Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-05-07
A CHINESE SPECTER
Disturbs the Equanimity of the Meth
Odists in Conference.
THE EXCLUSION BILL DENOUNCED
As Partisan Trick on the Part Of Congress
and the resident.
THE QUESTION is FINALLY REFERRED

OMAHA, May 6.-Bishop Mallalieu pre-
sided at the morning session of the Metho-
dist Episcopal General Conference to-day.
There has been lively contest in the or
ganlzatlon of the Temperance Committee.
Among those who desired to be chairman
Rev. j. G. Evans, of Illinos; Prof. w. L.
Whitlock, of Ohio; DR.. A. j. Kynett, OF
Philadelphia, and Rev. H. E. Pendleton, OF
Kansas were the most active. Rev. j. G.
Evans secured the election by majority of
two votes The Temperance Committee is
looked upon as very important one.
The order OF the day was the report of
Bishop Thoburn, of India and Mayalasia.
The Methodist Church, he said, was teach
ing and preaching the Gospel in India and
Mayalasia in 13 different languages DR..
Thoburn's report gave a detailed account of
the work done in the three annual confer
ences, and the women's conference in India.
1t stated that the work in India is in excel
lent condition, but the need is great.
How the Church Grows in India.
The working force from America has
fallen off some, but the work has continued
to grow. The membership has increased
nearly 10000 during the quadrennial. The
Methodist Sunday schools in India now
have membership of over $4,000, an in
crease of Is. 900 during the four years past.
In the day schools the Church has 29,0 900
native pupils ofIndia. People by thousands
are giving up their ideas and the native
ministry is rapidly increasing both in num-
bers and in efficiency.
The report warmly commended the work
of women in the missions of India. The
Church has established three publishing
houses, and is sending out pamphlets and
periodicals in nine different languages from
its own presses. The report recommended
that there be five Conferences organized, in
stead of three. The Conferences are too
large at present, compelling some of the
ministers to travel 1000 or 5000 miles to
attend them "The day of small things is
past said the Bishop; eve must take up
the work before us and carry practically the
responsibilities laid upon US. We do not
know what may happen tomorrow, but we
do know that the sun never sets in the
morning. 1t is just morning in India. Let
us up and be doing while the daylight
lasts. "
The Chinese Exclusion Bill Comes Up.
On motion of Dr. Hamilton the report of
Bishop Taylor, of Africa, was made the
order for tomorrow. The Conference then
requested the committee appointed the pre-
vous day to prepare resolution upon the
Chinese exclusion bill to report. Judge
Lawrence submitted the report, which
stated that the committee has learned that
the bill had already been signed by the
President, and it is, therefore, too late to
take action until the exact wording and
of ha cb ha rfoip aI
Dr. Windells offered minority report,
to have the question referred to the Com
mittee on the State of the Church. He
feared the passage of the Chinese exclusion
act would ieopardize the lives and the prop
erty of missionaries in China, and he
wanted the matter thoroughly considered
and disposed of, so that the Conference
might be thoroughly informed as to the
actual state of affairs.
During fhe discussion DR.. Leonard de-
nounced the President and Congress, and
said the Chinese had the same right here as
other foreigners, notably the Irish. He be-
lieyed this Conference should take action in
no uncertain tone in relation to it.
Denounced as a Political Measure.
DIR. Buckley, of New York, asked that the
matter be referred to committee, instruct
ing them to get copy of the bill and make
a clear report on the subject.
DR.. Windells again made an earnest ap-
peal. He argued that until some action is
taken the country would regard the confer
ence as approving the bill. The bill, he
said, is the most iniquitous measure ever |
passed by the Congress of this country.
DR.. Edwards, of Chicago, later took the |
floor. He said it is political measure. |
This bill" he added, 'is a sop to the |
steerages now unloading at Battery park, |
New York. 1t was rushed through Demo-
cratic House, passed by our noble Senators
and signed by our well-nigh unimpeachable |
President solely for political effect" He |
moved to refer it to the Committee on Mis-
sionS.
Dr. Payne, of Cincinnati, said the Church
should show that it is not controlled by any
partisan bias, and that no political party
it. He believes the Conference
should show that it does not approve such a
political measure. and moved to send the
natter to the Church Committee. He was
wildly applauded.
DR.. Buckley again secured the floor and
denounced all reference to politics, saying
hat the man who would try to Duild up
me party or tear down another in this Con-
erence is nothing but a demagogue
Finally the matter was referred to a special
ommittee consisting of five ministers and
our laymen. There was universal sigh
# relief when the question was temporarily
disposed of. The Conference adjourned at
o'clock.