The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-08-09
NEWS OF KANSAS
An Attempt to Remove Rev. J.
ID. BOtkin from His Church.
There is an Exciting Time In
terspersed With Kisses
OTHER STATE NEWS.
Rock Island Has Almost Adam
dOned Its AtchisOn Business.

WE1I1NGroN. Aug. 9.-The Mall pub
fishes the following:
Quite a little tempest agitated the
quarterly conference Of the Methodist
Episcopal church when the acrimonious
charges against the pastor, Rev J. d.
Botkin. were fled and an effort made to
secure his removal But after stirring
debate and lively recriminatiOns by the
members OF the conference. the work
and pulpit demeanor Of the pastor were
endorsed by a rising vote, opposed by but
three members, and vote Of confidence
and allegiance to Mr.. Botkin was passed
The charges against the pastor were
Dresented in writing Dy John SayIOr aud
signed by Henry Knowles
The complaint charged:
First-That Mr. Botkin had not at
tended to his duty in making pastoral
calls.
Second-That he had preached politics
from the pulpit.
ThirdIThat he had failed to organize
the classes.
Fourth That he had taken too many
trips to Topeka.
Mr. Savior, in the course of the discus
sion of the charges, declared that the
pastor had hurried through the room In
which the official board had been in SEES
sion only a few nights before, and had
snubbed the board in order to keep an
appointment to caucus with the probate
judge of the county.
The Rev. Mr.. Botkin had kept silence
until this charge made Then he
arose to vindicate himself in vigorous
denunciation Of the statement. Mr.. Bot
kin had been i'll in bed all day and was
weak and white. But he was mad clear
through. He walked up to Mr.. SaylOr
and pointed his finger at him.
"Now. Brother Saylor," he advised, de-
fnru1fuailv sf5fic< the truth. / left
here to escort d Methodist minister to the
depot Don't you attempt to tell any
thing about me that you don't know
did meet Mr.. Naugle at the depot and
walked up town with him; and 1 there
met other men, good citizens and hon
ored citizens, as Mr.. Naugle is. But as
for that il is none Of your business"
Mr. Saylor looked humble. Il am glad
you set me right was all he said.
Yes, we'll You stick to the truth after
this" continued the defendant minister
Several mem bers of the church spoke
in defense Of the pastor and then Mr.
Wichern condemned MIR. BOtkin's
COxey sermon As a political speech
Mr.. Wichern left the church IN
pet After he had gone Mr.
Botkin resumed his defense. He got
only 50 far as to condemn the stewards
of the church for gossippin9 about him
on the streets and in the store when Mr..
Chaddon, who is a candidate for county
coroner, was heard from
IF any man says that / ever said
word about this thing on the street, it is
an unmitigated lie" he hoarsely affirm
ed.
Kisses from the ladies' corner greeted
the angry declaration.
IF the cap doesn't fit don't wear il"
remarked j. Il. Kise.
Mr.. Chaddon left the church and Mr.
BOtkin continued.
The opponents of Mr. Botkin were
asked to stand up.
"Threer counted two dozen voices.
and hises followed.
Only John Saylor, James Mason and
W. E. Murphy had voted against the
pastor. ]. L. Wetzel was the only mem
Der present who did not vote.
7. b. Hubbard offered resolutions
heartily renewing allegiance and sup
port to the pastor and expressing conf
dence In him, which were passed with
out dissenting voice
Presiding Elder LOwther before clos
ing the conference spoke at length and
with feeling, endorsing Mr. BOikin.