The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-05-07
FRIENDS OF CHINESE.
Methodist Preachers DenOunce
the Exclusion Act.
CONGRESS HOTLY ASSAILED.
One Clergyman Thinks Coolies SIS Good
as the 1rish-Afraid That Mission
aries in Asia Will Suffer.

OMAHA, May 6.-Bishop Mallalieu pre-
sided at the morning session of the Meth
odist conference. The first order of the
day was the report of Bishop Thoburn, of
India and Malaysia. He said that the
church was teaching the Gospel in those
countries IN thirteen languages. The work
IN India was in excellent condition, but
the need of money was great. The men,
bership had increased nearly 10000 in the
past four years, while the Sunday-school
members had increased 1900. and now
number %, 900. There were %, 600 scholars
in the day schools. People by the thou
sand were giving up idols. The conference
then requested the committee ap-
pointed the previous day to prepare
a resolution upon the Chinese
exclusion bill to report. Judge Lawrence
submitted report, which stated that the
committee had learned that the bill was
already signed by the president. therefore
II was too late to take action until the ex-
act wording of the conditions OF the bill
were ascertained. DR.. Swindells offered
minority report to have the question re-
ferred TO the committee on state of the
church; he feared the passage of the bill
would jeopardize the lives and property OF
missionaries in China, and wanted the
matter considered and disposed OF so that
the conference might be thoroughly in
formed as to the actual state or affairs.
The matter was finally referred TO another
special committee of five ministers and
four laymen.
During the discussion DIR. Leonard de-
nounced the president and congress, and
said the Chinese had the same right here
as other foreigners, notably the Irish. DIR.
Swindells said unless action were taken
the country would regard the conference
as approving the bill, which was the most
iniquitOus measure ever passed by con-
gress. DR.. Edwards, of Chicago, de-
nounced the act as a political measure
passed by congress. The oill," said ne,
Is sop to steerage passengers now I'M
loading in New York. 1t was rushed
through a Democratic House, passed by
our noble senators and signed by our we'll
nigh unimpeachable president sorely Tor
political effect" DR.. Payne, of Cincin-
natl, said the church should show it
was not controlled by any partisan bias.
The conference should show that it does
not approve such a political measure, and
moved to send the matter to the church
committee. DR.. Buckley denounced all
reference to politics, saying that the man
who would try to build up one party or
tear down another in this conference is
nothing but a demagogue.
There was a universal sigh of relief when
the question was temporarily disposed of
by reference.
This afternoon was given up to commit
tee work, and this plan will be followed to
the end of the conference. This evening
the conference rendered a reception to DR..
w. +. Moulton, distinguished delegate
from England. He delivered an eloquent
address, in which he SAID the vastness of
the United States, notwithstanding all he
had read. was surprise 10 him. lie spoke
encouragingly of the progress of the Meth
odlst church both in Europe and America.