Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-05-24
FIGHTING M1THODISTS
DEBATERs WHO FURNISH FUN
FOR THE DELEGATES.
First Address by Woman Delegate
Made by Mrs. Nichols Of
Nebraska. +

Special Correspondence Of The Evening Star.
Los ANGELES CAL, May 10. 1904.
The Los Angeles Express "a responsible
for the following: "Just as the brethren
and sisters of the Methodist conference
were about to start in on the election OF
bishops the Daily Christian Advocate, with
thoughtful appropriateness, printed the fol-
lowing pungent quatrain, which appeared
in this mornings issue:
When all the world is peaceful
And things are going right,
Some folks will not he happy
TIL they start another fight.
while the verse is unsigned, we are vio-
lating confidence in announcing the au-
thor as that brilliant debater. Brother J.
M Binny."
This is but specimen of the constant at
tempts of the reporters out here to impress
the public with the fact that, led by the
veteran editor of the New York Christian
Advocate, the great fighters, debaters,
of the Methodist Church are gathered here
in great numbers and are sustaining the
reputation of these extemporaneous
churchmen for tremendous powers in dis
cusson. The other day they represented
great conflict, personal and almost bitter.
as having occurred between those massive
rivals, T. B. Neeley and J. NJ. Buckley. An.
other most vindictive one as having taken
place between Professor Terry of the
Northwestern University and DR.. Munhall,
the evangelist of Philadelphia, over the
question of the higher criticism and the
heresies of the schools of the church. I'm
less the latter be really an exception, these
reporters hardly knew that these reverend
gentlemen in this great council first knock
each other out and then presently join In
amens and hallelujahs In some good class
meeting.
There do seem to be some hot rounds.
Even the laymen and preachers are getting
mixed and pummelling each other nova
days in the debates here, but they ride jov-
tally together in the same car soon after
ward Senator McClelland of New York.
the former democratic leader, had severe
tilt with DR.. Buckley today. The latter, in
an exceedingly polite, but sarcastic speech,
intimated that the senator was not respect
full to the presiding bishop. Senator Nc
Clelland soon got a chance to take him to
task for his insinuation. He wanted sat
isfaction," was always ready to meet the
dcctor'-presumably in debate. The bishop
ruled that the senator had allowed too long
time to pass after the offense had been
committed before noting 1t. according even
to the senator's claim. He had to swallow
his medicine; the theologian had scored it
over the politician. These clashes, how
ever. that furnish good pabulum for the
press. are evidently a delight also to the
immense throngs that occupy the galleries
at Hazards Pavilion. These find much to
thank the doctor in question for In giving
them amusement They seem to eagerly
await his sarcasms. hoping that his victims
will scream, at which they always evidence
delight They almost yelled for joy today,
however, when slim young colored dele
gate got the laugh on Dr. Buckley by re-
ferring to him several times as my
that II the New York leader were not here
nine-tenths of the jam Of the present con-
clave would be wanting He certainly re-
neves the tension of the great occasion.
Election of Bishops.
There was great scene In THE conference
today after the election of Or. Joseph F.
Berry. the popular editor of the Epworth
Herald, as bishop. Eight men were to be
chosen. The vote had been taken and cam
vassed. and the conference was In special
afternoon session to hear the result of the
ballot 1t was announced that out of 100
votes DR.. Buckley had received 5S1, and was
therefore elected: the only man on the ball
lot that had passed. A great and spon-
taneous ovation took place. rClapping of
motion two ~ oa the Of On
below to conduct the bishop-elect to the
platform. The chatauqua salute was al
most universal as he assembled the plat
form to his new sphere
By the bye, it was gladly noted by his
many friends here that DR.. Luther B. VIII
son. so well and favorably known at the
national capital as presiding elder and pas
tor of several churches there, received on
the first ballot the splendid number of 10
votes. HIS friends are moving to comnass
his election, sure that he will worthily fiji
the hign ONCE The telegraph has already
at this writing, heen taken. The result has
not yet Teen announced. On Thursday. the
entire eight vacancies in the board of bish-
ops will have been filled There was
special season of prayer this morning for
divine direction in the important matter.
The name of Mrs. M. d. Nicholl of Ne
braska Will go down into history as that of
the first woman to ascend the rostrum of
Methodist general conference to present
set of re solutions for adoption and make
formal speech in their support Mrs. Mich
oils is OF medium size, was simply yet rich
~ dressed and has a graceful movement
She has pleasant and thoroughly intelli-
gent face, young, though framed in abund-
ant gray hair, and bore herself with modest
yet complete confidence. A round of ap-
plause greeted her recognition by the chair
and her ascent-to the place of speaking She
spoke clearly and was heard by most in the
house. a profound silence ensuing at the be-
ginning of her utterances. Her resolutions
related to more specific training in rever-
ence for the restrictions of law as necessary
for both church life and, citizenship. Her
address was a good one and was appre-
ciatively received. By unanimous vote her
resolutions were passed and she descended
from the rostrum amid renewed applause.
The female delegates have conducted them
selves admirably up to the present time.
They are evidently set of level-headed
sisters end have honored their principles
and newly exalted position. Reports have
been .iicd in favor of the appointment by
the bishops OF = commission with power to
Soisoi.nate the took concerns, should they
deem 1t best; also reports by majority of
the committee on the itineracy In favor of
restoration of the time limit to four years
and by minority, recommending that no
change be made A great debate will doubt
less occur when they are taken up
The committees on the greater subjects of
legislation SO weil-kaown as having come
before the body, have been hard at work
and have largely reported their conclusions
With the elections progressing and these re-
ports mp for consideration between the bal
lots rapid progress will be made, SO that
no difficulty is anticipated In adjourning at
the date today agreed upon. Monday, May
Family Linen as Collateral.