New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-11-10
DR. TAN DE WA1ERS CHIRGES
AN OPINION THAT HE SHOULD SECURE AN IN
vEsTIGATIoN BY REGULAR METHODS.

AN OPINION THAT HE SHOULD SECURE AN IN
vEsrIGATIoN BY REGULAR METHODS.
Considerable interest has been aroused not only
in clerical circles but in the public mind generally,
over the charges which have been brought against
certain clergymen of the Protestant Episcopa!
Church by the Rev. Or. George r. Van De Water,
as was reported length in yesterdays Tribune DR..
Van De Water asserts that there many clergy
men in this city who. through devotlng themselves
to secular work six days IN the week, have become
so sccularzed as 20 be unfit to preach the gospel
and further. he maintains that he has proof thar
some OF them not only addicted to drinking in
toxicants but are VIGOROUSLY immoral. While DR..
Van De Water refuses TO make public the names OF
these black sheep of the Church, he expresses a
Willingness produce proof to subs'antlate ms
accusations II the Church authorities so desire.
There is cons aquently expressed wish on the
part of many people TO know If Bishop Potter In
tends taking any action in the matter
A Tribune reporter, who called at the Diocesan
House Lafayette Place. yesterday. was Informed
that the Bishop OF town. but the Rev.
Dr. Ralph II. Baldwin. who is representing him
during his absence. consented TO talk Replying 70
an inquiry as TO whether Bishop Potter would IN
stitute any proceedings based upon the charges re-
ferred to- Or. Baldwin said:
Bishop Potter is prohibited by the csnons Of the
Church from initiating any proceedings against
clergymep charged with offences. This fact was
fully brought In The Tribune yesterday, which,
by the way. in my opinion, had the fairest ana
clearost report of the affair that was published in
any paper The laws Of the Episcopal Church allow
a bishop merely TO adjudicate any complaint agains;
one OF its ministers when the case is presented 10
him by three cleTgymen In order 10 nave inc
charges made by DR.. Van De Water investigated IT
is only necessary for him &c secure the cooperation
OF two other clergymen. and then the Bshop VIII
take immediate cOgnzance of the allegations For
my part ! think that DR.. Van De Water Is IN honor
bound to that cooperation IN ordef that the
cases may have formal presentation, ana so be
strictly inquired into. . , .
Yes II is true that the Roman Catholic Cnurch
gives its bishops individual power 10 silence a
priest but the systems OF the Roman Catholic and
Episcopal churches based on widely different
foundations In the former, what may perhaps
best describe as paternalsm Is the prevailing rule
while we endeavor administer the anairs OF gu;
church by purely constitutional methods. Inc
Episcopal Church recognizes the anomaly OF a
bishop acting both judge and prosecutor IN ne
same case. Therefore. II rests with Dr. Van DE
Water TO comply with the canons OF the Churcn 10y
obtaining the aid ministers In order that his
accusations may be thorouehly examined AS an
expression OF personal opinion think that after
making such general charges against clersymen, II
is incumbent upon him 10 have such an inVesuga-
etc h.gl