The Topeka state journal., 1898-10-22
CHURCHIN THE LEAD.
Episcopalians Prepare for New Re
sponsibiIities of Expansion.

spOnSibilitieS of Expansion.
Washington, Oct 22.-The increased
responsibilities of the Episcopal church,
through the changed conditions of Gu
ba, Porto Rico, Hawaii and the Philip
pines, was presented to the general con-
vention yesterday in the report of a
special committee appointed to consider
the condition Of affairs in these outlying
islands. As to Hawaii the joint COM
nittee reported that the status was not
q simple one, owing to joint action with
the church of England, which had been
entered upon by agreement with the
late bishop Of California. Without ex-
pressing an opinion as to the ultimate
church work in Hawaii, as part of the
United States, the committee recon-
mended that good faith required con-
ference with the church of England be-
fore entering upon independent work.
Concerning Porto Rico, the committee
reported that the existing political So
cial and religious conditions were such
as to warrant immediate action.
There is a. church at Ponce under the
direction of the church of the England
and the committee was informed by a
United States army officer that there
was no objection to turning over this
church to the American church.
1T is reported the report proceeds,
that the educated classes have broken
away from the church of Rome and are
anita agOnistic to its priesthood"
The committee proposed a resolution
that missionary work begin in Porto
Rico after conference with the bishop
of Antigua
The conditions in Cuba. the commit
tee reported, were practically the same
as in Porto Rico. Some help had already
been given the Cuban people by the
church missionary society. In view of
the desirability Of full information the
committee recommended a joint COM
mission to consider the subject. The
committee also pointed out that at
tentiOn must be given to Cuba not only
cir Of Init tot F,TT+
possibly as an independent, self-govern-
ing country.
Concerning Hayti, Mexico, Brazil and
other countries, it was recommended
submitted to a joint commission of
three bishops, three clergymen and
three laymen.
The report caused some controversy.
The California and Oregon deputies de-
sired immediate action as to Hawaii,
pointing out that pOstpOnement might
lead to serious results. 1t was proposed
that a nearing be given to Mr. Osborn,
who was present, in behalf of the Ha-
waiian church. This was tabled on the
statement that such a hearing would
open up some personal dissensions ex-
listing in the Hawaiian church. The
committee recommendations finally
were upheld and its several resolutions
adopted.
Among the propositions adopted were
those establishing a new missionary
district in KiOto, Japan; discontinuing
further revision of the hymnaI, agree
ing to further conference with bishops
on final date of adjournment, and
special committee to report on the
question of a standard Bible.
The establishment of the general fea-
lures of a judicial system for the
church came up on the consideration of
article TX of the proposed revision of
the constitution. As finally presented
the article provides courts for trying
bishops, presbyters and deacons. courts
of review and an ultimate court of aD-
peals to consider questions of doctrine,
faith and worship. The main criticism
was directed against the clause provid-
ang that bishops shall be tried by "bish-
ops only" The clause was retained af-
ter much discussion and a vote.
The house of bishops agreed on a
committee of five bishops-South Dako-
ia, New Mexico and Arizona the Platte,
Spokane and Duluth-to prepare code
Of canOnS for missionary districts.
About one month ago my child, which
is fifteen months old, had an attack of
,f.aI T