Birmingham state herald., 1896-05-14
THIRD EDITION.
METHODIST CONFERENCE.
The Woman Question Raised Again by Hu- morous Resoution-lnf Baptism
 Was Discussed.

Cleveland O., May 13.--Bishop Vincent, the venerable founder of the Chautauqua society, presided at this mornings ses- sion of the Methodist general conference. The usual routine was followed during the morning until Rev. Dr. Lowther of southwest Kansas created a great deal of laughter by introducing the following resolutions:
 Whereas, This conference has decided to send to the annual conferences the question as to whether the word laymen should be so construed as to include women; and
 Whereas. It is believed by many that on scriptural grounds women cannot be admitted to the general conferences; therefore be it
 Resolved, That we also submit to the annual conference the followingq uestion: Are women included in our articles of religions, which read: Man is very far gone from original righteousness"
 While this question is pending be 1t the order of this general conference that the women of the church obey the apos- tolic injunction: Let your women keep silence in churches" that they do also refuse knowledge that comes from books, papers, magazines, lectures, ly- ceums and reading circles, and If they would learn anything let them ask their husbands at home. Since lon scriptural grounds SO1fle OI our DlGlnItD nave served notice that they will raise this question on the day of judgment, let the annual conferences decide by vote whether women are included or excluded in the language: "Every man in his own order" in Paul's chapter on resurrec- tions.
 On motion of Dr. A. J. Kynett the reso- 1utions were referred to the committee on eligibility.
 Several changes in discipline recom- mended by the bishops were reported by the committee on revivals. The first two sections of the report were adopted. A warm fight occurred over .he adoption of the third section of the report, relating to infant baptism. During the debate pr. Buckley said that he was satisfied that there were in the Baptist church over 300, 900 members who would now be in the Methodist church if they were given the right to choose the way they were to be baptized He moved that part of the discipline be stricken out, so that adults baptized in infancy might be al- lowed to be baptized again in any way they might elect.
 Rev A. B. Leonard opposed the mo- tion. He said: 'fhe motion would dis credit infant baptism, and that it would be a step backward for the great Meth odist church." He said he believed there ds no person so fit to be baptized as an in- fant.
 Rev. S. w. Matthews of southern Cali forna said that he did not believe in dis credting infant baptism, but he did be- lieye that adults who have been baptized in infancy should be given the same right to be baptized as unbaptized con- verts have.
 Rev. Dr. J. E. c. Sawyer said he thought ,the Methodist church would be much bettered by striking out the foot note. He was sure that it would help the growth of the church membership
 William H. Daniels of Northwest India created sensation by inquiring if the foot note "was one that some one had surreptitiously put in the discipline with out any authority from the general con- ference"
 The section was recommitted with Dr. Buckley's amendment to the committee on revisals.
 The committee on episcopacy did not report in accordance with the instruc- tions it had received. Dr. Buckley stated that the committee had as yet been un- able to agree upon the number of bishops it would recommend to be created but that it would be ready to report to the conference the first thing tomorrow after the reading of the journal. The time for the committee to report was extended to that hour. Though the committee was unable to report, this much is known of the deliberations at the meeting: The members agreed to recommend the retire. ment of Bishop Thomas Bowman, Bishop R. S. Foster and Missionary Bishop Will diam Taylor of Africa. on account of their feebleness and inability to perform the arduous duties of their positions, by treason of advanced age. This action will 'necessitate the election of two regular bishops and one missionary bishop.