The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-05-13
THE CHURCH CONVENTIONS.
The Methodist Bishops Object to Estab-
fishing EpiscOpates Abroad,
And Ram Chandra Bose Eloquently Supports
the BOard-Ritualism Causes Excite
ment in the A. NJ. e. Conference.
TIE 1IETHoDISTS.
The Bishops Oppose Establishment of Epis-
cOpa1 Residences Abroad.

The Bishops Oppose Establishment of Epis-
cOpaI Residences Abroad.
PHILADELPHIA, May 12-In the Methodist
conference Bishop Harris announced that the
bishops met on Saturday, in Bishop Simpsons
room, to consider questions presented by the
conference, and agreed on the following: 'In
view of the action of two of our standing com
mittees, urging the establishment of two episco-
pal residences abroad and of the discussion by
the General Conference, we are greatly embar-
rassed in expressing opinion relative to the
question, but yet feel it best to express our de-
liberate and unanimous judgment that it is not
wise to fix an episcopal residence at this time in
Europe, India, Africa, or any of those countries,
and, if so decided this would not affect our opin
ion, hitherto expressed as to the number of
bishops to be elected by the conference"
Rev. S. S. Nellis representing the Methodist
body in Canada, and president of Victoria Uni
versity, was introduced
Rev. Bennett Mitchell, of Northwest Iowa,
offered a resolution that committee of twelve,
one fro m each general conference district, be APP
pointed to organize a correctional society to
raise funds for WORKOUT preachers, widows and
orphans Referred to the committee on tenn
poral economy, with instructions to report early.
A resolution was adopted that color be no bar
to right or privilege to any Office in the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church
The committee on fraternal delegates reported
recommending Friday evening for reception of
delegates from the congregations of Baptist and
other evangelical denominations Adopted.
The order of the day was taken up. viz: The
report of the committee with regard to episcopal
residences in foreign countries
Rev. DR. Taylor was given leave TO withdraw
his amendment with regard to Africa as an epis-
copal residence.
Rev. SwindellS said it was question of expe-
diency. 1t had not been the policy Of the church
to engage in speculative legislation.
Rev. VIM. A. Spencer, of Rock River main
tanned that Methodists were not yet ready for a
residence in India.
Ram Chandra Bose. of North India Confer
ence, said: 81 stand before you that you may
have mercy ON the dark man, and not impose a
bishop ON us when we do not want one My po-
siton in my country is similar to that of a col
ored preacher in America. The argument rela-
tive to the vastness of the Indian terri
tory ought to be contrasted with the
meagerness of Methodism there. Barring
little children, there are eight thousand
in the Methodist Church, and 1000 of these do
not know the difference between q presiding
elder and bishop Our affairs are now being
administered by man profoundly versed in mis-
Ram Chandra Bose continuing said the pres
emf supervision was efficient, and the proposed
supervision was sure to prove inefficient What
poor staff in the name of sentimentalism, was
called on IN the shallow argument which Is
brought forward that the unlfcation of Method
ism in India can only be secured by bishop
having residence there think that bishop
would be sure to oppose the native elements. 1t
has been stated that represent the party of dis
satisfaction. That is true, if the word progress
DO substituted for dissatisfaction We do not
want resident bishop. The present arrange
ment is good enough for
Rev. DR. Fowler, missionary secretary, said
the embarrassment of the work would be great
from the presence of bishop on the field The
great work of the missionary society had been
accomplished by helping pastors raise money,
If a bishop stays in the field he will be practc
ally useless,
After long debate Rev. DR.. Kynett, of Up
per Iowa. said the question was one which in
wolves the episcopal function, and the change
proposed will mar the work at every point Adj
iOurDed