The times., 1898-10-19
SOME CONVENTION SKETCHES

VINO nave attracted -natlOnal attention
since the beginning of the triennial Epis-
copal convention by reason of their per-
sistent advocacy of opposing measures In
connection with the proposed revision of
the church canon on marriage and di-
vorce are the Right Rev. Henry Goldman
Potter. Bishop of New York, and the
Right Rev. William C. Doane, Bishop OF
Albany. 1t is doubtful II in the entire
house there are two men who differ more
In personal characteristics or whose trend
of thought and endeavor, as exemplified
by the recent discussion, is more at va
rance with that suggested to the casual
observer by the men themselves than
they.
Bishop Doane is portly and forid. His
broad face is full of geniality, kindness,
and good humor. his eyes have twinkle
suggestive of incessant merriment, and
his laugh is infectious. His voice is deep,
full, and resonant. In repose he is the
personification of good nature; in debate
he is eloquent earnest, and impressive
He Is one of the few bishops In the Amer
lean Episcopate who wears the shorts
and this adds still further to his striking
appearance. Altogether he IS u man from
whom one would expect the most liberal
and indulgent Interpretation of church
laws.
But in the discussion of the question of
revision of the church canon on maria ge
and divorce he led those who believed in
so radical change as TO make remar-
riage after divorce a crime against the
church, punishable by the equivalent of
communication. In the report which he
presented and for the adoption of which
he battied SO strenuously Monday after
noon. he advocated an almost radically
literal Interpretation of the letter of the
law laid down by Christ.
Bishop Doane's adversary and the
leader of the minority, Bishop Potter,
whose diocese embraces the wealthies;
and most fashionable parishes in the
United States, is man of distinctly OPP
posite type. He Is classic of priesthood
scrupulously conventional as to attire,
unvaryingly courteous, but absolutely
unbending. intellectually and self con-
troll are striking in his personality From
/ his appearance one would expect him &c
promulgate the most rigorous views OF
| the duties of the laity TO the church, bu,
I his minority amendment to the reported
( substitute for the marriage canon, which
/ was adopted once but afterward rejected
was even more liberal in spirit than the
/ canon which now prevails.
A rather good story is told about BishoI
| Doane and another member of the house
from the Middle States, who is fond of &
I good joke, as many of the venerable gen.
/ tlemen.s)f the church are. Bishop Doant
1 addresses his colleagues with whom he /:
I on especially familiar terms by the name
of their diocese, instead of by their sur.
| names, and in correspondence frequently
makes use of his own and other titles.
! 1t is related that on one occasion ht
wrote a letter to the other bishop re-
! ferred to and in signing it used the tern
William, of Albany instead of his
name. His correspondent promptly re-
! piled to the letter and in his answer said:
1T is really too bad, bishop, that you
| are not of the Western Diocese of your
/ State instead of Albany. If you were
| you might very appropriately sign your
self Buffalo Bill. "
I The most popular clergyman in attend
/ ance on the general convention. among
the members of the press. at least. is the
/ Rev. DR.. Hart, secretary of the House OF
/ Bishops. DIR. Hart has become a fixture
| In the triennial meetings of that body,
| and his selection for the position by ac-
| clamation is looked forward to with more
| certainty even than pre-arranged legis-
/ lation.
His popularity among the newspaper
/ men is all the greater tribute TO his per-
sonaI charm because he is in duty bound
| to suppress a great deal more informa-
! ton than he gives out. The deliberations
| of the House of Bishops are held behind
| closed doors, and the duty OF making
| public whatever is desirable devolves
| upon the secretary.
| DR. Hart discharges 1t with such fidelity
| but with such never failing courtesy and
! good nature that he wins the regard OF
| everyone. He assemblies reporters around
| him after each adjournment and gives
| them a synopsis of what has happened
during the session. going over intricate
| points as many times as are necessary
to insure a perfect understanding OF
| the matter. joking and laughing with
boyish enthusiasm as he skillfully parties
! the efforts of the inquistive ones to
| probe more deeply into some questions
| that they should not. His hair is silvery
white, but he is youthful looking, not
withstanding, and his step is light and