Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-05-15
An Election Combine.
Startling Charges Made in the
 Methodist Conference.
DELEGATES EXCHANGING VOTES
Dr. HuDter Says That There Has Been Too Much Electioneering in Connection with the Coming Election of Bishops. The Charges Denied.

with the Coming Election of Bishops.
 The Charges Denied.
 NEW YORK, May 15.-The iveliest session yet held by the Methodist general conference was that of yesterday. It was the beginning of the third week, and all felt fresh and so interested that over forty members took part in the debate. Bishop Merritt presided over the services, and did his parliamentary best to keep the gentlemen in order. The question of 'electioneering for bishops" proved, how ever, too much for the pose and repose of these gentlemen, and each had his say before he allowed himself to be seated.
 The session was opened by Dr. Hunter, of Central Illinois, who obtained suspension of the rules and offered resolution asking that the committee on episcopacy be requested to state whether, in their judgment, the election of bishops might take place on Thursday. He then threw the bomb of accusation by stating that what is known in Washington as 8 'dicker" was going on in their midst; that men had been saying to each other the his toric words: 'sYou vote for me and I'll vote for you" In other words, that certain dele gates were attempting to make sure of cleo tion by agreeing that they, in their turn, would support representative man from each section of the country This method Dr. Hunter finally decided to call "com- bine," combine that was contrary to the customs of Methodism and, according to his own words, one which must be ''sat upon."
 A stanch defendant of the electioneering innocence of the ministry was found in Dr. Neely, of Philadelphia, who immediately sprung to bis feet with an amendment refer ring the matter to the committee on episco- pacy. 'tI am personally not aware of any such efforts to obtain votes as these of which our brother speaks, and I cannot bring n.y. self to believe that any of the delegates could so far forget themselves as to solicit votes"
 Dr. Buckley had little to say upon the question of the alleged deal, but spoke mainly of the gravity and importance of bishops position and of the dignity and sincerity which man should bring to it
 Dr. Cue had heard the dreadful reports, but could not believe in their truth. Dr. Leonard, of Cincinnati. went several steps further in denunciation and won loud ap- plause by denouncing the charges made as ''scandalous"
 Tue opinions of these gentlemen were quickly overpowered by the testimony of Dr. Smart, who declared that he spoke whereof he knew, inasmuch as he had himself been approached" by gentlemen for whom he had the highest respect, who told him plainly that they were sure that their candidate was the best possible man in the house, and if he Or. Smar1 would vote for their man his owr candidate should have their heartiest support Dr. Smart was very sure that the gentlemen were possessed of the very best motives and were without any intention of doing any thing not right.
 Dr. Hunter at this point obtained a space of privileged time" to say that he had been charged by Dr. Leonard with islander, and that he repelled that gentleman's statements as strongly as that gentleman had attacked his. Dr. Leonard then apologized for any msappication that the allegator aforesaid might have made of his general allegations.
 Dr. D. B. Wheeler announced that he could say things which the conference would not like to hear, yet he would refrain, and after ex-Lieutenant Governor Cumback, of Indi ana, had made a series of motions, whict were all lost, the meeting was adjourned. Il adjourned, it may be said, only as far as the sidewalks and hotels, for all the afternoon groups of white cravated gentlemen condole6 with each other in the most public fashion or the unpleasant way in which four of thei, working hours had been allowed to go te waste.