The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1896-05-20
BARRED BY AGE.
Methodists Cast Aside Two Vet
eran Workers.
The Venerable Bishops Bowman and Fos-
ter Are Retired Because of Non-Ef-
fectiveness-Effort In Their
Behalf Falls.

Cleveland, O., May 1.-THE general
conference of the Methodist church
met at $3.50 n. m. Thursday with Bishop
Mallalieu in the chair.
Great interest was manifest in the
committee on episcopacy. DIR. Buckley,
the chairman, made the report upon
three distinct subjects. In the opinion
of the committee Bishops Bowman and
Foster are too old to stand the strain of
their duties, and the report recommends
their retirement at the end of this con-
ference as noneffective. All the other
bishops were returned as effective, with
the exception OF Bishop Taylor, and his
name was not mentioned. A generous
appropriation was urged for them, and
the respect felt for them was fully set
forth.
AS soon as the report was read Bishop
Foster advanced. The entire audience
arose and received him with the great
est applause. In the midst of a most i'm
pressive silence the low tones of the
bishops voice were heard. He said he
simply had a request to make. He
knew the question was one of great deli
cacy and he begged to be permitted to
retire.
Cries of mo, no." came from all parts
of the hall. and Bishop Foster extended
his arms, saying: "Please, please"
1t was most pathetic scene. Bishop
Foster spoke for q few moments, and
the conference, by rising vote, granted
his request.
Bishop Bowman said he would make
the same request, as he had just learned
for the first time in his life that he was
not effective. A call was made for few
remarks from him, but he declined to
say anything, and the two white-haired
fathers left the hall.
Rev. George H. Bridgeman offered
substitute, which provided that Bishop
Bowman and Bishop Foster be not re-
tired, and that the board of bishops be
asked to give them light work. DIR.
Bridgeman said that 1.-The report of the
committee was unkind. Who are these
men that DIR. Buckley and his commit
tee propose to say to the church, to
brother churches and to the world that
they are non-effective? They are those
who have done most for Methodism.
Rev. DIR. j. E. C. Sawyer, of Troy, said
that he hoped the substitute would be
adopted. The adoption of the commit
tee report would be needless humilia-
ton to these beloved bishops who have
done so much for the church. The only
excuse that can be offered for their re-
;irement is one of expense, and in view
If the great wealth of the Methodist
church it counts for nothing.
The discussion of the report was the
feature of the conference up to this
time. and all who participated in the
discussion spoke in an earnest manner.
IT think. sir, that the proceedings of this
episcopal committee have been unparaI-
leled in the history of the church. For
the honor of the church hope it may never
occur again.
This committee has been in secret ses-
sion. 1t was a meeting for execution! l
think that one of the dangers of the church
to-day is in keeping secret what ought
20 be published. What was to be said
about these great men? Have they been
guilty of any Improperly? The committee
said IN presence of visitors that they
wished to say things that should not be
made public. I will ask the chairman OF
the committee on episcopacy TO say
whether it is so or not"
DIR. Buckley arose, and, in a very agi-
tated manner, said that he declined to
be questioned, but that he would reply
to the most singular address at its close
The previous question was ordered.
DIR. Buckley was given permission to
reply to DIR. Lanahan. He said:
"Our report was voted for by al, Of our
committee of $780, save five members. These
brethren, If they are not retired are off,
.iai residents of the great episcopal cities
I'VE called those secret meetings that
We might question these beloved bishops,
when not surrounded by ever-thirsty re-
porters and persons totally incompetent
to judge the great principles of Methodism
In the interest OF the episcopal board, I
beseech you to adopt the majority report"
Dr.. Buckley's speech was delivered
in very earnest manner. During the
debate much difficulty was had by Bish-
op Mallalieu in keeping the delegates
from applauding. He said that the mat
ter under discussion was delicate
one, and he hoped that the conference
would refrain from applause, at least
until this particular matter was dis
posed of. The substitute was tabled
and the report adopted, retiring Bish-
ops Bowman and Foster.
DIR. Buckley read report No. from
committee on episcopacy. It said that
in the selection of bishops there should
be no discrimination on account of
race. and that the time has now come
to elect bishop of African descent.
DIR. Buckley read report No. from
the committee on episcopacy, which de-
clared that there should be three more
bishops selected.
Rev. Dr. Wilson, Of Baltimore, offered
the following as substitute for the
report:
THAT In the selection OF bishops the
ho nfrar Led