Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-10-31

stood that the vote was unanimous upon
compromise resolution to the effect that
the professor should not properly be tried
by the board of bishops, but before the bar
Of his own annual conference, which is that
of Central New York, and that this body
should bring charges against him formally
if the majority think such action Is re-
quired. Bishop c. G. McCabe of Philadel-
phia, who is known to have opposed the
confirmation of the election, Is understood
to have been the last bishop to accept the
compromise.
Charges Against Prof. Mitchell.
The history of this case, upon which the
eyes of churchmen of every denomination
throughout the world are conferred, is inter-
esting More than five years ago students
Of Boston University, a Methodist Episco-
pal institution. began the agitation of the
question of Prof Mitchelrs removal. be-
cause, they said, his interest in the so-called
high criticism OF the Bible untitled him
to teach the fundamentals of the Methodist
doctrines.
The matter was brought to the attention CT
the board of bishops at one Of it's regular
meetings, and 1t summoned Prof Mitchell
before 1t and propounded several questions
tending to bring out his religious Views The
whole matter turned on his views concern
ing the question of the inspiration Of some
parts of the Old Testament. Having heard
him and considered the subject, the board
pronounced his Views satisfactory and al
lowed him to retain his chair in the uni
versity
Shortly after that time. however he pub
lished a book called THE World Before
Abraham in which, 1t is alleged by many
churchmen. ne made heretical statements
concerning the Old Testament.
A number of former students of the uni
versity and others have been discussing the
matter for some time, and when the ques-
ton of confirming his election was brought
before the bishops six months ago they re-
fused their confirmation by small ma
jority vote.
The trustees stand loyal to the professor
and now have reelected him to the chair
of Hebrew and sent his name again for con-
firmation. refusing to consider filing the
vacancy in any other way. Since the MEM
bers Of the board of bishops are known to
be divided on the proposition and since the
question OF the high criticism of the Bible
Is so paramount at this time in religious
and sectarfan circles, the action Of the
highest executive board of the great Metho-
dist Episcopal denomination. representing
millions OF people and millions of dollars
worth OF property, has been anticipated
with no little eagerness.
At 2:3O o'clock the bishops called at the
White House to pay their respects to the
President.
Routine Matters.
Several routine matters were DISPOSED of
at the session Of the board this forenoon.
vote of thanks was extended to the pastor
of Foundry Church, Rev. Robert NJ Moore.
and the other Methodist Episcopal ministers
and laymen of the city who have aided in
| entertaining the members of the board
The restitution of thanks stated that never
before had the bishops been so royalty pro-
yided for. The committee law and ad-
ministration made its report. The presiding
bishop this morning was j. H. Fitzgerald
of st. Louis.
The board adjourned at noon to meet
some time in the future at the call of the
senior effective member. Bishop H. w War
rem Of Colorado. The next meeting will
doubtless be in Philadelphia, New York or
Brooklyn. This will be officially considered
a continuation of the present semi-annual
session and entirely separate from the next
spring session. which is scheduled to be
held May ?, 1906. at Evanston, Ill.
The selection. announced yesterday OF
Bishop c. II. Fowler of New York city. to
preside over the session of the Baltimore
annual conference, of which the churches
OF this city are part. In Baltimore next
April, is looked upon with favor by local
members of the church. He is one of the
most popular members of the board and 1t
Is believed. will be good presiding officer
for the next session of this body when
matters of extreme Importance to the con-
ference Is likely to arise for solution.
Blshop Hamilton of San Francisco has
arranged to deliver an address tomorrow
Young Ladies. Ell will also be received at
reception at the Chevy Chase Inn and en-
tertained at dinner by Col. ]. H. Bradford
and other friends.
Assignments Of Bishops.
The assignments OF bishops as presiding
officers for the annual conferences Of the
church were announced yesterday, as fol-
lows:
CThe first twelve are fall conferences
held after the autumn conference of the
bishops.)
Hawaii-December Hamilton
Central misunderstanding. November
ranafoD