National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-05-05
An EccIeslnstloal Caucus.

OF late years there has been great deal Of
clamor against what is termed caucus
rule in political matters. Among q certain
class of republicans it has come to be con-
to disregard caucus resolution and to vote
against caucus nominee. In the hue and
cry against the settlement of party questions
and party nominations by preliminary
vote the absolute necessity for such action,
if party organization is to be maintained, is
lost sight of Unless unanlmity is estab-
lished and enforced by some such process q
neutrality-suspicious. if it is composed of
large number of delegates-is sure to fall
into chaos, and in the struggle of contendng
factions it is impossible to ascertain the will
of the majority.
! The necessity for preliminary consultation
and agreement is beginning to force itself on
the consideration of ecclesiastical bodies. At
the next convention of the Episcopal diocese
of Maryland, which meets in Baltimore May
2S, bishop is to be chosen TO fill the place
made vacant by the death of the late Bishop
1 Pinkney. The office is a most important
one and the filling of it involves the har-
mony and welfare Of tho church. In the
Maryland diocese there are two PARTIES
high church and low church-and it is not
easy to find man for the episcopate who is
acceptable to both. 1t is feared that the
election may lead to a protracted contest,
which may further widen the breach and
more sharply define the line of demarcation
that already runs through the church.
To avoid this q number of clergymen--in-
Guiding ritualists, high churchmen, and low
churchmen-have united in circular pro-
posing preliminary meeting at st. Peters
church, Baltimore, on the evening of May 81
to settle the matter, if possible, before the
balloting begins. copy of this circular has
been sent to each member of the diocesan
convention, whether of the clergy or laity.
In the difficulty that besets the church these
eminent clergymen have betaken themselves
to tho political expedient of q caucus
They do not call their proposed meeting by
that namo, but their circular can mean
nothing else. They recognize the necessity
for deciding some matters in advance of the
meeting of the convention, and they have
the courage to propose the very plan by
which harmony of action is obtained in
politics.
As might be expected, the suggestions OF
the circular are not received with favor by
all the members Of the convention. No
caucus of an Episcopal convention has ever
before been held, and this one has the weight
of unbroken precedent and immemorial
usuage against it. One clergyman published
a reply to the circular, in which he main.
tains that nothing can be done by caucus
which could not be done as we'll by the con-
vention, and that if reasons are to be given
why this man or that man ought not to bc
elected bishop, it would be better that the
sions of the convention, where every one
speaks under solemn sense Of responsibility
to the body of which he is member.
The eleven eminent clergymen who have
proposed the caucus evidently know more
human nature than the gentleman whC
shows that their action is unprecedented
There are grave reasons of propriety which
make it necessary to put some restriction
upon those who are disposed to speak out il
meetin'" what had better not be said. TIL
caucus gives an opportunity of talking owe
things plainly, and there is no reason VIII.
ecclesiastical, as we'll political, convention:
should not resort to this mode of bringing
about harmony of action.