National Republican., 1876-02-22
PAsTORs' MEETING.
Fey. Dr.. Newman on Washington socist,

| Eey. Or. Newman on Washington Society.
| The weekly meeting of the pastors OF the Meth.
odist Episcopal churches Of this city was held in
the parlors Of the Foundry church yesterday at
the usual hour, Rev. E. d. Owen, Of Ryland
| chapel in the chair, and Rev. q. w. Hobbs, OF
| Grace church, secretary.
After the usual religious exercises and the
routine business of the meeting was over the dis
cussion OF tie presiding elder question was rs-
sumed, and Rev. L. ID. Owen delivered a speech
upon the subject, which elected In its close some
applause from his brethren. He opposed any
change in the present economy Of the church
upon the presiding elder question, and contended
for the full rights Of the episcupscy in the sp-
pointing power as the great instrument Of success
in Nethodtsm. At the close of his remarks the
whole subject was laid upon the table without
vote upon the merits Of the question. 1t is very
evident from the discussion of the question in
the preachers meeting, (if it is taken as ndcat-
ing the sentiments of the Baltimore coafereace,)
discipline upon this subject Will be largely op.
posed.
Communication from Rev. G. D. ChsuOwIth.
member OF this meeting, was presented By
Rev. Robt. W. Black, Of Hamline church, of
which the following is the substance:
DEAR BROTEER BLACK: Please make the fol-
loving statement at the preachers meeting this
morptng for me:
Last Wednesday saw my name in the paper
say, with emphasis, was not there, my wife was
not there. ana none Of my children were there. i
am opposed to balls. Very respectfully,
Il. d. CHRSowITH,
The Introduction OF this suoisc: ELECTED re-
marks from humber Of the pastors present.
Rev. DR.. Newman stated that this party a.
Nillard's hotel was card reception OF Mr. and
Mrs Cake, so expressed upon the cards of invita-
tion, ana only made ball by reporters of news
papers He and Mira Newman had attended the
reception at the invitation of Mrs. Cake, who
was member of his church, and If there was
dancing II was by the friends Of this excellent
Cakes parlors where she received the guests
But, in connection with this matter, Dr. New
man remarked that he was disgustet with what
is called society life in Washington. 81 have
given up going to these places Of fashionable re-
sort, because cannot go without meetingtwine.
drinking and dancing. I consider the present
moral condition Of Washington society as deReu-
Grating. You cannot 90 to any OF these gather.
ings without wine drinking and dancing and i
regret TO say that the round dance which / de-
enter my protest agains: the Generalization OF
Washington society, and from my pulpit and in
my prayers lii up my voice against it."
The discussion OF this question was continued
Rcv. l. W. Hedges and others. ali Of them con-
demnipg in the strongest language the effort
upon the part OF certain parties to cover their
sins by inviting clergymen to attend such places
as referred to.
Rev. X. W. Black said he felt himself at ITb.
erty TO denounce from his pulpit all efforts to
draw him into such society. He saidhe did not IN
tend toallow himself to be invited to place that
would compromise his character as a Methodist
preacher without his denunciation and rebuke.
nearly all the pastors of the Methodist churches
in the city, there was but one sentiment pro-
claimed, and that was strong condemnation of
the tendency OF immortality and corruption OF the
present system oil washington society, and q
determination upon their part to denounce it from
their pulpits.