Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-25
OPPOSED TO PENSIONS
COLoRED METHoDISTS DISAP-
PROVE Ex-sLAvE BILL.
Resolutions Not Intended to Reflect
on Integrity Of Senator Hanna
Conference Closes Tonight.

Resolutions disappearing the movement
for the passage of a bill pensioning ex-
slaves and criticising some of its promoters
were adopted at the session this morning OF
the Philadelphia and Baltimore conference
of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion
Church. which began at Union Wesley
Church. on 23d street, last Wednesday, and
which will come to close this evening. The
delegates were in session less than two
hours, 1t having been arranged that today
should be devoted to social features. Ac-
cordingly the conference disposed of only
the most important matters, and imme-
diately thereafter the delegates and visitors
repaired to the city wharves, where
steamer was boarded for a trip to Indian
Head.
At the conclusion of the usual morning
devotional exercises, led by Bishop Clinton,
the delegates were called to order by Rev.
J. S. Caldwell, general stewart Of the con-
ference. Upon the disposition of several
matters concerning the financial standing
OF the body, Rev. A. G. Washington Of Bal
timore. Md. introduced a resolution to the
effect that 'the conference denounce the
scheme, known as The ex-Slave Pension
Bill Movement which Is being circulated
by certain of our people,"
Advocates Adoption Of Resolution.
Rev. DR.. Bolding and Rev. DR.. Johnson,
both OF this city. spoke in favor of the
adoption Of the resolution, explaining that
the measure was not meant to reflect upon
the integrity of Senator Marcus A. Hanna
OF Ohio. the author of the ex-slave pension
bill. but against certain colored men.
They declare that the colored people in
the rural districts Of the country especial
ly In the south. had of late been defraud-
ed Of their hard earned wages by men
who painted ford pictures of the large
sums of money the ex-slaves will receive
when the bill is passed by Congress With
this argument. the speakers declared,
money had been exacted, because Of the
1ll1teracy of the victims.
The speakers further declared that It is
absurd and ridiculous to think that Con-
gress will appropriate money for the pen
sioning Of ex-slaves, and said that II slaves
were to be pensioned the people of the
south-the former owners-should do 80.
That the speakers voiced the sentiments
OF the assemblage was evidenced by the
loud applause which followed the con-
clusfon of their remarks, and the reSolu-
ton was unanimously adopted.
A resolution was also adopted thanking
THE Evening Star for the excellent and
fair reports Of the proceedings Of the con-
ference, published in that newspaper"
Business Matters Considered.
After the election Of Rev. Drs. 8. w. or
ley Of Avondale. Pa. NJ M. Bell and r. J.
Daniels of this city. q. L. Blackwell Of
Philadelphia and E. H. Curry Of Carlisle,
Z d., dS HleIlDeTS Oh the general missionary
board the morning session came to a close.
After luncheon the assemblage left for In
dian Head. the steamer leaving the wharf
at o'clock this afternoon.
The final session of the conference will be
held this evening, beginning at 7;3O clock
when the appointments for the coming year
will be announced.
The ordination of elders and deacons oc-
CURED at 8 o'clock yesterday afternoon,
Bishops Clinton and Walters being the
speakers for the occasion.
Messrs. /. H. Dorsey and Thomas Innis,
both of this city. were ordained deacons, in
accordance with the report Of the commit
tee on first and second-year studies, and
the Rev. R. F. Fisher OF ChambersburR
Pa; the Rev. George NJ Oliver OF Phila-
delphta. the Rev. Franklin Pierce of Avon
dale. Pa, and the Rev. Roy Mohr of Car
ISLE Pa. were ordained as elders by virtue
fourth-year studies.
Memorial Service.
Memorial exercises In honor of those who
died during the year were held Immediately
after the ordination ceremonies. Resolu-
tions condoling the deaths Of Rev. Drs g.
W. Wales of Baltimore, Md, and I. R.
Johnson of Philadelphia, Pa, were adopted.
1t was decided at the meeting Saturday
evening that the next annual session of the
conference shall be held in Salisbury, Nd.
the second Wednesday in June next year.
Much interest conferred in the selection of
place of meeting, as q number Of dele
gates desired to have the session held in
their respective home cities.