Evening journal., 1898-04-01
MINISTERIAL DIPLOMACY.

Rev. j. A. B. Wilson is now out on
the Pacific slope, but, IL the Way
farer is correctly informed, he con-
finues to play not exactly fine Italian
hand, but something heavier, in shap-
ing the destinies OF men in the Will
mington Conference, and in paying
scores OF several years standing.
II will be remembered that Mr.. Will
son was pretty much of a bull in the
Methodist china shop whil engaged in
work on the Peninsula. Being a man OF
robust appearance, fOrcible manner,
strong Will and plain speech, he made
many enemies among the ministers OF
this conference and also many strong
partisans 1t all eliminated in charges
being preferred against him. He was
tried by conference when 1t met in this
city six years ago Bishop Andrews
presiding. Secret sessions were held,
but the newspaper men crawled UP
heater flues in st. Pauls Church,
lodged themselves IN the rafters OF
Grace Church, and, by sundry other
means, made public all the proceed
ings.
While some OF the specifications
against Mr.. Wilson were sustained the
charges were not. He made an apology
TO Rev. n. M. Browne, one of the min
listers about whom he had said unkind
things. and the Wilson faction and the
antiIWilson faction rested easy on
their honors.
Finally Mr.. Wilson accepted call in
New York After he had severed his
connection with Wilmington Confer
nee the old factional feeling died out
to a greater or lesser extent
After being in New York for short
time, Mr.. Wilson's plain speech and de-
termination got him In hot water
again. He ended 1t all by going TO Cali
fornia. Rumors were sent East that
he had some trouble there, but IL he
did Ne fiitst have patched up a peace OF
some Sort for he Is still there
Now for the story Of more recent
date. Bishop Newman, who presided
at the session OF conference just closed
Is from California. Rev. J. A. B. VIII
son Is in California and intimately ac-
quainted with the bishop. William M.
Field, one OF the leading lay members
OF Wilmington Conference, and an ex-
cellent friend OF DIR. Wilson's, spent
some time in California prior to con.
ference.
Rev. Robert Watt. d. D., has been
appointed presiding elder OF WI
mington district. He is an original
Wilson man.
Rev. g. s. Baker received the ap-
pointment OF presiding elder OF Dover
district. Rev. J. "A. b. Wilson alwayl
found in him an earnest supporter.
Rev. w. +. Corkran, another Wilson
adherent, has been appointed presiding
elder OF Easton district
Rev. T. e. Martindale, d. D., an anti
Wilson man, is now in charge Of Sails
bury district.
Now the leading Methodists are ask
ing themselves the question whether or
not this decided Wilson slate was set
up before the bishop left California.
II Is said that Mr.. Wilson aspires Ia
one OF the missionary secretaryships
under the General Conference II has
been customary for Wilmington Con-
ference to send its presiding elders as
delegates to that conference. II the
precedent is adhered to, Mr.. Wilson
will have three OF the four Whining.
ton Conference ministerial delegates tC
help him with voice and vote and tc
explain away any unpleasant scraps o.
history which may be brought III
against him, and he will also control
for six years, the policy OF this con
ference.
The lay delegates will not be electet
until next Spring year. and, with ex
listing conditions, 10 is likely that tn,
old Wilson and aniIWilson fight will
be resumed in new form.
THE CONGO AND HERE.
Yesterday the Wayfarer was readinl
magazine article on life an,