Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-05-20
BISHOP MELVILLE JACKSON.
statement as tn why He was he-
uuested to Resign His Office.

MONTGOMERY, ALA, My 19.-(Spe-
al.)-Assistant Bishop II. NJ Jackson
lives in the country five miles from
Eufaula, In the southeastern part of the
State. For some time past there has
been complaint OF indifference on his part
to his work and failure on his part to
visit parishes where candidates were
ready for confirmation.
This spring he entered upon visitations
over the diocese and has been preaching
and working with unusual vigor. During
this time when complaints We're made
against him. excuses were offered OF Sc
rious sickness. which incapactated him.
There was qualification expressed al his
renewed interest IN his work, and hope
was entertained that he might overcome
the widespread dissatisfaction that had
been created.
On Saturday before last Easter he drove
in from his home to take a train in
Eufaula I'm order to reach an apopint-
rnent for next day In North Alabama. He
got out of his carriage. and when on the
street persons who saw him report that
he was barely able TO walk. This report
spread over the town and over the State.
The vestry Of st. James church wrote
sent u copy Of their letter to Bishop Jack
son.
Current rumOr Is that Bishop Jackson
claims 10 have been sick for day or two
at home, and unable to eat. and !hat on
starting OF he took a drink OF whskey
IN an empty stomach, which produced the
distressing result now 50 widely known.
II j. understood that he makes no de-
NAL Of his condition on the occasion re-
ferred to- but pleads sickness and weak
ness as the cause.
The diocesan council met at Admission
on May Sd. Bishop Wilmer, although 81
years Of age and quite feeble. was present
md presided. Bishop jackson was
not present at the opening Of the council.
but telegraphed that the alarming illness
IF his father (who lives with HIM pre-
vented his leaving home. On the first
day of the council, and after religious
services. Bishop Wilmer requested all the
clergy TO meet him. No laymen were
present. and 1t was his intention. as far
As possible, to confine to the clergymen
knowledge Of what was done. 1t soon
Lecame known, however, that the clergy
mad unanimously requested Bishop Jack
sons resignation. This was done in a
kindly, Christian manner, and with Il
promise 10 aid him in securing from the
council a stipulation for a portion of the
salary he now receives for five years TO
come.
Next morning. Bishop jackson. having
been wired, appeared. There was much
consultation Of the clergy with him. lay
men also met him, but they did not refer
10 the subject which was uppermost in
their minds. During the day Bishop Jack
son addressed note to the Clerical Com
mittee. which was acting for all. 10 the
effect that the matter was OF 80 serious
a character he must have time to con-
slider. and that in due time he would give
his reply.
SO far as the public knows. nothing
more has been done. Some prominent
clergymcn have been 10 sec Bishop Jack
son, and, it is reported, have urged him
To resign.
NOT IN NORFOLK.
NORFOLK VA, May l9.--(Special.)-
The reported action olthe Diocesan Coun-
ell OF Alabama in requesting Bishop Co.
adiutor Jackson 10 resign. has greatly
stirred up Norfolk churchmen. The Bishop
: very well known here. He mar
ried once into a Norfolk family, and until
a few wears ago his father was a resident
~ Norfolk. None of his relatives lor
,riands here can conceive OF any reason
,or the request FOR his resignation except
his IN health. IL was reported that he
moo ,n Norfolk to-day. but his brother
nd other relatives have no such informa-
81.