New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-05-13
RELIGIOUS GATHERINGS.
THE METHODIST GENERAL CONFERENCE.

A RESIDENCE IN INDIA DIsApPRovED BY THB
BIsHOPs-THE DEBATE ON THE SUBJECT.
PHILADELPHIA, May 12.-ln the Methodist
General Conference to-day Bishop Harris read this memo
randum, which had been agreed upon by the Board OF
Bishops view Of the action OF two Of your Standing
Committees concerning the establishment OF two Epfsco
pal residences I'm India and Of the discussion OF the
question by the General Conference we are greauy em
barrassed In expressing our opinion relative 10 'no
question yet feel that it is best to express our DC
berate and unanimous judgment that us NOS wise !"
fix an Episcopal residence at this time In Europe India
Africa or any other those countries, and II should 20
so decided this would affect opinion hitherto ex
pressed az TO the number of bishops TO be elected by ibis
conference
resolution providing for committee oftweiVe, one
for each General Conference District, TO organize
society to raise fund wornout preachers and for the
widows and orphans preachers referred TO tho
COMMITTEES on Temporal Economy for an early report
resolutions offered by the Rev. Dr. Marshall W. Taylor
that color ia no bar to any Office IN the Methodist Church
was adopted When the time for the discussion OK
the subject OF resident Episc0pses. the Rev. DE- Iayor
withdrew his amendment TO add Africa to the list
The Rev. William swndells, OF the Philadelphia Con-
ference said question of eIpedency; 1t had nos
been the policy OF the Church 70 engage In speculative
legislation. The modification proposed contemplates
fundamental changes The proposed course before the
conference almost unanimous judgment OF the Com
mttee On Episcopacy and Missions The opinion appears
brief TO secure the best results
Ram Chandra Boe of the North India Conference, said:
stand before you that you may have mercy on dark
man and impose bishop on ns when we do not want
one. Ny position In my country Is similar TO that OF q
colored preacher in America. The kindness shown me
here may lead betrGy the little despsed community
have the honor to represent The argument reiapve 70
the yastness OF the Indian territory ought 10 DO con-
trasted with the meagreness or Meth0dlsm there BAIT
in9 the LITTLE children there 5000 In connection
with the Methodist Church. and 1000 do not know tho
Onr affairs are now administered by
man profoundly verssd in mission measures.
peryision is sure prove inefficient What poor stun IN
the Of sentmentalism are we called upon to swa
ton Metnodism in India Is only TO be secured by
bishop having residence there tn1K np, - see ne
stated that represent the party OF Inas
faction Cir we do not a resident bishops the pres
ent arrangement is good enough for Us"
The Rev Dr. Charles H. Fowler missionary secretary,
approached the subject only from the standpoint OF the
mission The embarrassments OF the work would
be great the presence of bishop the field Tbs
great work the missionary socetyis accomplished by
helping pastors TO raise the money If bishop says IN
the field he will be practically useless The Rev. Dr. j.
ST. Buckley said that the question Was one about which
there should not be an atom OK ieethg 10 dossh h
elect TO l certain residences the residences hyhs
been In advance, IL new and dangerous tbDg
The bishops will either stay there several years. or como
back after every year. which would be dangerous prece
dent. .
ence said that Aehosm to be Methodisn when 10
is stagnant. All agreed that at some -futus'
Episcopal residence in FOREIGN countries The question
did not believe the Methodist Church in India in
ruinOus tOttering condition Nevertheless there are
administrative difficulties, among them being the fact
that they confronted by state Church The Rev.
Dr. f. W. Parker Of the North India Conference, said
that districts in India far separated. If bishop
finds nothing do in such a field IL would be stran
IL dissats action exists 1t Is proof OF the need OF
bishop If the work developed, the Church must try 10
supply the need
RinaldO r. Briggs Jay delegate from Minnesota,
said; If Episcopal residence IA valuable
thing In one place. IL would be in another Tho
resolution unifes the Church." The Rev. Luke
c. Quea OF the Central NewYOrk Conference, ead thai
put bishop in India for two four years Is no III
traction of the ItineTancy General SUPPLEMENTARY.
The Rev. Dr i. +. Rawlns the Indiana Conference,
offered substitute that the bishops for the four
years directed give such attention the foreign
missionaries the eXigencIes to require. After
further debate the Conference adjourned wth0uu
action.