The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-12
ETCHINGS FROM
CURRENT TOPICS,

Bishop Ellison Capers, of South Caro-
Ena is a courageous man and a practical
Christian. These attributes have come
to him by right of Enherdtance. He is
the worthy som Of a noble rather a
father who made the earlier days of the
nineteenth century luminous with his de-
votion to duty, and his deeds of piety.
The name of his father Bishop Capers,
or the Methodist Episcopal church,
south, was synonymous with that of
practical Christianity and through
many years of devout faithfu1ness and
untiring adherence to the duties apper-
tanning to his elevated ecclesiastical Of
tce, Bishop Capers evidences the fact
that the highest, most exalted moral atA
tributes can be transmitted from father,
to son just as readily as Lhe lowest and
most degraded instincts are inherited.
This century has been enriched by the
religion and moral courage of the two
Bishop Capers, and their lives haya
proven that narrow sectandan lines have
little to do with the true development of
a grand Christian character; that the
genuinely pious m=n of every denomfna-
tton are alike and are actuated by the
same impulses for good.
Bishop Capers' recent address to his
clergy of the diocese of South Carolina,
calling upon thsm 10 observe certain
Sunday upon which to arouse their con-
gregations to the fearful frequency of
murders in their state Indicates that he
Is what may be termed robust Chris
tian." in its best sense He has the cour-
age of his convictions. and believes that
the office of bishop ds' intended for q
nobler and more far-reaching purpose
than the wearing of robes. this preaching
OF eloquent sermons and the exercise of
certain rights and privileges that apper-
tain to mo other ecclesiastical position.
Bishop Capers' determination to throw
the influence off his elevated office ON the
side of law and order and to awaken
his clergy to their duty in The premises
recalls those days of the early fathers
when religion meant a constant battle
with the powers of evil and when men
dared to speak the truth, even in kings
houses, although kings might be the
transgressors Like st. Paul of old, Bdsh-
OPP Capers will preach against wicked
ness in high places and he will lead the
righteous crusade against murder and
murderers wherever found in South
Carolina. He has set an example wor-
thy of emulation to every man who has
taken upon himself SOLEMN ministerial
VOWS and duties.
This brave position of Bishop Capers
indicates his patriotism as we'll as his
religion. Because he loves his state and
his people he is d. termined, as far as
H. ~ -ieA A.
pages of her history the foul, crimson
stains thas mar her record and that stand
as a reproach and humiliation against
an otherwise honorable citizenship.
Bishop Cap=rs has sounded bugle call
which should be answered from the Po-
tomac to the Rio Grande by every south
ern man who loves his home and his
people.
Murder must cease in the south. The
murderer must be punished whether he
comes from the CUTTERS or Ewes in a
palatial home.
Public opinlcn must compel justice
from judges and juries, and public opin-
ion must be formulated by those two
great ministers, the pulpit and the
press.
What Bishop Capers has done other
bishops cam do. All the shocking muir
ders committed during the last quarter
of a century cannot be charged up
against the hot impulsive bGolJd of South
Carolina. Othsr states have criminal
record as dark and degrading as that
which has awakened the outspoken in
dignation of Bishop Capers
And surely there are Christian minis
ters in every southern state of every de-
nomination who will give their Influence
and eloquence to aid this crusade just
inauguratsd in South Carolina.
The shotgun policy has, blunted tho
consciences of "a large majority of south
erners and has faniharized them with
dark, damnable deeds of crime. The
long delays and technical quibblss of
lawyers and courts have caused the peo-
pie TO forget the enormity of many a
transgressl9n. The time has come for
the south to arise in tbs majesty of her
honor and follow the lead of that grand
Christian soldier, Bishop Capers, of
South Carolina, in his effort to stem the
tide of blood that threatens to cover the
land. Bishopt Capsrs has Tough
for his people before; he has
stormed the enemy's breastworlss
and battled for his country in
the trenches and ON the field. He
can be trusted to lead to victory the best
sentiment of the south against the shot
gun policy which has brought shame and
degradation to this fair section. There
should arise a mighty mass that will fol-
low where Bishop Capers leads and that
shall unite with him in saying Murder
must ceass in the SOUTH and the murder
er of every grade must be adequately
punished for his crime"
BALL.
EST0CK SHOW CLOSED.