New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-05-05
MAJORITY WITH THE WOMEN
THEIR ELIGIBILITY AS LAY DELEGATES
DISCUSSED IN CLEVELAND.

THREE OF THEM RELINQUIsH THEIR SEATS IN
THE METHODIST GENERAL CONFERENCE.
BUT THE DEBATE GOES on OVER
THE COMMITTEE REPORTS.
lDG TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIrUNE.]
Cleveland May 4-As known beforehand,
the majority report of the Committee on Eligibility
presented 10 the General Conference this morning
was In favor Of admitting women as lay delegates.
The minority report adverse TO their admis-
vion Dr. Kynett moved the adoption or the ma
jority report. and DR.. Medley moved the adoption
OF the minority report a substitute com
munication from three Of the women, whose right
TO sit delegates 10 in dispute reiinquishng their
seats in the interests OF harmony. had previously
been read In spite OF effort on the Part or the
radicals to have 1t ruled out Of order An earnest
and brilliant debate on the motion to adopt the
minority report ensued, which will be continued
tomorrow morning with DR.. Stevenson, OF Ken
lucky, as tho first speaker. While the debate TO-
day earnest II was free from offensive per-
sonaties and the unity OF the Church Is not likely
to be disturbed by the victory OF either side. sur
face indications point to- vote seating MIS-
Trmble, Of the Foo-Chow China Conference the
only woman now claiming a seat. but the result IS
by no means certain. as the conservatives are max
ing a strong fight not only the floor OF the
Conference, but by appeals to wavering members
during the hours OF recess. 1t Is the opinion OF
many that the action Of the three women reiin-
gushing their seats was taken in response 70 such
appeals. But however that may be. their WITH
drawal has not affected the question in any way.
except possibly. hadt has inspired those IN favor
Of admitting women with greater zeal, since 1t
appeals to their chivalry to stand up for those
who are ready TO waive their rights In order 10
Insure the peace Of the Church. notlceaoe leal-
ure Of all the speeches to-day against admitting
women was the declaration that the speakers
were in favor OF admitting women II the constitu-
ton did not stand in the way. In fact, they ac-
knowledged that women sure TO be admitted
some day and all they asked that they be
admitted In a constitutional way. namely, by SUD-
hitting the gu stion again 20 the annual CONFER
ences
Bishop Merrill presided ct to-day's session. ana
the Rev. DR.. Jesse L. Hurlburt conducted Inc oe-
votonal exercises After the transaction OF some
routine business. a paper was sent 10 the secre-
tary to be read a question of privilege 1t was
declaration by Mrs Bashford of the Ohio CONFER
ence, and Mrs. Parker and Mrs. Butcher OF the
North India Conference. that in view Of the dis
pute as to the status they desired TO reiihqu'sn
their seats As soon as Secretary Monroe began TO
read 1t and its purport was perceived numoer Oh
the radicals jumped to their feet and protested
against its reading as out Of order, at the same
time calling for the order Of the day, which was
the report of the COMMITTEES on Ehgibihty. 1hey
evidently feared that in some way the reauHg oi
the withdrawal would prejudice the cause OF the
women. Bishop Merrill, however. suggested tnat as
a matter Of courtesy the Conference ought 10 near
what the women had to say. and on a vote the
Conference so decided. The declaration, which was
then read, as follows:
To the members of the General Conference OF
Dear Fathers and Brethren-We. the undersigned,
women delegates from the North India and Ohio
Electoral Conferences. with desire 10 promote tle
the following statement: While We regard our,
eelves aymen in the full sense OF me Ieri' d,
under the amendment of 1sss-72. TO choose their
delegates subject only to the restrictions therein
specified, unwilling to seem 10 ihslst upo"
personal rights which are in dispute 49,. -,
We rejoice that the annual conferences have ex-
that women should be admitted as lay members 70
the re @
sres 10 devise the best means lof W ou' now
seen e 10 rs 10 arise as to the method to be pursued
on this We recognize honest differences OF opinion
Sers II seems to us that the Conference relieved
from the tension which our presence occasions n
which the great majority of the members coud
chivarous champions Of womans eligibility we can
not to pro aepaS WHY eyer the our
s sSma ssch We fear s such struggle
when the principle for which we stand can h be se
cheerfuly relinquish our seats in your honoraoiee
body and await such settlement OF tSat
your action will embody the spirit OF the Golden e
Rule We desire to express our appreciation OF the
continue 10 pray and to labor for the prosperity OF
our Zion. Respectfully submitted.
JANE BASHFORD.
MRS. LOUISA PARKER,
ADA G. BUTCHARD.
Dr. Buckley succeeded in gaining the floor amid
buzz Of excitement. for he is the recognized leader
OF those opposed TO admitting women and is wthal
the most ekfu parliamentarian in the Conference
Dr. Kynett attempted 10 head him off by calling for
the order Of the day. but failed. and then Dr. Buck
ley surprised every one by saying that he only
wanted to call for the order Of the day himself Dr.
Kynett then mounted the platform and read the
ma tority report OF the committee. as follows:
Your committee, TO whom was referred the chal,
lcnge of the eligibility of women In the General
Conference of Lydia A. Trimbe. delegate elect from
the Foo Chow Electoral Conference Louisa Parker
and Ada c. Butchard deegates-eect from the North
India Electoral Conference and Jane Field Basn-
ford delegateeect from the Ohio Electoral Confer
ence. having carefully considered the same report