Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1891-09-12
LIKES FAST HORSES
The Sporting Methodist Parson
of Michigan.
REV. MR.. ARNEY'S CASE UP AGAIN.

He Continues to Breed Race Horses and
Occasionally Attends Trotting Meet
ings. but Is a Worker in the Vineyard
and Has Good Record-Bishop New
man Thinks the Love of Good Horses a
Weakness of the Cloth.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich, Sept. 12-Rev.
j. w. Arney, of Saranac, was on the car
pet yesterday in the Michigan Methodist
conference for alleged backsliding from
the pledge he made at the last conference
TO repress his fondness for rapid horses
and speeding contests. He was tried lasl
year for presiding at horse race, but he
confessed his error, promised to reform,
and his sin was condoned, but his con-
duct since then has not been satisfactory
to the straight-laced brethren of the con-
ference. His name was the last on the list
Of candidates for promotion to full elders
orders yesterday morning.
Brother Eidred Wanted to Know.
The committee reported that he stood
high in his studies, and Presiding Elder
Moore moved that he be passed as salts
factory. Then the band began to plav.
Before the vote could be taken Rev. A. J.
Eldred, superannuated preacher, tenn
porary chaplain of the Iona house of corr
rectlon and a patriarch among the DIS
tors, demanded il the reports were
true of Brother Arney's continued fond
ness for horses, and his patronage of race
tracks. Elder Moore replied that he did
not believe they were.
Characteristic of the Cloth.
Bishop Newman, after some discussion
ha hrI.-h Ia ,lcar rod , o- -.
a matter of history that the old Method
list preachers were pretty fond of rapid
horses, and that there was nothing wrong
in 1t, but suggested that it would not be
out of place to call Arney in for examina-
ton. Brother Arney replied to the q ues-
tons put to him that he did not believe in
horse racing for money, but he saw moth
ing wrong in contest that determined
the horses speed. He owns one horse and
several promising colts, and he increases
his income by buying and selling horses,
which was a profitable industry for him
side issue.
Attended the Three Rivers Races.
He has not had horse in any race since
the last conference, but he did attend tie
races at Three Rivers, which were for
money.
"Do you feel at liberty to attend such
events!" was asked by one of the breth-
rem.
Il see nothing wrong in going to race
to see the good points of horse brought
out, and to see him make a record" was
the response.
suppose the brethren of the conference
should decide otherwise, would you think
30 stil!?'
Yes, under some circumstances"
Doesn't Interfere with His Work
at is said you think breeding and
speeding horses has become legitimate
business was asked.
Breeding horses is certainly legitimate,
and l know that the speed of horse de-
termines his value; a horse record can
be gained only on track and for money,
and so far as that goes think races legi-
innate"
The question was asked of Elder Moore
if Arney's proclivities for fast horses af-
fected his work His work will best
answer that question" was the response.
HE has had over 250 conversions the past
year, the membership of his church has
increased nearly 100 and his collections
are full and OVERLOOKING"
A Weakness of the Bishop, Even.
Rev. Mr. Arney's case was finally re-
ferred to special committee TO investi-
gate and report. Bishop Newman, by his
questions and answers, indicated some
thing of a fondness for good horses and a
sympathy for Arney himself The follow
Ing delegates to the general conference
were elected: James H. Potts, editor of
The Michigan Christian Advocate; Pre-
siding Elder Levi Master. Niles district;
DR.. w. l. Cogshall, Kalamazoo; Presiding
Elder George S. Hickey, Lansing district;
W. w. Callen, Jackson; Presiding Elder
d. w. Parsons, Big Rapids district, and
Presiding Elder y. l.. Bray, Coldwater
district.