The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1904-05-27
RESIGNATION OF
DR. DAY ACCEPTED
Was Recently Elected a Bishop at
Methodist General Conference.
RESIGNATION UNEXPECTED
DIR. DAY a. Chancellor al the SYRIA
cusc University, aud Desired 10
Continue in the work Of
Christian Education.

Los Angeles Cal. May 2i.-The
Methodist general conference al the
opening of its fourth and last weeks
labor found itself confronted with a
hduty almost unprecedented in the his
tory OF the Methodist church. that OF
acting upon the resignation Of one OF
Its bishops-elect Rev. James r Day,
chancellor of the Syracuse university,
who on last Saturday was CHOSEN as
the last of the eight bishops elected
by the present conference. resigned his
place in he episcopal board and was
excused. al his request. from further
attendance on the conference.
Besides acting ON Bishop Days resig
ration. the conference heard the report
Of the tellers on The vote taken Satur-
DAY afternoon for three missionary
bishops, which Swallowed the election
of DR. l. b. Scott as an additional mis-
sionary bishop TO Africa. and Or Will
lam T. Oldham and Dr. John II Rob
inson as additional missionary bishops
in southern Asia
since my election DR. Day said. II
have thought of nothing for scarce
ly a moment. but my duty TO the
church. OF which you are the chosen
representatives. and | could not more
profoundly and sincerely revere your
friendship which has placed me under
a sense of obligation that dwarfs my
powers 10 pay this debt Of gratitude
| have the witness within myself that |
am not influenced by material adyan-
tage OF honor These are TOO uncer-
tain. evanescent and remote 10 be con-
sidered for a moment in matter OF
great import But new factors are in
every problem. they solve my duty. |
must return to the work of Christian
education II has come TO me within
the past twenty-four hours as never
before that | am not al liberty 10 lay
aside the experience and discipline
which ten years have brought TO me -
this work II you ask me why | did
not appreciate that before had put
you TO the trouble of my election. can
only say hat some things which for
years have hung around he circuni-
ference OF our thoughts in distance ard
dim Outline suddenly come 10 Us in
revelation. forcing US TO conclusions
I. however. had my decision after open
ing my mind prayerlully 20 appeals ~
duty from every idle and every source
Of light possible ~ me. ! can not con-
scientiOusiy say that ! believe myself
moved by the Holy Ghost 10 take upon
myself the Office ard duties Of bishop
as our law requires OF those who are
consecrated 70 that holy Office and mir
istery bur DO feel myself deeply
moved 10 continue in the work II
Christian education. Therefore. with
the greatest reverence Tor your wisdom
and authority and with keen distress.
that must iisaDpoint hose who have
elected me 20 this high Office. and re-
grettiag 10 have caused a moments de-
lay in your important business and
thanking you without attempting the
impossible task OF finding words ade
Quate 10 express my sense of indebted
ness TO YOU. | submit herewith. most
respectfully. NY resignation OF the Of
fee Of bishop. 10 which YOU nave elect
ed me venture 20 make one reques.
Of you Give me your confidence AMI
belief that have sought honestly to
find my duty in 'he fear OF God ard
my conscience
There was a distinct sensation among
the delegates when DI Day finished
reading his reasons Tor resignation DR..
Buckley was recognized and after stat
ing that ne had unsuccessfully endeav-
ofed in every way possible 10 induce
Bishop-elect Day 10 abandon his in
tention 10 resign. said The conference
has a perfect right 10 nullify its act Of
election He cited as a precedent the
case Of Bishop-elect Joshua SOles. who
was chosen by be general conference
in 1920 and who resigned 5efore being
consecrated lie then rIoyed that
Bishop Days resignation be accepted.
and the conference adopted the motion
without discussion and by a unanimous
vote
Upon request Of Or. Day. the confer
ence then excused him from further at
tendance upon the 'essions. and he will
return al once TO Syracuse.