Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1888-05-25

this result was ODvlated, the nQal vote, which
makes it possible for Methodist ministers to
remain five years in one charge, and after
being absent five years to go back to the
same charge for another five year term-one
Of the very greatest innovations Methodism
has allowed in half a century-standing:
Laymen for So, against 65; ministers for,
20S against 66.
the pastoral term is four years, it is also
in the Methodist church of Canada. Thus
this church has seen each of these bodies, SO
TO speak, and has gone them one better,
whatever that may mean. It ia safe to an
tieipate too that not long hence further ex-
tension will be granted. Indeed, many see
in this action on the part of the present con-
ference a sure augury of the adoption by
Methodism, before long, of pastoral term
which will be practically without limit.
The election of bishops, which proceeded
concurrently with this mighty struggle to ex-
tend the pastoral limit, was itself such a
contest as the church never beheld before.
and was witnessed too by vast audience,
whose interest could scarcely have been ex-
celled by even that of Roman audience
looking down upon a life and death strug-
gle of gladiators. What made the contest so
long and severe was the new rule, which re-
quired a two-thirds majority to elect. II
was fully anticipated that an effort would be
made to reconsider that rule, and sure enough
delegate SO moved. But the motion was laid
on the table SO quickly, and by such tre-
mendous vote, that it almost made the dark
delegate look pale, and later on this opera
tion was repeated, though the proposal came
then from white man.
By a singular coincidence the chair was
occupied on the first day of this struggle by
two bishops, who four years ago were on the
anxious seat themselves. Bishop Fowler,
who presided at night, must have had vivid
recollections of his close race at the last con-
ference with DR.. Vincent, when the latter al
most tied him for the position to which both
now have been promoted. This perhaps ac-
counted for his apparent nervousness in the
chair, but he did noble thing on Tuesday
night when, in announcing the result of the
third ballot, he declared himself s'happy to
say that John H. Vincent and J. N. Fitzger-
aid had been elected bishops of the church" +"
The opening devotions of the day on which
the elections began, strange as it may seem
were tinged with humor. Sixteen years ago
Bishop Foster, then only plain minister,
made the opening prayer On election day,
and he prayed 80 fervently for the Lord to
give them God-nade instead of man-made
bishops that the conference concluded he
must be God-made bishop himself, and,
with seven other good men and true, elected
him. DR.. Olmstead, of the Wyoming con-
ference, led the devotions this time, and DR..
Hunter of Illinois, who few days before
had denounced combinations for the Episco-
pacy, was 30 anxious to pray over the cleo
tion that he got down on his knees when the
scripture lesson began and kept down till the
last amen was said. DR.. Olmstead prayed
not only fer those to be elected, but for
those who would be disappointed. He was
very anxious he said that these should not
lose all hope, for, as he told them in his
address to the throne of grace, "they might
still be saved, might do a little good in the
world, and might get to heaven even though
they were not elected to the Episcopacy."
That there were many who would have
to get along as best they could on conso1a-
tions of the description SO kindly thrown
out in this opening prayer was made evil
dent by the first ballot, for, while only five
bishops were asked for, no less than eigh-
ty were voted for. Twenty-eight received
three each, eleven from four to nine each,
and eight between ten and seventeen each,
while those who got thirty and over were
the following:
J. H. Vincent, a15; ]. N. Fitzgerald,
100; D. A Goedsell, 15s; J. P. Newman
J. NJ. King, 1913; E. Cranston, 1873; A. J. KY
nett, 119, Fl. A. Buttz, 115; ]. w. Hamil-
ton, Sc; T. c. Garter, 63; s. E. Upham, 80;
]. R. Day, 48; c. n. Sims, 47; c. G. Nc
Cabe. A; E. w. S. Feck, AZ; A Martin, 3s;
T. B. Nicely, 81; j. o. Peck, SO.
Two QunQFeU anu six D6lDR neCeS-
sary to a choice, no one was elected on this
ballot, nor did anyone get in on the next,
though the next did put the leaders consider
ably forward, by 80 much of course wedding
out those who had started weak. This bal
lot made it evident that the contest would
rest with Vincent, Fitzgerald, Newman,
Goodsell Joyce Cranston, Payne and Buttz
and the next ballot put in Vincent and Fitz-
gerald, the former getting 81 votes and the
latter 80, leaving the others little changed
as to their relative positions.
There was no election on the fourth ballot
but Dr. Joyce led and DIR. Buttz dropped
down so much as to be out of the race, the
fifth ballot putting DR.. Joyce in by vote of
326, the largest any bishep ever received,
since which four more ballots have been ta-
ken with no result; still another, making ten
in all occurring just before adjournment, the
result of which will not be known until to-
morrow.
The general verdict is that the church has
done grandly in the selections already made.
and that it is not likely to ge astray in what
may follow. DR.. Vincent has reputation
as big as the country. He is great organi-
yer and prince among speakers.
DIR. Fitzgerald went in largely on account
of his long and efficient service as recording
secretary of the Missionary society. His
of a strawberry shade, is now almost white,
though he is not old. His arching eyebrows
denote strength of purpose and he is regard
ed as a man well-ftted for the place. DIR.
Joyce has done all his work and won all his
fame as . pastor. He was nine years in
Greencastle, Ind, and has been eight years
in Cincinnati, where he is now pastor for the
second time of St. Paul's church. He has a
massive face, flowing auburn locks, a sturdy
frame, genuine Episcopal presence and
bearing, and will doubtless adorn the Office.
The contest as I write is between Drs.
Newman, Goodsell and Cranston, all grand
men and two of whom are sure to get in.
DR.. Newman's strength in the race is rsve-
lation. He has had bitter enemies, but is
blessed to offset these with hosts of warm
and enthusiastic friends. He has proven to
be the clark horse" so much talked of, and
whatever the result, the vote he has received
is certainly magnificent tribute to a man
princely in presence, mighty in intellect, and
as many think, admirably adapted both to
the duties and dignities of the Episcopal of
fee. Fl. T.