Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-05-30

CHICAGO, May 29.-The twenty
third delegated quadrennial conference
of the Methodist Episcopal Church
came to an end to-day. after session
of four weeks. The conference is con-
sldered to have been one of the most
noteworthy since the days when Meth
odlsm was divided over the slavery
question, and has resulted in many
radical changes in the laws and policy
OF the church. The conference was the
largest in the history of the church.
and its sessions were attended by thou
sands.
Principal among the important ac-
lions of the conference We're the aboIi-
ton OF the time limit on pastorates:
the ratification of the equal-represen-
tatlon amendment as proposed by the
ROCK River conference, together with
the seating of the provisional lay DEL
egates; the adoption of a new consti-
tuition, including the substitution of
the words LAY members for the term
"laymen," thus permitting the seating
or women in the general conference:
ana the election Of two additional mis-
slonary bishops. There was a huge
amount of routine business which was
practically settled in committee.
The first day Of the conference, MAY
z, saw laymen and preachers given
equal representation. Under the belief
that this would be done, provisional
delegates were on hand, and were, fol-
lowing this action, admitted as regular
lay delegates, making the 1900 confer
ence the largest of its kind in the his
tory OF the church.
Or great interest to Methodists was
the abolition, total and unconditional
or the five, year limit on pastorates.
One thing the conference did not do
was to modify paragraph 243 of the
discipline, which, among other things.
forblds attendance upon theatres, cir
cuses and dancing.
The report of the Committee on Ed
ucatlon, which was under discussion
at last nights session, was taken up
for final action to-day. An amend
ment offered by DR.. Jordan, of South
Dakota, requiring the University SEN
ate OF the church to recognize certif-
Gates from students from other than
Methodist colleges presenting them
selves for examination for the minis
try caused considerable discussion.
The report as amended was finally
adopted.
The conference also approved the
authorization of unordained ministers
to perform the marriage ceremony.
Reports of minor Importance were re-
pplWn from "a OIL
adopted. The delegates then INDUCED
in little amusement by auctioning off
the table SCARED by the bishops gavel
during the four weeks session. The
table was made by the boys of the
Manual training school at Venice. 1t
was disposed of for $500.
Debate on proposed changes in the
ratio of representation to general con-
ferences consumed much time. Argu-
ments were made in favor of the ma
jority report recommending a change
in the ratio of one delegate to every
sixty preachers instead of one dele
gate to every forty-five preachers as
now prevails. 1t was contended that
the present body was unwieldy. This
statement was vigorously combatted
by several speakers and the conference
by an overwhelming vote decided to
make no change.
At II O'Clock all businss was laid
on the table and the usual compliment
tary resolutions attendant upon clos
ing sessions were adopted. The ven
cradle Bishop Bowman, now superan-
nuated, then made brief address of
parting to the delegates. The min
utes of to-day's meeting were read and
the roll was called. A brief prayer
by Bishop Warren followed and short
~ before l o'clock the general confer