The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1896-05-23
METHODIST PROTESTANT GENERAL CON-
FERENCE.
Reflection of DR.. Herring President
Layman to be Chosen President,
Only President REFLECTED.

The seventeenth qnadrennal session of the
General Conference of the Methodist Prot
estant Church Of the United States began at
Kansas City on Friday of last week When
the conference met in this city in 1892, DR.. j.
W. Herring was chosen President, and was
the tirSt layman to be given that honor. His
ability as a presiding officer was so clearly
demonstrated during that session, and his fit.
ness for President so well established during
the four years of his incumbency, he was re-
elected President on the opening day of the
session by a decisive majority over several
ministerial candidates. In the history of the
church no one has ever been reelected Presi-
dent, and DIR. Herring enjoys the distinction of
the only laymen to be elected 10 the highest
office in the church and the only President
that was chosen fora second term.
Before the election President Herring made
his report to the Conference, as follows:
Since the close of the last General Conference
nave had a somewhat extended correspondence
INDIVIDUAL members OF the church in different
lions of the country In the main the correspond
enee grew out of differences of opinion in regard to
clear IN reference to their duties. Always recog-
MIXING the fact that had no authority to make
binding decision in any case, nevertheless sought
with great pains to give such advice and counsel as
deemed wise in every instance in which such mat
ters were brought TO my attention. / have good
this free interchange of views between the presi-
dent of the conference and those who sought his
opinion and advice, and believe il would be
wholesome thing for the general church If there
should be in the interim of the General Conference
n closer contact between the annual conferences
and the president of the General Conference even
though this were done simply through correspond
enee.
While there has been peace throughout most of
our work and much prosperity my observation
far as have been able to make it, clearly demon.
stfates to me the fact that the conference and
churches which are ireest from trouble and are do
ing the best work those that most scrupulously
respect the law The difference which at times so
seriously interrupt the prosperity of church work in
nearly all cases grow out of disregard for church
law. Eet the law be thoroughly understood and
then absolutely respected and obeyed and few diff
cuties imagine, would ever occur to mar the har-
mony of the church or interfere with its work.
"our denomination, am glad to say, has steadily
work for God. The principles which are embodied
in our form of government are coming to be more
and more recognized as furnishing the true founda
ton for the highest and best ecclesiastical system
and we believe the time is not far distant when
they will pervade our sister Methodisms, thus
bringing into closer relations those who now cher
ish the same fatn and rejoice in the acceptance of
the same doctrines. II would gladden. the heart Of
every true follower of the Lord Jesus Christ If all
the barriers which now exist between our common
Methodisms were broken down and gone forever.
May God speed the day.
81 herewith submit the votes so far as it has been
reported 10 me, upon the oyertures sent down to
the annual conferences by the last General Confer
ence: Overture !, amend article MI by adding
And provided that no annual conference shall elect
woman to the office of elder overture ., amend
article III by adding And provided that no an
nual conference shall elect womaIfas representa-
tive to the General Conference"
The vote stands follows; Nebraska, no. Iowa,
no, Colorado and Texas, no, North Illinois, no,
South Illinois, no. Indiana, no. Georgia, nc, ohiono,
Tennessee no, Michigan, no, Mississippi, no, Mus
West Virginia. no vote; New York, no vote; New
Jersey. no vote; Maryland declined to vote; North
votes in the negative, one in the affirmative and
i1ve conferences reported us not voting.