Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-04-04
AN EXCITING FINISH
DR. COREY WON AFTER HOT
FIGHT AT M. E. CONFERENCE.

Seldom in years has the final day of the
NJ Z. conference been marked by such ex-
citement as was occasioned at Baltimore by
the investigation of the charges laid against
Rev. G. II. Corey and Rev. ]. W. Steele,
both of this city.
Since Friday a cloud has hung over the
gathering on account of the whispered ru-
mors against Rev. DR.. Corey. and almost as
soon as the investigation was begun this
cloud burst and there was a storm. DR..
Corey fought hard and won his point
The men who have taken up oratory as a
profession showed that when they have deep
convictions TO stir them they can make i'm
passicned speeches Taking the respecta-
bllity Of the church as their theme, many
members delivered addresses that surpassed
in fire and vigor anything they have per-
haps ever said on great abstract questions
less close to their immediate feelings
But in reply to these orations DR.. Corey in
his defense again and again spoke with fiery
force. Each time he rose he won over TO
his side men who at first were against him,
and the climax came when he demanded
decision from the body. A member rose and
declared that the responsibility of tie
church made it imperative that the question
or guilt or innocence be decided only after
mature fnves tigation, which would take con-
siderable time. DR. Corey pleaded that some
conclusion be reached at once
Strong Appeal Won Confidence
Am | 10 be crucihed' he asked again
and again; "am I to be cruciffed by mere
rumor?"
These words from DR.. Corey. repeated
again and again, rang out so clear and dis
tinct that they could lie heard in the corri-
doris, where were anxious groups of laymen
and others interested in the outcome of the
proceedings, but not permitted to be pres
E,4rsTN ina do
some member to pass in or out there was a
Sur on the part of the outsiders in an effort
10 get glimpse of what was going on with
in. AT times three or four members would
be on their feet. When the hearing began a
large proportion of the members were posi-
i've IN their condemnation of DR.. Corey. but
SO mastery was the defense he put up that
one by one they came to his side
His presence inspired respect Perhaps
the tallest man in the whole gathering he
possesses a statelness of bearing and a
polse of the head that make him seem even
bigger. A massive head a refined and strik-
Ing expression of the face and silver-white
hair add 10 his attractive and commanding
appearance. Always he has been noted as
a speaker of force and power, and during
his active career in the ministry he has been
IN large churches, including the Metropoli-
tan in this city, and others in the New
Aork conference, where his sermons have
attracted attention.
Divorce Matter Presented.
The decree of divorce granted his wife,
who alleged desertion and non-support. was
presented TO the meeting. After admitting
It's authenticity DR.. Corey said that in the
evidence taken there was nothing that be-
sin4rched his character as a minister Fin
ally, by lengthy argument on his part and
sklllful parliamentary tactics on the mart
OF those who ~eFe~with ililff--ile succeeded
in getting the conference to place on the
minutes the statement OF his case. This for
mai statement reciyed that at an investiea-
ton of the character OF DR. Corey no wit
nesses appeared against him and that only
decree of the court in the divorce case
vas admitted 10 the record of the confer
eNcc.
The fault, II any the statement saws.
shal be decided by one of the presiding
elders whom the bishop shall designate "a
make further inquiry
This decision, IT was explained. was al
most the same as quashiug the case and
after the ordeal, lasting more than two
hours was over DR.. Corey came out with
the appearance of a man who thought he
had been vindicated- During the rest of
the day he remained In attendance at the
conference and was the center of a group
OK sympathizers, who congratulated him
upon the bravery he had SHOWN under the
circumstances.
Rev. Steele Accused by Wife.
a "lEe was al the bottom Of Rev Mr.
Steeles troubles, too. Mrs. Steele Of Wash
ington preferred written charges of dis
honesty against her husband. She said he
ran up debts. which, she said, she was COM
PEELED to pay. Rev. Mr. Steele was not nres
ent, and Rev. George r. MaydweIl the see
rotary OF the conference. was sent TO Wash
ingtou to communicate with him The
wnoie matter came up 100 late FOR any
action. '
Many Of the ministers were deepIv af
feeted by the charges. At the beginning
OF the week II looked as though evervtbinf
was going smoothly. There were few oues-
lions or change in charges which seemed
likely 70 cause bitterness which sometimes
manifests itself
No one regretted The Corey incident more
than DID Rev. DR. Joel T. Price. VINO pre-
ieTIea me charges. He said that be acted
from a sense OF duty because he thought
the laliN in this city wanted the cues
Ton or DR.. Corey's conduct invest gated: