The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1896-05-15


Bishops Bowman and Foster-An Excit-
ing Episode--The Report Adopted After
Big Discussion and the Two Bishops
Were Retired.
Cleveland, May 14.-To-day's session
Of the Methodist Episcopal general con-
ference was marked by the largest at
tendance OF the session, both of dele
gates and spectators. Instead of TAX
ing uo the general order of business
the call of the committees was resum-
ed where it was left off yesterday
Bishop Mallalieu presided
The report of the committee on mis-
sions to increase the contingent fund
from 1000 to $4,000 was adopted. The
committee also recommended Hing
Hua mission in China, and this was
agreed to,
The report os the committee on edu-
cation, which excuses students from
taking the conference examinations in
ed satisfactory examinations in some
Methodist school, was adopted unani-
mously
The committee on church extension
made a report against the extension
of work in foreign lands.
The report of the committee on epis-
copacy was presented by Rev. DR..
Buckley declaring that in the opinion of
the committee Bishops Bowman and
Foster We're too old to stand the strain
of their duties, and recommending their
retirement at the end of this conference
as nom effective. In the list of bishops
returned as effective were all other
bishops, with the exception of Bishop
Taylor, and his name was not mention
ed A generous appropriation was
urged
AS soon as the report was read Bishop
Foster advanced to speak. The entire
audience arose and received him with
great applause. In the impressive si-
lence which followed Bishop Foster said
he simply had request to make. He
knew the question was one of great del
icacy and he begged to be permitted
to retire. Cries of mo! no." came from
all parts of the hall. and Bishop Foster
extended his arms saying please!
please" He spoke for few moments,
and the conference, by arising vote,
granted his request.
Bishop Bowman said he would make
the same request, as he had just learned
for the first time in his life that he was
not effective. A call was made for a
few remarks from him, but he declined
to say anything, and the two white
haired bishops left the hall Bishop
Foster in his speech expressed his Will
ingness to abide the decision of the con-
ference.
The first part Of the report was adopt
ed Then DR.. Buckley read the second
part setting forth the non on-effectiveness
of Bishops Bowman and Foster. He
moved the adoption of the report and
the motion was seconded by a number
of persons.
DR.. George III. Bridgeman of Mime
sofa offered substitute which said that
Bishops Bowman and Foster be contin-
ued in the board of bishops, but relieved
oH their active duties. In support of his
motion he said it was unnecessary and
unkind to take such action as was con-
templated in the report of the commit
tee. He eulogized the two bishops and
urged that they be permitted to round
out their magnificent careers as effec-
tive members of the board
Rev. j. e. G. Sawyer spoke in favor
of the substitute. He said the other
members of the board could be trusted
to give them little work or no work
The only objection in retiring them was
to retrench, and that was unnecessary
in the face of the immense member
ship.
Rev. DR.. Sawyer of Troy said that he
hoped the substitute would be adopted
The adoption of the committee report
would be needless humiliation to
these beloved bishops who have done
so much for the church. The only ex-
cuse that can be offered for their re-
tirement is one o@ expense, and, in
view of the great wealth of the Meth
odist church it counts for nothing.
Rev. Mr.. Chaffee OF Minnesota said
that unless the conference wanted to
be confronted with propositions of this
kind to limit the terms of bishops, it
must pass something along this line.
This is no place for sentiment" he
said. I'VE must act according to our
convictions and retire these men, pain
full as it may be-"
Rev. DR.. Lanahan of Baltimore said:
"There is a great deal of honey in the
report. The honey, however, is a very
good way to smooth the way the COM
mittee aimed at There are things
that have been left out of this discus
sion that had better be said.
Il think the proceedings of this Epis-
copal committee have been unparalleled
in the history of the church. For the
honor Of the church / hope it may
never occur again. This committee has
been in secret session. 1t was meet
ing for execution. I think that one of
the dangers of our church to-day is in
keeping secret what ought to be pub
lished. What was to be said about
these great men? Have they been
guilty of any impropriety? The COM
they wished to say things that should
not be made public. 1 will ask the
chairman Of the committee on Episco-
pacy to say whether it is so or not"
DR.. Buckley in a very agitated man
ner said that he declined to be ques-
toned.
The previous question was ordered
and DIR. Buckley was given permission
to reply to DR.. Lanahan. He said:
'sOur report was voted for by all of our
committee of 130 save five members.