The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-10-16
Incorporate Discussion Of thu
Subject Of Temperance
and Prohibition.
Whom Not Actually ClAwing Each Other
They Fixurativsly Pitch Into the
Church Of Rome.

| Methodist council debate over the f000r0-
ton resolution DIR. Leonard, Of New York.
insisted upon recognition by the chair, al
though the floor was already accorded to
DIR. King. A scene of disorder ensued, and
nothing could be done in the way OF busi-
ness. Considerable warm feeling was
shown ms the doctor still persisted in claim
ing the floor. The disorder swelled and
tho British delegates indignantly protested
against the interruption of the proceedings.
DR.. Leonard finally abandoned his effort to
make a point of order and DR.. King moved
to adjourn the debate on the resolution UNI
til tomorrow. Carried.
The general topic of discussion at the
morning session was Romanism. Rev. M.
Il. Meyers, president of the United Meth
odiss Free church, of Rochedale, England,
delivered an essay on the present position
of Romanism. In the course of his remarks
he said the present occupant of the chair Of
st. Peter is a man every way worthy of the
position, but discontinued. He hopes to re-
gain the temporal power lost more than
twenty years ago, but ''if VIC are not mis-
taken there is no need to fear any attempt
on the part of Romanism to usurp temporal
power, either in Great Britain or America"
Rev. DR.. Fiske, of Albion, Mich, spoke
on Romanism as a political power. Viewed
historically, he said, the Roman church ap-
pears the most determined, and at times the
mightiest political power on the face of the
earth. Palliate it as much as we may, hers
has been a career of attempted usurpation
of political prerogatives. In these I'm tied
States she has been persistent in her
demands for q share, pro rata, OF our state
school funds for the support Of her paro-
chial schools. At the polls and in the
courts she has sought to eject the Bible
under the plea that they were
goddess, she might DESTROY them.
Her priests are known to dictate at politi-
cal elections, but the political vanity of
Romanism is becoming depleted. There
are intelligent Catholics in this country,
like Cardinal Gibbons and Archbishop Ire
to flourish and get the most out of the
times as they sweep onward, she must not
waste her energies in IN unequal fight with
enlightened and progressive civilization,
but must clasp hands with il and make 1t
her ally.
Rev. Nicholas, of the Irish M. E. church,
an address OF Romanism as a re-
ligious power. He admitted at once and
without hesitation that there is much that
is true and good in the church of Rome, and
he desired this admission to modify, so far
as necessary. his further statements.
Rome is intolerant but in n direction
o~nly,--intolerant toward Independents
thought,-but ever lenient towards super
%stition, hence the belief in ecclesiastical
miracles. Rome uses expediency and often
lets 1t degenerate into deception. Not
denying that she in different ages and lands
has done good work, her influence on the
whole is and has been evil. She has led
m IN tn okarkIo{pvn thu frroJ.rahDrp fpoo,
superstition. She has produced a religion
moro devotional than moral, and hindsred
tho progress of humanity"
At the afternoon session the general topic
was temperance. Rev. DR.. Mason, Of the
NJ: 3. church south, read a paper upon the
form, 1.-THE church" he said. must serve
the cause of temperance, first, by the total
abstinence on the part of the ministry and
membership of the church from all partici-
patton in the liquor traffic. The church
should be satisfied with nothing less than
tbs entire abolition of the liquor traffic AZ
carried on. But the church should assume
political attitude with respect to prohi-
bltlon. Christian men, in their relations
az citizens, should seek to obtain such prac-
tical legislation on the part of the state as
shall forever abolish the saloon.' Thomas
Worthington, of England, was not one of
those who believed Christians should keep
F~AAVAO1s "ASA VASAO "CAO AAOA0I
Christian men in public life it would inn
prove the character of American legislative
John q. Lille, of England, held that Wes-
|ey's rules obliged ministers to be total alb
'tinsnce men, and he insisted on that prop
Notwithstanding that Mr.. Akin
'on. M. r.. insisted that Lille %misquoted
and that he prohibited only dram
drinking. Atkinson went on to speak of
Methodists in connection with
which Immediately stirred up
he indignation of the delegates from that
they demanding a rstraction and
to withdraw from the confer
'ncs. MI. Stephenson and other Wesleyans
we're beseeohinR Atkinson to withdraw his
and apologize, but he bluntly re-
used to do so, asserting that he had
to apologize for, had not called
hem impostors. If they didn't consume
lime he would explain. As they persisted
n their demand for a retraction, he charac-
cried their stupidity IN forcibls terms.
md, seeing no chance of restoring har-
nony, the presiding officer declared the
tsssion adjourned. and the delegates passed
nut after singing the doxology.
.F liz