New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-02-19

which they are making appeal The issue,
however which ia raised Ivy the resolutions Is
clear and definite. The 22O clergy, whose ordi
nation vows pledged them TO obey their Bishops.
deliberately declared that they would be COM
PEELED by their consciences 10 disobey the com
mands Of the united Episcopate. II they are
allowed 10 carry out their threat Of overt re-
bellion he authority OF the Bishops in the
Church Will be at an end and every clergyman
viii be licensed 10 set UP his own standard Of &C
ton and to do what he likes.
As is Inevitable In every ecclesiastical wrangle
there has been much irrelevant discussion 81
minor points. Mr. Kensit has been accused Of
,ranlcking IN obscene literature. and Lady VIM
bcrno's story OF donkey which was led in pro-
cession Palm Sunday through a Ritualistlc
church has been reiterated and cInuhatically
contradicted. There have been passionate de-
clamatory TRADES against secret societies and
Jesuitica intrigues IN the English Church and
there have been counter-charges OF an open ALI
ance between the Church Association and the
Liberation Society. and Of the systematic pack
ing OF the Albert Han Protestant meeting with
intolerant non-conformsts hostile TO the Es-
tablished Church There has been q hue and
CRY on one side against compulsory confession
before Communion and materastc supcrsti-
opposite quarter there had been deciamatory
platitudes against Protestant crusaders. who
violate the law Of the Church in ncglecting to
war chasube and cope TO hold daily service
morning and evening. and "to move every sick
parishioner to make special confession Of his
sins. and to pronounce the strong form OF abso-
luton. The controversial points are lunumer-
able, and here Is neither sweetness nor light IN
discussing them; but high above them all is the
paramount issue Of the necessity for ;hc en-
forcement Of discipline in a Church established
by law. That is the question upon which Sir
William Harcourt has succeeded in concentrate
ing public attention If the Bishops cannot
solve it speedily. the way Will be- opened for
disestablishmenl.
D1sEsTABL1sHMENT LOOMING Up.
This is the one question which deeply concerns
the English people when Parliament reassem-
bles, and there is not word abou, it in the
Queens Speech Fourteen legislative proposals
are mentioned not one Of which really interests
the public With a single exception. the London
bill. these measures could be introduced with
equal propriety by a Ministry of either political
party. II is a safe programme Of remnants and
odds and ends which will neither inspire enthu-
sasm nor excite partisan hostility The relg-
ious question is highly dangerous from a party
point Of View. and consequently II is carefully
kept out OF sight. 1t is especially dangerous
thing for the Conservative party 10 take up for
the old-fashioned churchman has always been
natural Tory, and he is now profoundly dis
tUrbed by the menace OF an impending crisis In
the Established Church. Ministers forcsee that
party allegiance and discipline VIII bc al an end
whenever this burning question is raised v Par
Lament and they are bringing great pressure 10
bear upon the Bishops 70 keep II outside and 20