Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-05-29
ADJUSTMENTS AND DIVORCE
Now Occupying Attention Of Methodist
General Conferences.

Baltimore, May 2s-Adverse action
today by the Methodist Episcopal Cen
eral Conference on an apparently I'M
important motion is said tonight to
have back of it a determination on the
part of a large number of delegates
to bury the whole question Of whether
or not Paragraph 24S of the Book of
Discipline, which deals with amuse-
ments. shall be changed.
The motion in question was that
time be set for the consideration of
the report of the committee which has
had the question under consideration.
The motion was lost by a decisive
vote. Nothing was said in explanation
other than that the report should not
be given precedence over other import
ant matters. Tonight, however, it is
said that there is a determined pur-
pose not to permit the matter of
amusements to be discussed on the
floor of the conference at all if it is
possible to prevent it. A change would
be in line with the suggestion con-
tanned in the Episcopal address, and
while it is desired not to run counter
to the bishops, there is very strong
sentiment against any change in Par
agraph 248, which will simply remain
in force as it now stands if the mat
ter can be kept out of the conference
during it's remaining business session.
Rev. DR.. r. A. Chase has prepared
a new paragraph, which will be Of
fered the conference for insertion in
the Book of Discipline, relative to di-
vorce. 1t calls upon the proper ma
ri RI cnpnia I
study Of divorce and is intended to
create sentiment in favor Of uniform
divorce laws in all the states of the
Union, such laws to be in harmony
with the findings of the inter-church
conference of Protestant churches on
this subject and the paragraph sug-
gests that in the proposed uniform
laws a provision be included requiring,
as prerequisite to the filing of suit
for divorce by anyone coming to such
state for the purpose Of filing such
suit, a stay of the same length of
time as would be necessary to secure
legal residence in that state.
The assignment Of bishops to the
various Episcopal residences was re-
ported to the committee on the Epis-
copacy tonight by a special committee
of 10 and adopted by the full commit
tee during meeting that lasted until
nearly midnight. The assignments in
cluded: Boston, Mass, John w. Ham,
iltOn; New York, Daniel A. Goodsell.
Rev. George a. Cookies appeal
against the ruling Of Bishop David H.
Moore in the matter of Mr.. Cooke S
charges against Chancellor J. r. Day
of Syracuse University, has been dis
missed by the judiciary committee OF
the general conference of the Meth
Odist Episcopal church. Mr.. Cooke pre-
ferred charges against Chancellor Day
before the New York conference, al
leging that DIR. Day had spoke disre-
specially of President Roosevelt in
his writings. Bishop Moore, presiding,
ruled them cut on the ground that
they were not in proper form to come
before the conference and the judiciary
committee reported that the records
in April were absolutely deficient and
contained no evidence upon which the
committee could act. 1t was decided
to merge the publishing interests OF
the denomination now conducted I'M
der two corporations. the Methodist
Book Concern, with publishing agents
to be elected by the general confer
ence. Both plants will be continued.
New Episcopal residences were fixed
al New Orleans, st. Paul and Oklaho-
ma City in this country and at Foe
Chow and Pekin in China, as recon-
mended by the committee on episcO-