The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-10-20
Potter Anglers South
BY Giving Dinner To
The Cotored Bishop
New York Prelate Laughs
Over mathematician
mond IncenSed.
Pierpont Morgan Excit-
ed, Hurries for Confir-
nation of Report.

RICHMOND. Va, oct. 19.-The enter
sainment at dinner last evening Of
Bishop Ferguson. the colored prelate
from Cape PeImas, Soutis Africa, by
Bishop Potter, Of New York. both Of
whom are in attendance at the general
convention Of the American Episcopal
Church in this city, has been the source
OF comment throughout the city today.
Bishop Potter has been adversely
criticized for entertaining upon terms &c
social equality a coiored man in the
one section Of the country which, more
than any other viii not tolerate social
relations between the two races.
Laughs Concerning Incident.
Bishop Potter, when asked about the
Incident today laughed heartily. Yes.
IT is perfectly true" he said. there IS
nothing strange about it. / viii wager
two shillings that the bishop OF LouI@
lana would have accepted an invita-
ton to meet Bishop Ferguson If had
extended it TO him. Wouldn't you,
bishop?" he asked the Louisiana clergy
man.
the Pelican State" prelate. who was
sitting near by, answered in the affirm
alive, but little later, when questioned
further about his sentiments IA the
matter he said he was preoccupied at
the time the indiscreet query was
thrown at him, and did not fully realize
the import OF his response"
"Bishcp Ferguson is a member CT tbs
he NJ SIN D.
have always and wiz continue to treas
him with al due respect and courtesy
The invitation to dine with bishop Bcr-
! guson has never been extended TO me.
In consequence I am unwilling to sx-
press my sentiment In regard to tie
matter"
Explains His Answer.
The bishop of Louisiana after answer
ing the inquiry of Bishop Potter in the
affirmative, beat the reporter who was
investigating the matter TO his ONCE
with the Item, explaining and reiterat-
ing that he did not realize the fun in,-
pert of the words Of Bishop Potter un-
til after he had given his nl-advtsed
answer.
That Richmond has become greatly
excited over the Potter Ferguson Incl
dent IS but putting the case mildly. It
mars what has been 4 most enjoyable
three weeks for the hundreds Of minis
tiers and bishops who attended the ses-
sions. Bishop Pottsr's course Is con-
strued by some as a deliberate insult to
the people Of the city.
Another feature Of Bishop Potter's
story is now being recalled IN Rich
mond.
Like J. Pierpont Morgan, he rented a
mansion in the West End, brought down
six English servants and five horses
But Richmond people did not Ike so
much display. being a supplemented
folk, and Bishop Potter came to share
PierpOnt Morgan's fate in being left out
OF the social functions, while the lesser
bishops, in point of power, were enjoy
ing the unlimited hospitality Of the Viz
ginians.
Did Not Understand.
As Northern man. Bishop Potter's
friends say that he did not appreciate
the bad effect entertaining Bishop Fer
guson would have. but It has stirred up
the whole city. His fellow-bishops are
not slow in cOndemning his course. and
It IS said that this was the cause OF his
being dropped from the board of mis-
sions, where he has served for the past
thirty years.
Morgan Talks to Potter.
J. Pierpont Morgan. of New York. re-
ceived the Northern papers While IN the
house Of delegates at noon. which papers
contained an account of the dinner incl
dent at the Potter residence. He imme-
diately hurried out OF the church and
was driven in his automobile to the
house OF bishops, where he called Bishop
Potter into the lobby and remained in
close and animated Conversation with
him for some time
The nature Of @hat PASSED between
the two men could not pe learned. but
1t Is presumed that Morgan ascertained
to his satisfaction the fact that the
New York prelate had entertained the