The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-10-19
RELIGIOUS MATTERS.
State Sovereignty Versus Capitalization in
the Episcopal General Convention.

State Sovereignty Versus Capitalization in
the Episcopal General Convention.
CHICAGO, Oct 18-The House of Deputies of
the Protestant Episcopal Church resumed its
sitting this morning. The committee to whom
was referred the resolutions and memorials re-
lating to missionary work among the colored
people recommended the adoption of a resolu-
ton to the effect that, while the convention
recognized the obligation resting upon the whole
church to aid in the education of the colored
people, they should leave the control of the
work to the bishops of the respective dioceses.
A second resolution recommended the appoint
ment of joint commission Of fifteen to actively
superintend the work, in connection with the
board of missions. The report was placed on
the calendar.
A letter of thanks was read from the Bishop
of South Carolina for the $3.50 contributed by
the convention toward the restoration of the
churches in Charleston
The committee on the state Of the church re-
ported that the present canon was sufficient in
regard to lay readers, and deemed any further
legislation inexpedient The report was adopted
The committee On expenses reported that they
had found the accounts in good shape, and rec
commended the reelection of William W. Aston
as treasurer. The report was adopted.
The committee canonS reported that, in
their opinon, the existing as to the regis
tration Of births, marriages and deaths was suf-
ficient, and that further legislation was inexpe-
dent, Adopted.
The committee on charities reported that $685.
900 had been expended during the past three
years toward the relief of aged clergymen.
the report on the Judiciary system of the
church was read, which recommended that some
change was desirable in the matter Of the trial
49, A.
general convention took definite action, the re-
spective dioceses be permitted to adopt such reg
ulations as they might deem advisable.
Mr.. Patterson, of Pennsylvania, argued
strongly for the adoption of the report
Rev. Mr. Hoffman, of New York. argued in
favor of the minority report. declaring that the
exigency such as to call for the immediate
creation of an appellate court
In the debate, during the afternoon, on the ju-
dicial system of the church, the two great par
| ties in the convention stood arrayed, separate
and distinct. The doctrine of State sovereignty
was never more ally championed in ante belum
days than it was by many able advocates the
| floor of the house. Their arguments for the in.
herent rights of the diocese and it's original
power and jurisdiction were strong and earnest
| On the other hand, the advocates of centraliZa-
ton and federal jurisdiction were equally able
and earnest. They commended that the church
was the unit; that the general convention had
the supreme power, and that it had the author
ity, by implication at least, to establish an ap-
| pellate court.
The Rev. Foute. of California, was the first
| speaker. He thought it incomprehensible that
any one should believe the present system was
| sufficient He strongly favored the establishing
| of a court
| Mr.. w. HI. s. Burgwin of North Carolina, the
next sneaker, opposed the proposition. There
| would be such expense attached to the court, he
said, that it would be a practical denial Of
| justice.
Messrs Foute and Burgwin were followed by
1 great number of other speakers, pro and con,
the Rev. DR.. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, being
the last speaker for advocating court, and
Judge Shelley, of Virginia. pleading against it.
Judge Shelley will resume his address tomor-
I row