The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1904-05-04


Roosevelt sent the following greeting
80 the Methodist conference:
Permit me to extend greeting to
the assembled Methodists. 1t is i'm
possible for any student of the social
and religious growth of our people
to fail to understand the tremendous
influence of Methodism in shaping
this growth Alright, and therefore on
this occasion congratulate. not merely
you, but all our country on what you
have done. l wish / could be with
you in person as in spirit"
LOS ANGELES, Cal, May 4.-Haz-
ards pavilion was crowded to the
doors when the general conference of
the Methodist Episcopal church was
convened and members were unable
to obtain admission.
The pavilion presented a gala APP
pearance, being tastefully decorated
throughout. There was an early rush
for seats and all were filled long be-
fore the conference was called to
order.
The session was opened with devo-
tional exercises, the venerable Bishop
Merrill presiding. After the assign
ment of seats and the election of
delegate secretaries, the bishops adj
dress was read by Bishop Foss of
Philadelphia.
Seven hundred and eightyfour
members, representing 100000
members of the church, are enrolled.
Delegates who have not arrived sent
credentials ahead of them and a full
conference is assured until the i'm
portant questions before the church
are disposed of.
Four bishoprics are vacant. Bishop
Merrill is expected to ask for his re-
tirement, and the approximation of
another bishop is predicted. These
two additional vacancies will make
total of six bishoprics to be filled
The candidates having the strongest
support are the Revs. Thomas Nicely,
j. w. Bashford, William Mcdowell
of New York city; H. A. Buchtel,
Denver; r. J. Cooke, Athena, Tenn.
J. W. e. Bowen, colored, Atlanta, Ga;
George r Bevard, Los Angeles;
Henry Speilmeyer, Newark, N. j.;
Joseph Berry, Chicago; Homer Stunts,
presiding elder Philippine district,
and J. E. Robinson, presiding elder
Calcutta district.
Legislation will be had in the pro-
posed consolidation of the benevolent
societies: the unifcation of the mis-
sionary societies and the formation
of one society out of the several edu-
cational and aid societies An effort
IS being made to amalgamate the diff
ferent societies into three associa-
tions- Failure is predicted because
of the large vested interests of the
several societies. A consolidation
would require a redivision of real
estate and this, it is thought, would
cause dissension.
Reports of the publishing agents of
the church will show that while the
physical assets are worth at least
$6,000,000 the properties of the
church. including it's periodicals and
papers, are valued at fully 100000
600. Editors and publishers whose
salaries range from $3.50 to $4,000,
will be elected. A consolidation of the
publishing houses is to be proposed.
ACCESSIBILITY of increasing the sal
aries of bishops from $4,000 and trav-
cling expenses to $4,000 will be dis
cussed. Two days will be occupied
with organization. after which will
be heard reports of committees me-
MORALS from conference.
Ten or is days are to be devoted to
consideration of the reports. The an
nounced intention of several infiuen-
tial members to attempt to repeal
paragraph PAS of the church code has
reused the. orthodox delegates and n
clash is expected. The paragraph re-
fers to dancing, attending theaters,
circuses and horse races, renting
property for saloon purposes and
playing games of chance as impru-
dent and unchristian and grave
enough to justify expulsion on a third
offense. 1.-THE repeal is sought by
members who had relatives and
friends in the Iroquois theater dis
aster'
The work of the conference proper
will be detailed to IA committees. to
meet on Monday, Wednesday and Fri
day of each week.
one OF the interesting features of
the conference will be a great mis-
'sionary exhibit occupying all of the
large hall formerly used by the
chamber of commerce. This will
contain material from all of the for
eign fields occupied by the church,
and will be in charge of returned
missionaries and native workers from
10 foreign countries. There will be
great missionary rallies in the pavil-
ion from 2 to o'clock each after
noon, and the course of lecture and
concerts during the evenings of the
month at the same place.