New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-05-08
METHODIST PROBLEMS.
Time Limit for Ministers q Large
One-Tribute to Mckinley.

Los Angeles. May THE end OF the first
week OF the thirty-hrst General Conference of the
and many details disposed OF and the great gath
ering nearly ready to take up the more important
work before II. All the standing committees have
been organized. and many CT them have appointed
their subcommittee and mapped out the work
signed to their special attention
In the first sessions of the leading committees
one question above all others has been brought
prominently TO the front. II is the question
whether or not the present conference shall restore
the ministerial time limit OF three five years or
permit the present plan Of unlimited tenure. which
was adopted at the General Conference four years
ago, to continue. The bishops in their annual adj
dress touched on this question. but refraned from
expressing any opinion that could be construed by
the conference taking either side. and yet
there has been no authoritative statement the
subject from any one in the conference.
The committee itinerary has this question in
charge. and the temper Of the members. as shown
at the first meeting when it preached Indicated
that all would be harmonious in the disposal OF
this problem Many OF the annual conferences
have addressed memorials TO the General Confer
ence asking ii to take action and either the
three years or five years limit. Ten memorials
were read by the secretary OF the committee on
itinerary at the first meeting. and many times this
number will probably be fled with the sub-commit-
tee which has the matter in hand before final
action Is taken IN committee next Friday There
seems 10 be growing sentiment IN the membership
OF the church. according 10 many OF the delegates
that the historic system Of tnerant ministry is in
danger Of being destroyed by an unlimited pastoral
service. This sentiment has had its effect on many
OF the delegates In addition a considerable number
Of ministers who in less desirable fields and an
army OF Iaynnen who have less popular pastors are
asking for a time limit that will give them the
benefit Of a change. On the other hand. strong.
conservative leaders. Ike Drs. Buckley. Cpham.
King Day and Little. and the younger pastors.
Ike Drs- Eckman. Downey, Anderson and Hughes.
who now serving beyond the old five years
limit in their favorite parishes. will endeavor to
hold the church to four years further trial OF
unlimited service
number OF memorials. resolutions and petitions on
various subjects to occupy session lasting twice
as long as that planned fayorite theme is the
Sbis pan, PeT lirs .Gs r cb as Oh
one memorial from Nebraska IS submitted asking
changed from life 10 twelve years This question
has beer discussed before but il is not likely that
Il will be seriously considered by the present con-
ference Other memorials call FOR more rigid dis
o ogs Fl aed Favor more liberal 9ihss
The South Carolina conference has presented
large memorial asking for the election OF bishop
The conference OF the State OF Illinois appears to
American University. and has asked for the re-
mOval OF the $ 10000 restriction clause against that
The temperance question IS also up for discus
The Rock River lay conference asks that the
President and the Congress OF the United States be
requested by the General Conference prohibit the
sale OF Intoxicating liquors in all places where the
federal government has political control
The minority report Of the book committee signed
BY five members. has been distributed among the
delegates II IS a vOlumInous document, reviewing
the history OF the Book Concern and the present
controversy, and seeking 70 show that money will
lost rather than saved by the consolidation A
strong attack IS made on the corporation trust
idea.
one OF the first things that came before the
Conference to-day a resolution offered by
mentioned as a candidate for bishop The resolu-
ton sets forth that since me last session the
General Conference the civilized nations OF the
earth evfnced their deep sympathy and heartfelt
sorrow with the American people in the Unriuely
death OF President Mckinley, and that the Meth
odfsr Episcopal Church. represented by its General
Conference. records its high esteem for the late
President Mckinley. who. a member OF the
Methodist Episcopal Church. loyal TO its
every interest. and who never happy a
when sitting in the pews. listening TO the preach
ing OF the Gospel and also because OF his dis
tinguished service 10 the nation as one OF It's
Presidents" II recommended that The
mittes on memorials appointed by this body be
requested 10 prepare a tribute the precious
memory Of our distinguished layman-" The reso-
luton adopted by a standing vote, and the
congregation sang Nearer. Nv God. 70 Thee
President McKinley's favortts hymn