The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1883-05-18
CHURCHES AND CLERGYMEN.
Specializing Preachers.

CHURCHES AND CLERGYMEN.
Specializing Preachers.
Considering the vigorous manner in which
the minister's OF this city have spoken out
against speculation recently, it is rather sur
prisipg that any Of their number should be on
gagged in what they term gambling. isn't it?"
said well known man about town to Pitts
burg Leader reporter. In reply, the writer
said it would seom rather inconsistent, and at
tho same time remarked that he did not believe
ANY, my PittsburE preschors were guilty Of any
pont-as stock gambling.
"Well, you come with me" said the first
speaker, land unless your sight is bad, you can
SEQ for yourself that what have said is true"
The invitation was accepted, and the re-
porter was taken to place not far from tho
office Of well kno wn- broker. 1t was near tho
time OF the morning opening of the stock ex
changes in Eastern and Western cities. Very
soon tall, c!"r al looking gentleman was OBJ
served walking br,skly il the direction of the
brokers' Office. Tne reportar recognized him
as gentleman OF considerable wealth, who
breaches for love Of the work, aud who has also
written several pamphlets on religious subjects
that have been gratuitously distributed With
out seeming to care whether he was watched
or not, tho reverend gentleman walked into the
brokers' Office. The reporter and his compan-
ioA 1oltoWou lcW luolleuts later, auQ I'LL doubt
as to the object OF the clergyman's business
was dspelied by the anxious manner and ap-
parent ease with which he translated the cipher
quotations of the first call, as they were re-
corded by "ticksr' in the corner. Altar fow
minutes . quotation came that was evidently
pleasant, and. leaving the "ticksr," the clerical
gentleman consulted for moment with the
broker, the latter ndited telegram which
was evidently an order to sell or buy certain
stocks, and the customer walked out The
prying visitors, after making an excuse for
their call, also left When in the street the
man-about-town said: "There, isn't it Just as
told you? That preacher is ono of the most
lnveterate stock spectators, or gamblers, ii
you choose, in the city. He is ono OF the first
persons to inspect the opening and closing quo
tatlons in the morning aud afternoon, and it is
a dull day, indeed. that he has not a transac-
is generally successful too, for havo been
watching him for some time, and he never
seems gloomy" Tho reporter was somewhat
dazed by what he had seen aud heard, but de-
termined to watch tbs religious Spectator
during the day. What had been said of him
pear at the morning close and at the opening
Of the second call, and after each visit tsle-
gram was sent East or West There seemed
to DO no attempt on his part to conceal the
nature of his business, and, as his voice has
never been heard in denuuciation of stock
operations It'll bus just to presume that no
differs honestly with his brethren of the cloth
who beiiovs business of this kind
to be immoral OH general principles.
As the result of tho days experience a
number of brokers were visited for the purpose
of ascertaining, it possible, whether any other
Pitsburg clergvmen speculate. AS was to have
been expected, the brokers regarded the ques-
tons asked as mDertnent, and refused to an
swer them. 1t was proved, however, that one
other minister-aD D., too--has penchant
for stock speculation, and not unfrequently
dabbles in grain and other commodities. He is
of the Methodist persuasion, and unlike the
party mentioned above, resorts to what he
doubtless considers au innocent subterfuge to
conceal his interest He is we'll known, and
does not do his business through one Office, but
ID frequent visitor at several He invariably
Gays when he wants to make an investment:
'tiood mornne, Mr.. Here is some money
which my friend has instructed mo to invest in
Pennsylvania stock Tor grain, or whatever secur-
ity or commodity may be named). You may
just as we'll record tho transaction in my name,
however, it will be less trouble, you know, v
and then the D. D. will skip out, and talk about
the degcncracy of the age or aid in dedicating
some church, or laying corner stone. He
watches the market very closely, but has made
number of unfortunate investments. The
brokers oil consider his devotion to the inter-
hint that they have any doubts concerning the
existence of those friends. How many more
spectators Of this class might bs found in the
city If still hunt we're made is matter Of con-
lecture, but If brokers could be induced to talk
some interesting secrets would doubtless be I'M
folded.
Evils of the NJ. e. Rotary System.
Observer: 1t is nothing very remarkable
that two ministers Of the Methodist church
should leave that connection to join the Epis-
copal. In a body so vast as the Methodist.
changes of base will frequently occur. But 1t
is sign when two respectable ministers, able
to command good positions, should leave q
church for the same reason, and that reason
the itinerant system, the rotary system which
has hitherto boon the rule of the Methodist de-
nomination. Various notifications have been
made in that system from time to time, aud it
is apparent that more will be made as the
church gathers strength, aud becomes less dis
tinctive in the habits Of its membership The
plans that worked grandly in the earlier stages
OF church life are found to be less adapted to
present conditions. It is, therefore, not
strange that now and then one Of the ministers
wishes TO change from being Methodist Epis-
copal to become Protestant Episcopal. This
change is made without any reflection
on the church or minister, and shows how
loosely denominational ties hold the minds Of
some good men.