The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-05-10

receive due attention The new CUSTOM intro
duced at this session of referring all such docu-
ments as are not to be put on their immaculate
passage without reading or even recognition
from the desk chair, presents an advantage III
expediting business and quieting the needless
alarm of those who have supposed, on reading
the daily reports heretofore, that the church was
to be reYolutioniZed but it also prevents the
conference from knowing what propositions for
change are to be presented. 1t was supposed
that all these would be printed in the Daily Ad-
vocate, but so far only few have seen the light
and many will be buried in committee.
The reports of the various connecuonal
boards have been submitted to the conference:
Some Of these show a very gratifying state oil
affairs The capital stock of the two book con
Germs has been greatly increased, and there mas
been large advance in the benevolent colec
TONS especially for education and church extern
sion. The bishops in their address referred 10
the improved financial condition OF DeFauw
University as an occasion of special graduation
The duadrennium has also been signalized by
the oxtinguishment of many heavy church debts,
especially in the large cities.
There Is nothing definite in regard TO tho cleo
tons for offices inferior to that of the episco-
paey. If some occupying correctional seats are
promoted, vacancies will be created, but there is
q disposition to leave the most efficient men
Whefs they are, and so they are in sense
unfortunate in having done so we'll II Or. Hoyt
Is not returned to the editorship OF the western
Advocate, his successor will in some manner
most probably represent the Indiana idea. 1t is
too soon yet to give reliable forecast, but IL is
not unlikely that the present incumbent will be
retained. o.
On the important question of conference
boundaries no change in the lines of the lndi-
ana conferences has been proposed. Some re-
adjustments, if they could be made satisfactorily
10 all concerned, might result in good; but it is
not likely that any change can be effected with
out serious friction
DIR. Houghton, of Roberts Park Church, Indi-
annapolis. has been seen on the floor. DR.. Alabas
ter and other ministers from your State are ex-
epected TO look in on the assembly before adj
iournment. Arrangements have been made for
the return of all bona-6de visitors at one-fourth
the usual railroad rates, grand opportunity is
given to visit Philadelphia and see and hear the
chief men of Methodism.
Lay representation is popular idea on the
conference floor. Everywhere and always there
Is disposition to recognize the lay delegates on
every committee, especially such as involve COM
meroial transactions. These gentlemen. too.
seem to take great interest in the deliberations,
and are pleased with the recognition that calls
them TO work which they fully understand.
Propositions have already been made for the in
PRODUCTION of laymen in the executive work OF
the annual conferences.
Most of the Western delegates were invited to
preach In Philadelphia pulpits last Sunday.
Methodism in the city is live and prosperous.
There are about one hundred churches of the
denomination here, and the Philadelphia Confer
ence is one of the strongest and most desirable
in the entire connection