Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-10-09
THE EPISCOPAL CONVENTION.
Procedure in Trials of Clergymen.

In the general Epriscopal convention in New
York, after TIE Stars report closed, yesterday
the committee on Judicial system in houses of
deputies formulated and presented a canon
covering the entire procedure in the trial of
clergymen. accompanying it with an explana-
ton that the canon is merely offered to show
the lines upon which such a canon might be
constructed The committee also presented
the following resolution:
Resolved (the house Of bishops concurring):
First, that the third clause of article six of the
constitution be SO altered that it read as fol-
lows: In every diocese the mode Of trying
presbyters and deacons may be instituted by
the convention Of the diocese until the general
convention shall otherwise provide
Second, that this proposed alteration be
made known to the dioceses and be laid before
the ensuing general convention for final ratii-
cation"
MINORITY REPORT.
There was minority report signed by James
G. Smith of western New York and Frank H.
Miller Of Georgia. They concur in the opinion
that change in the judicial system is desirable
70 the extent OF providing reviewing tribunal.
Ihey are not of the opinion that 1.-The proper
and only practical method of affecting such a
Change Is by the legislative act of this body"
or that an alteration OF article 6 OF the consti
tuition is necessary. They express a belief that
each diocese Is competent to provide for itself
q complete system OF judicature, including a
suitable court of revision, and that 1.-THE prac-
teal difficulties in the way of establishing
courts OF appeals by the general convention
are so serious that they cannot be overcome"
Mr.. Hill Burgwin, lay delegate from Pittsburg
and member OF the committee, spoke IN favor
OF the majority report
AN INDIGNANT DIVINE.
A minority report, submitted by z. D. Harri-
son Of Georgia, melted the indignation of DIR.
Nelson of Virginia I'VE are told" said he,
that our clergy need more defense. but should
they be put upon the plane of the thief or
crlmInalI Ii lawyer or naval officer who is
tried before his peers is acquitted on technical
grounds hs reputation is gone and clergyman
would not have more. If this resolution is
passed, instead OF charging his rights you will
cut them off, We do not need uniformity in
ecclesiastical any more than in civil affairs.
Upon the subject of divorce and hundred
other things We have differing views. Even If
We have this court it is simply impossible, while
there live Anglo-Saxons, to encroach upon LIB
erty OF thought by such judicial uniformity"
DIR. Gibson OF New York thought that the
resolution Of the committee was radical and
revolutionary
DIR. Hall of Massachusetts, took DR.. Nelson to
TASK about some Measurements about cele-
brated ecclesiastical trial in England, which he
was sure had proceeded from the reverend gen.
tleman's error.
DR.. Nelson inquired if the speaker denied
that the defendant III the Machoniclue case did
not perform certain actions.
THE CHAIR HERE INTERPosED
and granted DR.. Goodwin of Pennsylvania the
floor. The amendm snt offered by DIR. Goodwin
was to strike out the word until in the reso-
luton and insert the words except in so far
as" He declared that the law desirable if
expedient; that on points OF ritual and doctrine
there should be some common tribunal and not
ffty-three separate courts.
Others who spoke in favor of the resolution
were Judge Pierson of Albany, Rev. MIR. Parks
Of Connecticut and Mr.. Farbank of Florida.
The convention then adjourned.
CONDITION OF THE coLoRED PEOPLE IN THE
SOUTH.
The appointment of a joint committee to e1-
anime the condition Of the colored people in
the south is as follows Rev. Drs. Philip Brooks
of Massachusetts,, Bird of Florida, String fellow
Of Tennessee Vibbert of Chicago, Mcconnell of
louisiana, Winner OF Maryland, Stortsenburg
OF Indiana, Morgan Of New York and Wilder OF
Minnesota