The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-05-04
MANY GAVELSGAVEWAY
METHODIsTs DISPUTE OYER SEATS
At the ouadrenniai Conference in Omaha.
Many Men of Many Minds-Revision
Of the Constitution.

OMAHA. NEB.. May 3-The second day
meeting Of the Quadrennial Methodist Con-
ference was opened, with Bishop Merrill. Of
Chicago, in the chair. The galleries and bal
comics were crowded with sight-seers. mostly
women. The devotionals were conducted
by DR.. ]. c. Hatzen and after singing
the Coronation the minutes were read. In
medately there was trouble AS many of the
delegates claimed that their votes had been
recorded improperly. A heated discussion
arose and an hour was lost irving TO straighten
out the records. 10 was finally discovered
that the published report IN the Daily Record
was erroneous and peace was restored. The
selection OF seats was then finished
DR.. Palmer announced that DR.. Stiles
White sitting among the laymen. had lost
his pocket-boOk containing go aud ticket.
This raised quite "A ripple of laughter and
DR.. Palmer threatened % eject any reporter
who would publish the fact, whereupon
every reporter IN the room copied 1t IN his
report.
Bishop Foster now assumed the chair. re-
lieylng DR.. Merrill. The Delaware and Mich
igan delegations had u row over their seats.
Michigan claimed priority OF right. while Del
aware had squatted on their claim. A heated
wrangle ensued and twenty minutes were
consumed. Finally when the excite
ment was at fever heat the dispute
was referred % the committee on
hall and tho call proceeded. During the
roll call the excitement grew IN force and the
Bishop had great trouble m keeping order.
Up to 1880 o.. clock he had broken two gayels
IN his efforts 70 subdue the noisy clercals
Secretary Monroe. however. Is equal to all
emergencies, he having a yallse full OF gavels
on hand.
TIE ORGANIZATION.
The task of satisfying the clamorng seat
hunting delegates finally became too heavy
for Bishop Foster and being appointed TO
read the episcopal address, which contains
5000 words, he yielded the chair to Bishop
Andrews. IN order TO save his voice, which
was fast failing him.
On motion OF DR.. Smith, of Iowa. it was
decided 70 postpone the reading until to-
morrow.
When everybody had been seated DR..
Neely offered the following plan OF organza-
ton.
There shall be twelve standing committees.
as follows
Episcopacy itinerary. boundaries. revsal.
temporary needs of the church, missions,
education, church extensions, sunday
schools and tracts, ireedmens aid and work
in the South.
The first six of these committees will meet
OF Mondays. Wednesdays and Fridays and
the last six on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sat
urdays.
Reserves shall take the place of tho dele
gates on committees assigned.
A half-dozen delegates objected to the
seventh section, which gave the bishops the
power 70 appoint the committee on judiciary.
Il was laid aside and the other sections were
adopted as the plan of organization. 1t was
decided TO meet at o'clock and organize the
committees.
REVISION or THE CONSTITUTION.
Bishop Foss presided over the deliberations
OF the afternoon session. Dr. Nicely, OF the
constitution committee. to which the revision
or the constitution WAS referred at tho last
quadreDnial conference in 1888. appeared with
pamphlet report of the COMMITTEES, which
recommended many changes and gave several
interpretations not heretofore thoroughly un-
derstood. The reading was long. and 10 some
tedious.
Colonel Ray. one of the members Of the
constitution committee had a minority re-
port which was also printed The minority
report went to the extent Of recognizing wo-
men as lay delegates. Both reports wero or
dered - be printed.
DR.. James King, of New York. moved the
appointment of a committee of five to report
concerning the last Ecumencal Conference
such facts as would DO important for histori-
cal record he motion was carried. The
roll of conference being called. tho dele
cations sent in names of their choice
for committees. Dr. Pearce. OF Cincinnati.
presented a motion asking the appointment
Of committee OF fifteen. one from each con-
ference, and one at large on the Worlds
Columbian Fair This was carried
Committees we're then appointed on tenn
perance and prohibition circulation Of tho
Christian Advocate and reception of fraternal |
delegates.
TO REVISE THE Discipline
After some discussion as TO the composition /
Of the temperance and prohibition commit |
tee II was decided that a committee of one /
member from eacn conference delegation be |
thus making the committee con-
,lst of III members.
DR.. Sanford Hunt, of the New York Confer
snce. moved the appointment Of q committee II |
i've 10 investigate the practicaDiity of re- |
,ising the discipline. The committee was |
10 be solely one of inquiry. Dr. Neey |
this movement. asserting |
hat the discipline had grown up in a pecu-
lar manner and requires many changes. Dr. |
'endletOn. of kansas. asked for ii committee |
IN EpwOrth League which was ordered.
The conference then adjourned until |
L. III. tomorrow.
Caterpiiiars Impede an Engine.
CHARLOTTE n c. Nav g. Special The