The Portland daily press., 1898-10-20
EPISCOPAL CONVENTION.
Interesting Debates ON Proposition to
Insert Preamble in Constitution.

Washington, October 19.-While no time
has been set for the final adjournment of
the Episcopal convention the attendance
Is beginning to fall off and deputies are
leaving for home. The question of mar
riage and divorce has not yet been con-
sidered in hall of deputies and there are
evidences that the house of bishops after
having postponed the subject may recon-
slider it tomorrow
An interes ting debate occurred in the
house OF deputies during the afternoon
on a proposition by DR.. Huntington of
New York to insert preamble in the
con stitution. The proposed preamble
began with a devout aspiration and
affirmed the faith of the church in the
y oily Scriptures and its adherence to the
Apostles creed and Nicene creed. DIR.
Huntington explained that the purpose
was to introduce the name OF the Almigh-
ty in the fundamental law Of the church
and also to sum up in this preamble the
spiritual order, as the preamble to the
United States constitution summed up
the social order. The proposition was
sharply opposed on the ground that 1t
| restricted and minimized the faith and
doctrine of the church. After lengthy
debate. the proposed preamble was tabled.
Another proposition, by Mr.. " ilder OF
Minnesota, to insert the words SIN the
name of God amen," as the pream BILE to
the constitution, was adopted. Concur
renoe was given to the minor amend
| nents made by the bishops in the So
called huntington amendment, thus Civ
ing final approval to this important step
toward church unity.
ferred for final adjournment of the con-
vention on the Both inst. The dean of
Hereford, England, was present at the
afternoon session aud was invite to a seat
on the platform.
At the afternoon session OF the bishops,
final action was taken on the establish
| menu OF bishop in Brazil. There has
been division of sentiment as to whether
this bishop should be directly responsible
to the church In the United States or
should be free from responsibility here.
A compromise was finally adopted by
which the church in business will remain
directly responsible to the authorities here
until it has advanced to the point of hay
In, three bishops. at which time, by the
Joint action of these three a national
church for Brazil, independent of super
vision by the United States, may be es-
tablished.
The bishops will hold special COM
munion service at St Johns church to-
after which they will
proceed to elect four missionary bishop,
namely those from Brazil, North Dakota,
Sacrament u and Boise.
The majority report against the creation
of the Southern Indiana missionary do
cese finally was adopted.
The morning session of the house OF
bishops was Important in bringing about
the adoption of what is known as the
Huntington amenoment, looking toward
church unity. The mendment author.
ICES bishops to take under their spiritual
guidance Congregations which accept the
essential tenets of the church, although
they do NOT strictly observe the church
ritual. The amendment was adopted with
minor changes, as part Of the canons in
stead of the constitution. The canons also
were amended in requiring one years
time before ordination instead of six
months. The revision of the constitu-
ton progressed by the adoption Of the
title and articles ten and eleven; also ar
ticles seven and two, as amended by the
deputies. A resolution defining the boun-
daries of Bishop Graves territory was
adontad n