Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-05-04
WOMEN WITHDREW
Action Taken at the Methodist Con-
ference.
4 step WITH 4 PACIFIC OBJECT
Favorable Report of the Conn.,
mittee.
ENTITLED TO THEIR SEATS

CLEVELAND, Ohio, May 4.-The anticl-
patton Of a disposition of the woman ques-
ton called out large attendance at the
general NJ E. conference this morning. The
delegates were early In their seats, and the
spectators were more numerous than on
any previous day.
Bishop Merrill of Chicago presided, and
the first hymn was announced by Rev. DR..
b. Hurlbut Of the Sunday School Union. A
fervent prayer was offered by DR.. Hurlbut,
after which the business of the morning
was taken up.
Rev. H. A. Buchtel Of Indiana desired the
Episcopal address read in every pulpit. The
coLference adopted resolution to send a
copy to each pastor.
DR.. Mueller of Cleveland presented a
resolution favoring arbitra tion for all Eng
disappearing countries, which was adopted
and copy ordered sent to the President of
the United States.
Woman Delegates Withdraw.
The exciting feature of the day was
when DR.. Monroe presented to the confer
ence written statement from four woman
delegates. 1t looked rs though this state
ment might solve the perpIexed woman
question, but it did not.
Following is part of the statement:
while we regard ourselves as laynen in
the full sense of the term, and hold that
the lay electoral conferences are entitled
under the amendment of 1S6S-I2 to choose
their delegates, subject only to the restric-
tons therein specified, we are unwilling to
seem to insist upon personal rights which
are in dispute.
The chief question at issue now seems
to us to arise over the method to be pur-
sued upon this. We recognize honest diff
ferences OF opinion among the most intel
ligent and conscientious members. 1t seems
to that were the conference relieved
from the tension which our presence oc
casions, it might speedily devise plan of
admission upon which the great majority
of the members could agree. While
sincerely regret to disappoint the chival
rous champions Of woman's eligibility, We
cannot consent to protracted debate over
cur personal eligibility to this conference,
with the alienation which we fear such a
struggle might cause. We, therefore. cheer
fully relnquish your honorable body, and
await such a settlement of a long vcxed
question as your wisdom may devise. con-
fldent that your action will embody the
spirit Of the golden rule. We desire to ex-
press our appreciation Of the courtesy
continue to pray and labor for the prosper
'ity of our Zion"
The statement was presented by Jane F..
Bashford, Louis S. Parker and Ada c.
Butcher.
Report in Favor of the Women.
NO sooner mad the communication OF the
women delegates been offered than DR.. KY
nett, chairman Of the committee on eligi-
bility, submitted the majority report of the
committee. 1t briefly announced that the
committee had decided that the women
were entitled to seats in the convention.
Several delegates arose to defend the re-
port, but there was universal demand for
the minority report.
1t was long document, and was read by
DR.. T. B. Neely Of Philadelphia. 1t found
that the challenge of the eligibility of the
women whose names appear on the roll Of
the general conference is sustained, and
that the election of women by lay delegate
conference are illegal acts, and that to seat
the claimants would tend to destroy all
the respect for that constitution of the
church and for the decisions and inter
pretations of the general conference.
After extended debate on the merits of the
two reports, further discussion was post
poned until afternoon, when 1t will be re-
sumed as a special order of business. The
conference then adjourned.