New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-05-24
Twenty-thirl Street.
DAY RESIGNS BISHOPRIC.
RETURNS TO SYRACUSE,
4ction FOIL07cs an Anonymous 1T
tack on Him.

TRT TELEGRAPH TO TRTBUNEl
Los Angeles. May 23.-BIshop James r. Day ten
dered his resignation to-day of episcOpacy honors
Just conferred on him by the General Conference
of the Methodist Church The resignation ac-
cepted He declared that his election, attended as
il by sensational features and unprecedented
excitement the floor OF tho conference. never
could be satisfac Glory to him. There Is another
chapter Of an anonymous attack DR.. Day con-
tanned in an article recently published in a Los
Angeles paper. In which the doctor was accused or
calling Church brother liar and striking him In
the face Upon acceptance OF his resignation, DR..
Day secured permission to retire from the confer
ence and return to Syracuse. The throns Of dele
gates preserved impressive silence as he nade
them farewell. He left the hall Immediately and IS
journeying 10 his home.
Dr. Day is the second man in the history OF
Methodism to resign n bishopriH under similar
circumstances. 1t is generally believed that the
next General Methodist Conference will insist upon
his election to the board OF bishops on the mrs;
ballot
DR.. Day. who sat with the bishops on the plat
form rose TO point Of privilege Immediately after
the opening of the morning session Bishop Foss'
who was presiding. asked tho conference to near
statement from DR.. Day. and permission was
granted Immediately Or. Day began by saying;
! do not believe that any man IN the conference
and To my God. believe that every one VIII con- con-
that l fulfilling my duty in taking the action
am about take l wish TO make IT clear that
Of my university and that material consideration
did not in any way enter into this matter am am
acting solely the dictates OF my conscience, ana
have arrived at "A conclusion only after two days
which time I have LEFT my room only for my meals
and did not seek the advice or couhsel OF aiiS "'
my friends until had fully made up my mind.
He then read a formal document addressed 10 the
General Conference. rendering his resignation as
bishop-elect OF the Methodist Episcopal Church
After thanking the conference for It's patient con
sideration in hearing his remarks. he said;
When I came 10 this General Conference was
| told by some of my friends would be voted for
and possibly elected as member OF the episcopal
board determined to keep my ed mind OPP. o."
as TO my duty in the matter until after the third
name and did so In spite OF this. my friends
kept my name before the conference. and when on
Saturday morning. most unhappy incident oc-
Cured was astonished 10 see votes going To me
wished then again to make public withdrawal OF
friends not to do so. Since my election have
{h 61 yo OF n2P Ing P5 M fa 10 the Chue
Now. my brethren. / have reached my de-
peals of duty from every sidO and 70 every source
terial co1sderatonS There are new factors In my
problem. ! must return td the work OF Christian
education. ! cannot conscentiously say that /
mon mvssIf the ono end WORK ~ bsbop as
law requires Of those who are consecrated to
that holy Office and ministry. But do feel myself
deeply moved TO continue in the work OF Christian
education. II 1 am mistaken ! know that II Is not
eeause have not been cc WILING fa ana o anxious 70
neither safety nor success in following any other
voice.
There was a murmur OF surprise among tho
delegates which stied in n moment by the
voice OF DR.. J. NJ Buckley seeking recognition Of
the Chair. Dr. Buckley said that he had attempted
/ 10 dssuade Bishop Day from resigning. but when
1t became plain that DR.. Day acting IN ac-
cordance with what he believed to be the guidance
Of Cod he decided that further attempts to inhu-
ence him would be impertnent. DR.. Buckley moved
that Mr.. Days resignation be accepted The ques-
ton put without debate and the motion was
carried unanimously.
Or. Buckley moved that the election OF a bishop
TO take Or. Days place proceed. but there was
hardly delegate in the house willing to go on.
The election IS indefinitely postponed out Of cour-
tesY to Dr. Day.
The last of the missionary bishops was elected
this morning, DR.. G. NJ. Harris receiving bl5 votes
bishop Japan which secured his election.
The announcement OF Saturdays ballotins gave
the selection OF DR.. o. r. Oldham and Or. j. Il.
Robinson bishops to Southern Asia. DR.. OLD
ham received $50 votes. and DIR. Robinson 52S DR..
l. Scott colOred. formally declared elected
bishop Africa.
DR. A II. Lucan. of Albany. n. Y. who is Dr..
Buckley's assistant. is considered a strong cand-
date for editorshp Of THE Epworth Herald" an
office made vacant by the election of DR. Berry to
be bishop. The contest promises to be a warm
one and already there ten candidates in the
field