The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-06-02

properly condemn, and the unauthorized loan
OF Conference moneys to the Methodist Epis-
copal Church South, no matter how good and
pure the motives that prompted it, they think
was very bad precedent. The committee
had little or no difficulty in finding proof of
frauds In the bindery department. and album
dant evidence exists that these had been pratH
Used for series OF years, but the extent of
the losses cannot be computed nor even accu-
rately estimated.
When the Concern was very much smaller
and less widely known than it is, one agent.
with his clerical help managed the entire bust
ness, but as it enlarged an assistant agent
became necessary. For time the two got
along pleasantly; but when DR.. Porter took
that position, sixteen years ago, some little irri
tation was created between the agent and
himself by seeming trespass Of the one
upon the Others work. A division of duty
ana OF labor took place, by which the
agent attended solely to the finances
OF the Concern and the assistant to the
manu1acturlng interests, and thenceafter
neither trenched upon the province of the
other. This may account in q measure for the
agents lack OF knowledge of the existence of
frauds though many delegates and church
members are not content to admit that the
lagent is exempt from blame for thus binding
himself not to exercise the utmost extent Of
the authority invested in him by virtue of his
position, even though his action was inspired
by the kindliest feelings towards ministerial
brother. This fact coupled with an agree
ment said to have been made or understood be-
tween DR.. Carlton and his friends four years
|ago, that he would not continue in the Concern
after this time, led to the election of two new
men Gs agents for the Concern here. They are
both eminently fitted for the positions. In all
the deliberations of the General Conference
DR.. Reuben Nelson has shown excellent judy
ment and discretion, and has, by word or
motion, frequently got the members out of
snarl. His associate, Mr.. J. M. Phillips,
layman, brings to the New York house an ex-
|perience of twenty years obtained in connec-
ton with the Concern in Cincinnati. No bet
ter choice of men for this work could have been
made by the Conference.
But there is hardly possibility Of an agent
or employee of the Concern being able in fu-
ture, by any lack of experience, incapacity or
dishonesty, to cause loss to the Church in
this interest. 1t is made the duty of sub
Book Committee Of three to be chosen from
this city and vicinity to make monthly exami-
nations Of the books and accounts and general
business of the Concern. A section Of the
Book Committee, consisting Of nine men, in
GLIDING the subcommittee, are to make half
yearly Investigations, and then the full COM
mittee of eighteen are to verify the reports of
the others once year, when they make their
returns to the Annual Conferences. The agents
are given equal powers and privileges, and it
is made their duty to keep separate accounts,
not only with each department Of the business
of the Concern, but also with each periodical
and magazine published under their supervi-
sion. If, then with such system Of checks
and counter-checks, frauds and misma mage
ment can occur, it is hard to conceive what hui
man ingenuity can devise to prevent them.