New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-17
BISHOP QUOTES TAFT
DR.. Burgess Approves Arbltra-
ton Defines Church Government.

Garden City, Long Island, May Is (spe-
ciaD. -Clergymen and lay delegates, more
than four hundred In number. representing
every Protestant Episcopal parish ana mis-
sion on Long Island, were present to-day
at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, where
the diocesan convention was opened by
morning prayer and communion.
In his annual address Bishop Burgess
referred to the improvements in admins
trative and financial details OF diocesan
work. and then said;
The year has been signaized by the ac-
ton Of the President of the United States'
who has made overtures to England look
ing 10 the esta blishment OF permanent
court OF arbitration. The Importance OF
this movement can hardly be overestimated
We all know that when national passions
are aroused or cruelty and treachery nave
stirred up anger and hate, neither treaties
nor financial obligations are gong 70 KEEP
the nations from war-a chlld could as soou
restrain by the neck the tiger about 70
spring as the fnancleTs OF stdeeShieh "'"
back the nation. ,,
YET the forming OF such treaty Of arbi-
tration between two such great ana nohor
able peoples as the United states OF
America and Great Britain will be a most
powerful curb on war and an example 10
Inc world AS Mr. Taft says. we shall have
made n long step forward and demonstrated
the possibility Of permanent peace
Bishop Burgess defined the rights OF
rectors. vestrymen and OF the diocesan au-
thorities as set forth in the canons, and
recognized by civil law. doubtless having In
mind the late controversy between the Rev.
Or. w. ~ Ackey and portion OF the
vestry OF ST. Andrews Church, without
however. mentioning any names. He then
continued:
If seem to any Of YOU to have exalted
too much the authority Of the diocesan ana
parochal officers or If the canons ana con-
situations Of the Church seem to any or
you out Of touch with. our national splrlt
let me say that respect for authority -
after all inbred I'm the American character.
In spite of all the license of our puDHc
press. the gross caricatures 81 our cniei
magistrates and the freedom OF SANDER ana
abuse in our political campaigns, neVerthe-
less there are some things our American
people will not tolerate. Let man snow
contempt Of court. and no matter VINO ne -
he will soon find himself behind the pats'
let any one insult high official of the gov
eminent or the army. and quick ana sharp
will be his punishment.
The Church desires no such power; her
clergy and her officers must not strive
but be gentle unto all men, and the power
full sentiment OF her people will uphold her
servants
The ministers of the Gospel are not hired
10 do their work, they nave conferred upon
them by God the pastoral Office. and the
Church. realizing this, has so framed her
statutes that priest and people may know
that the relationship between them is a
holy one. and not a human contract to be
cemented by money and broken at will
The income received from all sources 70
the cathedral corporation during the last
year. except the cathedral schools OF st.
Paul's and st. Mary's, was s44,76l 81. The
report OF Alexander f. Orr. the treasurer of
the diocese. who has filled this position 70!
many years showed the financial condition
OF the diocese 10 be satisfactory.