The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-05-23
DELEGATES DISCUSS
UNION QUESTION
Consolidation Of Churches
Before the Conference.
MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE
Matter Brought Up on an Appeal fol
United Church Action on These
Two Matters.

UNCONVENTIONAL union. the vital sub
ject of the present general conference Of
the Methodist Protestant Church, was
only briefly touched upon at this morn
ing's session in the North Carolina
Avenue Church. The proposition was
brought before the convention only in
the presentation to the delegate OF Dr.
William NJ. Weekly. representative Of
the United Brethren Church. and in the
appointment of a special committee to
consider the question after Il has been
officially put before the conference.
one Of the interesting developments OF
the morning was the introduction or an
appeal FOR cooperation Of the Methodist
Protestant Church with the inter-church
conference on marriage and divorce.
The petition provides for the appoint
ment of three representatives or that
denomination TO serve as members OF the
inter-church conference.
At amusing incident occurred IN con-
nectiOn with the Introduction Of the ap-
peal. 1t was presented by the secretary
among "A number or other papers lot
reference TO the proper committee.
Owing 10 the peculiar nature or the
communication. President Tagg was IL
Quandary 10 decide which Of the numer-
Gus committees was qualined 10 consider
Refer it to the committee on fra
ternal relations" suggested one Of the
delegates. amid great laughter.
The suggestion was not carried OUT,
however and the document was turned
over 10 specially appointed committee
on moral reform.
The session was opened with deVO-
tionaI exercises conducted by the Rev.
DR. E S Brown. OF Iowa, and follow
Ing the formal order Of business the
Rev DR.. Gilbert. general secretary OF
the American Society OF Religious Edu-
cation. delivered a short address con-
corning the work OF the institution IN
concluding his remarks he asked the APP
pointment OF a special committee 10 con-
fer with him on the subject Of assist
ing the society in its work
Missions Report.
DR.. s. NJ. McMamiman, secretary OF
the Board Of Home Missions. submitted
brief report in connection with the
work of that branch of the church IN
the past four years
/ The statement showed that the pres
ent assets Of the board are $4,000. Of
which 81. 600 has been added since the
last general conference. Interest on the
outstanding loans is now greater than
the interest on the debts. said Or. Nc
Mamiman. and there is every indica-
| ton Of a good year ahead.
a private communication from the Bal
/ timore Conference OF the Methods
| Episcopal Church concerning the con
tempiated union was announced, and re
! ferred TO the committee on union.
/ Some time WAS taken up by the dele
| gates IN the discussion OF the time fOl
/ the election of editors, and after mucl
/ spirited argument IL was decided tha
/ the election shall be held later thil
| afternoon. The delegates also voted q
| hold the election OF the agents and sec
retaries Thursday afternoon. but IN
/ time was later found 70 conflict. viii
I that set for reception by the Presiden
i al the White House. The motion wa
/ reconsidered and IL was decided 10 set M
/ definite time for the election
] The committee on credentials reporte'
that NJ. +. Richardson. Of the Charles
ton Is. c. colored conference wouil
be recognized as the messenger iron
| that branch OF the church Two repre-
! sentatives Of this conference presente
themselves at the opening OF the generi
4 conference. and the committee on ere
dentials was at a loss 10 know how Z
| unravel the tangle until one Of the dele
/ gates announced his withdrawal
President Tagg announced then IN
appointment OF all Of The committees.