Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-05-26
HAD A WILD TIME.
Methodist Conference Almost
Gets Out of Control.
PREACHERS AND AYMEN RED HOT.

Latter Start the Fight for More Influence
comes General Righ. Away-Mi ss;onary
Bishop Elected - Presbytcrians Drop
Church Unity-Proposition as to the Big
Se.OOO,OO Building Mt New York.
CLEVELAND, May a6.-There were stormy
scenes in the Methodist general conference
yesterday. 1t was by all odds the most
tumultuous session that has yet been held.
There was a clash between the ministerial
and hy delegates, and for a time in the
afternoon Bishop Hurst. who was in the
chair, lost all control of the asscmblage.
A dozen delegates We're on their feet at the
same time scouting for recognition, call
ing for rulings of the chair on points of or
der which had iever been heard, and al
together the scenes were more exciting
than are usually witnessed in political
conventions.
Said Many Bitter Things.
The contest came over the fourth section
of the new constitution as reported by the
committee. When the section was read
an amendment providing for equal repre-
sentation for the laymen in the general
conference was proposed. The discussion
was participated in by a number on both
sides. Many bitter things were said, and
II looked for time as if there could be no
reconciliation between the ministers and
laymen. Finally. however, peace was re-
stored by the Withdrawal of the amend
ment. with the understanding that the
whole matter should be brought up again
in different [2rn.
Rev. }. IL. Grav's Hot Remarks.
The hottest speech was that of Rev.
j. B. Graw, of New Jersey. He said the
layman Were in the control in the quarter
ly conferences They could, he declared,
choose their ministers, tell them what
kind of houses they must live in, what
kind of clothing they must wear and
even what they must eat. Il object, he
cried, ito this amendment, and l will die
fighting, If need be. to maintain our aus
thority in the general conference" The
ministers loudly applauded.
California Man Voices n Protest.
Henry French of San jose, Cal, voiced
n protest in clarion tones which could be
heard high above the confusing din.
Bishop Hun st told him to put his protest
in writing, but French still protested. He
declared that it was disgraceful and a
blow at the welfare OF the church to stamp
| on the laymcn as was being done. Dozens
| of delegates We're on their feet, loud. talk
ing and clamoring for recognition, and
the clamor was not finally hushed until
| the amendment was withdrawn, us stated
above.
Missionary Bishop Elected.
The election of DIR. j. c. Hartzell, of
Louisiana, rs missionary bishop for Africa
to succeed Bishop Taylor, who was re-
tired, was the incident of the morning ses-
sion. Rev. DIR. j. T.. W Bowen tcolored),
| of Atlanta, moved that the rules be sus-
| pended and u corresponding secretary he
elected for the FrcedmGns Aid ard South
| ern Education society TO succeed DIR. Hart
zcll. The motion carried. Rev. DIR. J. NJ.
King. Of New York, moved that no CORE
| spending secretary be elected, but that the
society nave only one secretary as was pre-
| vicusly urged on the ground of economy.
A discussion ensucd, but it was decided
| finally to proceed with the election and
Rev. DIR. NJ. c. Il. Mason (colored), of
Savannah, was overwhelming elected.