Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1882-05-20
Protestant Episcopal Council.


in, at Norfolk, the Committee on Widows
and Orphans Fund reported that no mate
rial increase had been made during the past
year. the bonds on hand amounting to $685.
653,7l, which produced an income of 81, 100,
out of which $l,76O had been distributed
among twelve benefciaries, and also direct
ed that the surplus be carefully invested.
The question of the appointment of a mis-
sionary for Southwestern Virginia was lost.
The Rev. Philip Slaughter was reappoint-
ed rs historiographer of the diocese
1t was resolved that the sum of 81 900 per
wear be endeavored to be raised in the Coun-
Gill; and the sum of $1,000 be appropriated
by the Council, to be used by the Bishop to
employ Rev. Frank Stringfellow us the evan
gelist ut large of the diocese of Virginia
The question ofthe division of the diocese
came up. Bishop Whittle arising, said that
he desired to make a statement on his own
individual responsibility without having
consulted any one, after having had night
forrefection. After accomplishing history
of the agitation i'll reference to the question,
he said that the general convention had been
applied to for an assistant bishop, and that
this request had been denied. In view of
this he had hoped that the question would
be allowed to rest To his utter surprise, it
had been introduced Yesterday. He had
not been treated as he should have been in
the matter, but he cared nothing for that.
As matter for self-defence, however, it now
became his duty to assert his rights. He
had repeatedly proclaimed in public and
private that if the body of the laity desired
division of the diocese, that, whatever
might be his own feelings, he would consent
That time had not come. He had seen moth
ing to indicate that the laity desired such
division. Having had time to reflect on the
subject, he thought that he had made mis-
take yesterday, and now changed his opin-
ion, and respectfully refused to entertain
any motion whatever having for its object
the curtailng of his rights as Bishop of the
diocese.
Hon. B. Johnson Barbour disclaimed any
intention of being discourteous to the Bishop
in anything that he had said or done
Ex-senator Withers also stated that no
discourtesy was intended on his part The
object in view was to obtain an expression
of the laity.
Bishop Whittle, disclaimed saying that an
intentional discourtesy was offered, but
thought that he might have received intima
ton that the subject would be brought up
When he was satisfied that the laity of the
diocese desired division, he would not
oppose it.
Ex-senator Withers desired to respectful
y inquire how the sentiments of the laity
could be obtained except by vote of the
council.
Mr. Mann Page, of Richmond, desired to
ask if there was any way by which the laitl
could approach the bishop. He admired the
Bishop for the bold manner in which he
had met the question.
Mr. Barton desiring vote be taken,
Bishop Whittle again arose, and said that
whether from good motives or bad motives
he didn't like to be baited and
bulled, and driven into a corner. HI
thought the time had come when he should
stop this agitation. He would take to heart
during the coming year all that has beer
said, but would make no pledges or promise:
and declined to entertain any motion on the
subject.
| The select committee to whom was refer
red that portion of the Bishops address OF
evangelical work in Southwest Virginia re
ported that it is inexpedient to withdraw
any evangelist from any field in which one
is now laboring.
Several committee reports We're presented
after which the council decided to hold it.
next session in Christ Church, Lexington.
Legislation on changing the Book Of Com
mon Prayer and other matters submitted BY
the standing committee was deferred unit
next year
The matter Of an assistant bishop was in
troduced by Maj. John Page, of Hanover
who moved that council proceed at O'Clock
to-day to elect an assistant bishop. He
thought the time had come for it. The d
ocese is large and an assistant is necessary
He did not wish to live to see the Diocese o
Virginia divided. Here point oforder was
raised, but Maj. Mann Page, of Prince George
desired the gentleman to go on, as by that
means the advocates of division could get al
the sense of the party which could be reached
in no other way OH account Of the ruling OF
the Bishop
The Bishop decided against the point OF
order, and Maj. Page of Hanover, proceed
ed. He gave at length his reasons for pre-
tering the election of an assistant bishop to
dividing the diocese. The church in West
Virginia had been cut of, and he though,
further disintergration could not beafforded
Besides there are too many bishops in the
country now. The division of the diocese
will be a deadly blow to the churh. Out
side of the cities on the south side of James
river he thought the church did not amount
to much for the surrenderat Apponatox had
changed the church as it changed nearly
everything else, and large portion of the
gentry had sought the cities, and many of
the clergy also who were smart. He believ-
ed that the election ofan assistant bishop will
obviate all difficulty and the church will
flourish. But divide the diocese and the
blow will be fatal. The matter was finally
laid nthe table,
Three colored clergymen, representing
churches and schools in Richmond, Peters
burg and Brunswick county, made interest
ing addresses before the council on the mis-
sionary work amongst the colored people
ofthe State and were aided by collections
This is a free country sure, but you can't
get DIR. Bulls Cough Syrup free of charge, it
costs you quarter every time.