New-York tribune., 1901-04-14

II looks now as If the Protestant Episcopal de-
nomination in this country might be going to
have a church trial of imposing proportions
its hands, for less than seven bishops will
be the defendants; and Of far reaching conse-
ouences. for it seems TO involve the question OF
who has and who has not authority over the
individual bishops between the meetings Of the
general convention. All the trouble has arisen
over the conservation last November Of Heber
Weller, jr, as Bishop Coadjutor Of the Diocese
of Fond du Lac, in Wisconsin. The Tribune
nrinted a picture of that interesting ceremony
which caused much comment. The vestments
worn by the celebrants were picturesque enough,
but rather strange to Protestant Episcopal eyes
in the East. 1t was quickly charged by many
persons that these vestments We're unwarranted
by the usages of the Church.
BISHOP cLARK's DISCLAIMER.
The issue thus raised was considered i'm
portant that Thomas NJ Clark. Presiding Bishop
of the Church. thought it proper to make a pub
lie disclaimer of responsibility. which he did
in the following words:
Bishops House, Providence. r. l.
As the recent conservation Of the Bishop Coad-
tutor of Fond du Lac held under the authority
Predng p ss BahoP Of the Church mysf Called
upon 70 disclai any for for the me T3ra ra
duction of vestments haTIng no suthoriy OF use In
the Churcn. 1HodaS Cl-SfetN
Now the seven bishops who took part in that
picturesque conservation ceremony did not like
the action of Bishop Clark. They quite
willing that none Of the responsibility should
rest on him, but they disagreed entirely with
the view that any responsibility could possibly
have rested on him. They take exception to his
calling himself the Presiding Bishop of the
Church, since, to their mind. it smacks OF
assumption of authority them which they
will not for enc moment allow, and which they
vigorously repudiate.
THESE ARE THE SEVEN.
These seven bishops are:
William z. McIaren. Bish-l Joseph NJ. Francis. Bishop
&C Grafton. Bishop Of arthur L Williams. Bishop
Isaac Lea Nicholson. Bish- Charles P Anderson BIsh-
G. Mott Williams, Bishop OF
They have just sent letter to Bishop Clark
stating their case, assuming full responsibility
for the conservation ceremony demanding a
trial on the charges that they transgressed the
canoncal law and expressing a willingness to
abide by any decision given if they are found
guilty.
THEIR LETTER A STRONG ONE.
Their letter says in part:
hcccPt anu dPl'ioso soOt oiS-
caimer Of responsibility. because, propose
10 snow. responsibility rested upon you as pre-
siding bishop in connection with the conservation
al Fond du Lac. after you had sent the commission
TO those who consecrated the bishop coadjutor-
elect
We would have asked your attention, to this fact.
as Well as to other portions OF your letter, at an
earlier date. had we not resolved TO refrain from
broad. tolerant and inclusive spirit which was
Characteristic Of the Reformation settlement, and
Is SO necessary to the peace and growth Of the
church. had resumed sway.
The heading Of your letter announces il to be
an official communication Although addressed
10 the public and not to US, its reference to
selves, well the character of its averments.
compel US 10 take respectful notice of it, with
every assurance of our fraternal regard for your
SELF as brother in the episcopate, but with pro-
found surprise that you should have formed and
expressed opinions concerning the conservation Of
6shop coadjutor at Fond du Lac (Which opinions
reject upon seven Of your brethren), without such
olrect and penary information touching our action,
individual collective, could easily have been
secured by you IN order to possess such measure
OF knowledge as would have made an impartial
opinion practicable.