF TINS CONFERENCE
The Conference is made up Of two hundred and
ninety -one ministers and one hundred and thirty
laymcn, and among these are about twenty col
ored delegates. Among the laymen are ex-Goy-
ernors, ex.Members Of Congress, e1Generals,
ex- Colonies, distinguished lawyers, judges, mer-
chants and scholars. There s great amount Of
talent in the Conference. The Bishops preside
by virtue of their office, and the order is good
when we take into consideration the large num-
her Of persons who compose the Conference. But
few, comparatively, engage in debate, or, say
any thing Men who have been delegates a num-
Der of times to such a convocation generally lead
in debate, and In making motions. Seldom does
a newly elected delegate venture to speak on any
question. One Of the best delegates on the Con-
ference floor is DR.. Slicer, from Baltimore, who
has represented his Conference eight times in the
General Conference. lie was Chaplain In the
United States Senate during the administrations
Of Presidents Van Bnron, Polk and Pierce, and
is now seventy nc years old, as be informed Inc
and said be 10 me e" | am Democrat | do not
change my politics" His white locks cover an
active brain. his eye is keen, his logic and ar-
casm cutting. his self command perfect, his re-
sources a. a debater wonderful lie pays strict
attention to the business Of the Conference,
though be is often walking TO and fro on the Con-
ference floor. lie is now Presiding Elder Of the
Baltimore District. lie was loyal to the govern
ment during the rebellion. lie keeps up the old
custom Of the clergymen in wearing a white
handkerchief on his neck, though but few in the
General Conference initiate the fathers in this
respect.
THE CONSOLATION or THE BISHOPS
was an interesting occasion. The services were
conducted by Bishop James, the rest Of the Bish.
. ops assisting him in the work, with some Of the
delegates. Those who best know the newly
elected Bishops feel grati6ed with the choice the
Conference has made in is selection. The Con.
ference has decided that these Bishops must
; choose their homes in the following places to
wit Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, st. Louis
Atlanta St. Paul, Omaha or Council Bluffs, and
: San Francisco; and that hereafter collections
shall be taken up in all Of the churches for their
support instead Of taking the funds Of the Book
e Concern for this object.
Is BROOKLYN
is beautiful city, having now, they say, five
D hundred thousand inhabitants. 1t has many
, beautiful church edihces but there are but few
bells on them. The city is growing rapidly, and
is pushing its forces in different directions.
PROSPECT PARK
has an area Of Eve hundred or more acres at one
side Of the city, and they are making improve
ment continually. 1t is great treat for the peo-
pie Of the city to visit this park and walk on its
A smooth payements, or ride in their splendid vehi-
cles drawn by elegant horses and Brooklyn
aboonds with these noble animals.
Q GREENWOOD CEMETERY
+ has about the same dimensions as the Park, and
I is owned by corporate body. No one can be
e buried in it unless they purchase the privilege.
8 A place for one burial would cost twenty FIVE
d dollars. Three millions Of dollars have been eI-
: pended already to fit Up this city Of the dead
: composing hundred and sixty thousand inhabi-
tants. All this number have been buried here
+ since 1910. There are from fifteen to seventy
il buried here daily they brought from the city
Of New York and Jersey city and other cities be-
e sides Brooklyn. There are many beautiful monu-
ments in this cemetery.
# LIScoLN's STATUE
+ stands not far from Prospect Park, near beau
II tiful fountain. II Is fine statue more 30 than
+ the one saw Of him in New York he holds
b the Emancipation Proclamation in his hand
THE SABBATH.
Many people attend church in Brooklyn, and
= thousands do not, Thousands make holiday of
it hundred thousand probably visit Prospect
= Park and Greenwood Cemetery every pleasant
u sabbath and only on the Sabbath did see any
intoxicated, and this was confined to the lower
classes.
j. HENRY WARD BEEouER.
d % Sabbath forenoon we had the privilege Of
Il hearing this distinguished orator, and popular
divine; for certainly he is natural orator
i What is it that makes him no attractive as a
5 speaker? has been my inquiry for years. We be-
lieve it arises more from the fact Of his genuine
wit, naturalness, simplicity, and his illustrations
+ drawn from the common affairs Of life than all
other accomplishments lie often made his audi
! ence laugh but did not make it weep, as it is
, said he does sometimes. his house was crowded
. to its utmost capacity, with attentive hearers.
tie is not very fervent in prayer He only an
1 nounces where his hymn is, and choir of fifty
or more led by an organ, and joined by the whole
n congregation made excellent music. This church
is very plain edihce inside and out, with no bel
n Try; capable OF seating some twenty-five hundred
e people. Mr.. Beecher has great chance TO do
: much good, and doubtless does, but those who
know him best, think he needs to preach g Christ
and Him crucifed more than what he is accus-
toned to, to reach his highest point Of usefulness
as minister Of Christ.
BISHOP BOWMAN
preached an able sermon In the Music Hall 10
three thnnsand nennle nn Sabbath d Al ~. III