The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1890-05-23
somk slenE.

Although the DEMOCRAT has ALREADY
given considerable on the Evangelica
church trouble, by the earnest request o
members Of the Bowman faction, 1t pre-
sents the following personal statement d
Bishop Bowman, In reference to his sus
pension
Whereas rumors have been industrious.
ly circulated on this coast, that the I'm.
dersigned, who has been one of the bish.
ops Of the Evangelical church for fifteen
years. had been suspended" from his
official functions, brief explanation
ought probably be given to the public in
Justification OF myself and those who
have acted with me.
The general conference Of our church.
which ~ composed Of delegates elected by
the different annual conferences, IL the
highest tribunal in the church. It's deci-
sions on all questions IL authoritative and
final, there being no higher court of an
peal. This body fully represents the
church, ita delegates being elected by
ballot in accordance 10 the numerical
strength Of the conference Represented.
The last session Of this body was held In
1887, In Buffalo, N Y. With the findings
Of the same, In certain case coming up
for adjudication, q number Of delegates
were dissatisfied, and instead Of accept.
ing Its decision and working peacefully
III harmony with the church, organized
an independent publishing company and
have since published paper of their
own, In opposition 10 the official publica-
ton OF the church. In this paper fierce
assaults have been made upon the gener-
al conference and especially upon the
officers elected by that body, but more
particularly against me.
This paper continued its asranlts upon
me and my character 40 persistcntly. and
IN such coarse and vulgar language, that
IL was believed 10 be necessary 10 make |
an inquiry into the correctness Of their |
assertions, In accordance with the direc-
tions Of the discipline Of our church. |
This court, after thorough examination,
gave me the following verdict:
Az result Of our investigation, made
agrecably with the foregoing facts, we
state
]: That We are fully convinced that
said rumors aud accusations, one and all,
irc unfounded and utterly unjust.
z. That there IL therefore no cause
whatever for any further investigation or
rial oi Bishop Bowman concerning such
HIhSIh Ut ACEuhALlDuh.
These proceedings in accordance with
he law Of our church, as well as the gen
rally accepted law, that person can be
.ried on the same charges but once, ended
Ill further proceedings until the next
general conference, 10 which / am
lmenable, and which meets in 1891.
However, the dissatisfied faction above
Notwithstanding these un-
doubted legal proceedings, constituted
mother court Of individuals in sympathy
with their ends and purposes, and cited
ne for trial upon the very same accusa-
lions from which had been fully exon
srated. | took no notice whatever Of
-heir proceedings. ! could not have done /
so even If personally inclined AS had no
right To set aside the findings Of a legal
court, whether favorable or
infayorable to me. but must abide by the /
verdict rendered, until reversed by a
higher court.
Since this sham trial has been held the
findings Of which have only discovered
by reports published in the public press.
not having received from the so-called /
trial conference any notice Of their action,
I large number OF annual conferences
have been held. all Of which denounced
the Illegal action Of these parties in strong
language ,as a gross slander upon me and
m outrage upon the church. Two Of the
having been suspended from
al their official functions, and one depos-
ID from Office and expelled from the
by the annual conferences Of
which they were members. Moreover,
these conferences, since in session, have
lnqualitiedly endorsed me in my position,
md requested me 10 proceed in my work,
md give no heed whatever to the so-call-
ID suspension. This have been doing,
and shall continue TO do.
II was our purpose to avoid all friction /
IN our local societies rs much as possible, /
of course, all property rights, |
until our general conference has decided |
the questions at issue. A large majority |
ot the annual conferences having already /
given expression 10 their sentiments il Is |
easy to iorsee what that decision will be. |
At any rate, my mind is quite calm and |
while, ,however.I very much |
regret the trouble the ''seceders' have i
given Themselves and US, and our people. /
Thomas B0wMAS.