The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-12-10

as u writer. His letters. as published i'm
the religious press, are characterized by
elegance Of style, compendious array of
facts, and practical treatment of subjects
interesting to the religious public As a
preacher, Bishop Hendrix is regarded as
strong, rather than brilliant. His SER
mons ever evangelical, have the plain
steel color of the Damascus blade rather
than the flash of the Kimberley diamond.
We have never seen better parliamenta-
rian than Bishop Hendrix. He is master
of parliamentary law. We have seen him
apparently enmeshed in obstructive par
liamentary tactics. But with firm hand
and cool head he Strengthened out the
tangled threads, saving himself and do
ing full justice TO the measure and all
concerned. Bishop Hendrix has those
social graces which stamp him as the
true gentleman and always make him
favorite in all circles. He is easily
approachable and the preachers find in
him the spirit of sympathy and com
panionship.
The Bishop is in the full flush Of his
manhood. We trust that he may be
for many years. Again, we extend to
LET US SPEAK OUT.
There is mo more vital question before
the American people today than the
seating of Congressman-elect Roberts,
of Utah. He was polygamist before
his election. He is Il polygamist now,
and his recognition in Congress means
the recognition of polygamy 10y the Un;-
ted States government. We do not in
cline to the opinions that Congress has
any right to prevent him from taking
his seat. But we believe that Congress
can unseat him on several grounds, and
that it should be done at once. For
Roberts to take his seat and perform
the functions TO a Congressman would
wgiye to our civilization Il wound which
would prove troublesome, if not deadly.
We trust that the North Carolina Con
ference will speak with no uncertain
voice on the question. Obstacles will
I've thrown in the way. we have no
doubt. But when wrong is to be
righted obstacles cannot be considered
Much has been said about a certain
character called the Sultan of Sulu, who
is ruler of a little island somewhere in
the great Philippine group. 1t is said
that we cannot consistently say any
thing in the Roberts case because of the
treaty made by this Government with
the Sultan of Srlu. and recognizing
slavery. polygamy. etc. Now, we win
say that we have no idea that such
a treaty has been made. When was it
ever before Congress? When did Presi-
dent Mckinley ever sanction any treaty
or arrangement with the Sulta nrecog-
nizing the aforementioned evils: No.
we believe this is all talk. Even if it
were true, it should not hush the cry
of our people against the black crime
of polygamy at our doors.
THE DEAD.
Death has reaped a large harvest in
our Conference field this year.
Cunningham, Reeks, Hooker. Troy,
Herman, Holden and Abernethy-
all gone in one short year!
How we will miss the mat Con-
ference. Yet we will have them with us
not only in spirit, but in the influence of
their lives and labors. Then, BRO. w. II.
Branson, for so long a useful member Of
the Conference. left us in the at winter.
His was n rich and useful life. Then
we have lost useful laymen all over the