Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1904-05-23
BIG SENSATION
AMONG METHOD|STS
Bp James R. Day, Eighth and
Last Bishop Elected, Re-
signs,
ALL COMPLETELY SURPRISED.
An Unhappy Incident Was Largely the
Cause-Granted Permission to Re.
tire to Syracuse

Los Angeles, Cal, May 28.-Blshop
James r. Day the eighth and last
bishop elected by the episcopal board
by the present Methodist general con
ference, resigned his place upon that
board this morning and asked perms-
sion OF the conference to retire from
further attendance.
The resignation of Bishop Day fur.
nlshed the most profound sensation Of
the conference thus far. ii came as a
complete surprise to every one except
few friends with whom he had consult
ed regarding his determination, and his
statement which preceded his action
was listened to by the delegates and
crowded galleries with intense interest.
When Bishop Foss, who was presid-
ing, asked the conference 60 hear
statement from Bishop-elec Day, as
matter OF personal privilege, the as
sembly appeared to divine that some
thing out Of the usual order was about
TO happen. and Immediately granted
permission, DR., Day, who occupied
seat among the bishops on the platform,
came TO the front of the stage and In
a tense and impressive tone OF vOlce,b
gan his statement
DIR. DAYS STATEMENT.
II do not believe" said Or. Day that
any man In this conference will charge
me with disloyalty to my conscience
and to my God, l believe that every
one will concede that | am actuated by
honest motives and that am fulfilling
ms IatNN In fal he,
about to take. | wish to make II clear
that there has been no coercion by the
board of trustees of my university and
that material considerations do not in
any way enter into this matter. | am
acting solely on the dictates Of my con-
science and have arrived at u conclu-
sion only after two days of earnest and
prayerful consideration, during which
time | have left my room only for my
meals and did not seek the advice or
counsel OF any of my friends until / had
fully made up my mind"
DR.. Day then read formal document
addressed to the general conference
rendering his resignation as bishop
elect of the Methodist Episcopal church
After thanking the conference Tor It's
patient consideration In hearing his
predatory remarks, he said in part:
HIS REASONS.
when / came to this general confer
ence | was told by some Of my friends
that | would be voted for ana possibly
elected as a member Of the episcopal
board. l determined 10 keep my mind
open on the subject and at no time
reached a conclusion as to my duty In
the matter until after the third ballot.
then felt at liberty to withdraw my
name and did 80. In spite of this, my
friends kept my name before the con-
ference and when on Saturday morn
Ing, a most unhappy incident occurred, !
| was astonished to see votes again |
going to me, l wished then again to |
make public withdrawal of my name,
but was earnestly besought by my |
have thought OF nothing but my duty |
to the church, of which you are the
II am not influenced by material |
There are new factors |
In my problem. | must return to the !
work of Christian education. ] do not |
feel myself called to take up the work |
Of a bishop. hereby tender my resig- |
nation OF the Office of bishop and ask |
the confidence OF this general confer |
ence."
A MURMUR OF SURPRISE.
There was a murmur Of surprise |
among the delegates, which was stllled |
In a moment by the voice Of DIR. j. NJ, |
Buckley, seeking recognition of the |
chair. DR.. Buckley began by reading |
The last paragraph In statement made |
20 the conference by Dr. Day on last
saturday, concerning O newspaper ar
.lcle which had 10 do with an alleged
liberation between DIR. Day and Prof.
Haddie, az follows.
81 stand upon those principles today.
But / did not after having given you
his incident, after having appealed TO
iour kindness and your fairness / am
lot capable OF permitting you 10 vote
or me for the episcopal office. | most
would not have any one by
he remoteat hint or thought feel that
would use any such incident 10 pro-
note myself 20 that high Office
DR.. Buckley stated that he had had
10 conversation with Or Day until sun
lay evening and then had endeavored
n every way 10 induce him 70 abandon
lis determination to resign.
hut" said DR.. Buckley when A.
nan puts his action upon his conscience
md duty 10 God. argument is futile.
md II insisted upon, becomes imperti.
lent"
Or. buckley then quoted n paragraph
4 the discipline to show that Or Day
vas not desiring the office OF bishop,
tut only the eligibility to that ONCE, as |