The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1888-04-26

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definite proposition for such union, bu
the matter will come up in some form
and healthy growth OF sentiment vii
be indicated. The Conference will alsC
complete arrangements for a gathering
in this country in 1891 of representative
OF all the Methodist churches in the
world, a similar body to the famoui
Ecumenical Conference which met il
1881 in London.
WILLING DARKIs's."
But the greatest interest will centre
in the elections. 1t is not quite true,
as some have said, that the Conference
will have in its gift a sufficient number
of offices to allow of one or more being
conferred upon each OF the $50 dele
gates; but it is true, that, If service on
Boards and Committees be counted, il
will have nearly enough to allow OF such
distribution. Il is also true, and some
think very unfortunately SO, that the
delegates are, as q general thing, quite
anxious to see themselves properly pro-
vided for. Charges OF wire-pulling and
log.rolling have been brought against
former Conferences which, were they
true, would entitle those bodies TO rank
in such matters with IN ordinary ward
caucus. But it is not certain that even
the devil is rs black rs he is sometimes
painted, and it is quite probable that
the same is true OF those ministers who
are accused OF having recourse to the
arts Of the politician. Certainly there
is an indignant protest against such
conduct from the rank and file OF the
Church, and an extended observation
seems to warrant the belief that the
Conference soon to assemble will be
reform body, at least in that particular.
No one anticipates, however, that there
will be any lack OF willing Barkis's, or
that that any who are invited to step
up higher will astonish the country by
declining.
The office of Methodist Bishop is
very desirable one. The term il for life,
the salary large, and the influence tre-
mendous. The Bishops make the ap-
pointments, and it is moderate to say
that each bishop in the NJ. Z. Church
controls on the average thousand
preachers and rs many churches. Since
the last general Conference three bishops
have died. BY these losses the Episco-
pal force OF the Church has been reduced
to twelve men, and some of these are
not robust any longer. 1t is inevitable,
therefore, that new timber will be need
ed for the Episcopal Board. Precisely
how many new Bishops shall be elected
the Conference itself will determine. A
reasonable prediction would place the
number OF new bishops at not more
than five, as more than that would in
volve radical departure from all recent
precedents.
SOME EX6ELLEST TIMBER.
Who will be promoted to this dignity
is one Of the things no fellow can yet
tell with absolute certainty, but he
would be poor observer of events who
couldn't venture few guesses. 1t is
not improbable William Taylor, now
Missionary Bishop TO Africa, will be
made full-Hedged Episcopate. He
thinks he is this now, and SO do some
other people, but il he is he was certain
ly made so by accident, for the last Cen
eral Conference never intended to make
him such person. Another upon
whom the lot is not unlikely to fall is
DR.. John II. Vincent, who four years
ago gave Bishop Fowler such long and
close tussle. DR.. James N. King, OF
New York, is another probability, as is
also DR.. D. A. Goodsell, OF the same city.
DR.. Fl. A. Buttz, OF Drew Seminary, is also
supposed to be in the line OF promotion.
For the two last named q preference has
been expressed by some Of the present
bishops, In the West DR.. Charles H.
PAYNE, OF Ohio Wesleyan University,
looms up as a decided probability, being
closely followed by Earl Cranston, OF
the Cincinnati Book Concern. In New
England the tug of war will be between
Drs. J. W. Hamilton and S. +. Upham,
each OF whom, in certain contingencies,
would stand an excellent chance. DR..
Daniel Dorchester will also make q
strong pull in this section. Many think
DR.. A. Leonard, of Ohio, is n possibility.
He would certainly be the first one
thought OF il the lines were to be drawn
tightly on the question of prohibition:
Dr.. T. B. Neeley, of Pennsylvania, will
be strongly urged by his section, ind will
bring to the contest the prestige OF
great abilities. As usual, Ohio leads
in the number Of candidates. Both DR..
Bayliss, of the Western, and DR.. Joyce
are talked OF, and each will have from
the start considerable strength. Be-
sides these many other names occur, al
together too many to mention, among
them that Of DR.. G. G. McCabe, the
splendid missionary secretary, whose
irresistible enthusiasm has put S400, 600
into the missionary treasury in the last
four years, and who is popularity sup
posed, and with good reason, to be
worthy Of anything in the gilt Of thu
Church. II the Conference should take
a notion OF that kind 1t could send the
Chaplain into u bishops chair with
scarcely any opposition, and this contin-
gency may arise. Many think DR.. Buck
lev would be made bishop were it not
for his superb adaptation to editorial
duties.
Nearly all the General Secretaries, the
Editors, the Book Agents and other Off
cials are likelyto be reelected. II, how
ever, any Of these should be called TO
higher positions or should wish to re-
tire into private life, there will be no
trouble in prevailing upon others to fill
their places, though Of this, and all
other matters relating to this important
Conference, we shall know more anon.
SITUATION AT BRADDOCKS
X. of L. Men Applying for rwork-No Fur
tfer Trouble Feared.
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