The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1902-05-27
By THE METHODIST GENERAL
CONFERENCE
IGHANGE IN THE BOOK AGENT
DIR. j. G.. e Other Omcers
Observation-Disclosures as to Limit of
Continuous Servfce of Ministers
Tabled-FraternaI Address from
Representative of the African
Methodist Church-The Conference
to Adjourn Tuesday.

Dallas, Texas, May 9Th election
lof correctional officers absorbed the
Interest Of the delegates at today's ses-
sion of the general conference of the
Methodist Episcopal church. south.
The election of senior and junior
book agents today aused spirited con-
tests. r. G.. Bingham, of Georgia, was
detected to SUCCESS DR.. J. G.. Barbee, of
Nashville. Tenn. as the senior book
Iagent, and D. NJ. Smith, Of the firm OF
Barbee ~ Smith, was reelected as
Junior book agent. II. NJ. Dubose was
selected on the frst ballot for the posi-
ton of general secretary of the Ep-
worth League and editor of the Ep-
worth Era. Dr.. Lambert was ele| ted
missionary secretary with practically
no opposition.
At the afternoon session DIR. G. B.
Winton, of Monterey, Mexico. was
elected editor Of The Christian Advo-
Icate. the organ Of the church at Nash
vile. n DR.. j. j. Tigert was re-elect-
ed book editor and editor of The Re-
view.
Much routine business was disposed
of and t is thought that the confer
ence will finish its business and adj
journ not later than Tuesday next.
Bishop Gambler presided at the morn
ing session of the general conference.
calendar work was resumed. the first
business being the consideration of the
resolution to limit the continuance SER
vice of minister's as presiding elders
without special reasons to four years.
rhe whole matter. both the majority
and the minority reports were tabled
and the long discussion was ended by
leaving the discipline as it is.
Professor Healing, of Philadelphia,
traternal lay-dtIegate from the African
NJ. e. church vas presented and deliv-
l"red what W9S conceded to be one Of
the most finished addresses of the con-
ference. He was given an ovation.
participated in by the ~eriscopacy, the
Iclergy and the lay-delegates.
Bishop Gambler responded to the ad-
dress in words which showed he had
a high appreciation of the address.
The conference took up the minority
report of the committee on boundaries.
accommodating the ~ransfer Of the
st. Charles district from the Missouri
to the st. Louis conference. After one
of the most spirited debates over mat
letrS on the calendar hat has taken
place since the assembling of the con-
terence the mil Tor repor was tabled
and the st. Charles district question
referred to the Missouri and st. Louis
conference for mutual adjustment.
DR.. Lambert was reelected mission
airy secretary and DR.. J. D.. Harmon
was reelected educational secretary,
receiving 120 votes. P. H. Wisner was
elected secretary of the church extern
lsion board.
During the afternoon session the con-
ference refused to place limitations on
advertising in Sunday-school litera-
ture. The matter was left to the dis
erection of the committee, as hereto
fore.
The conference also decided to concur
in the memorial of the International
Typographical Union in favor of ar
bitration for labor controversies.