The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-02
IMPROVED. LABOR CONDITIONS.
Committee Prepares Report
 for Conference
TO BE HOT DISCUSSION
Propaganda Calls for Abolition of Child Labor, Reduction of Work ing Hours, Safeguarding Wo-
 men-Proyision for Old

Minneapolis, Minn., May i.--Askiag that it's churches throughout the world come squarely in favor of improved working conditions for wage earners, a special committee has prepared for presentation to the quadrennial general conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, which opened today. a working programme to .disprove the charge that the church is not in sympathy with the poor
 The report of the committee, which has heen at work for four years. states that labor and social conditions have become such that the church must take prom this church had it's beginning among the poor and the bulk of it's members always have been wage earners," the report recommends for the adoption by the con ference. which represents more than B. oOe,oO0 members, propaganda calling for:
 The Propaganda
 Abolition of child labor.
 Reduction of working hours to the lowest practicable point.
 Safeguarding the conditions of toll for women.
 Equal division of the profits of in dustry.
 Protection of workers from the risks of enforced unemployment.
 Provision for old and injured workers"
 It is expected the demand that the church go on record on these subjects wiz provoke lively discussion when they come before the full conference
 When the conference convened for month in it's twenty fifth session today, with delegates from all parts of the world, Joseph B. Hingeley of Chicago was re- elected secretary for three years.
 Reports on Situation
 Reports were submitted to the confer ence showing the total membership to be 2,324s22, with 1889 ministers, 3O,S9S churches and 16S local conferences. Last year the church raised sl,O27, ,997 for for eign missions. while 1o96 foreign mission aries were maintained. The total value of the church and parsonage property throughout the world was given at $216- 49O. 437. The church has S60 educational in- stitutions with 75,000 students
 Bishop William Burt of Zurich. Switzer- land, delivered the chief address at the opening session, describing the progress of the church in Europe. He called atten- tion to Russia, where, he said, despite the government had excluded many attempts at missionary work the Methodists had succeeded in getting a foothold In all parts of Europe. he declared, Methodism was progressing, meeting opposition only where it came into conflict with state churches
 Interest in Changes
 Interest is keen among delegates who attended the opening of the quadrennial general conference of the Methodist Episcopal church as to what action shall be taken on a proposal to change the disciplinarian rules governing 2musements.
 The rule prohibits dancing, games of chance, threatregoing, circuses and horse racing as being a tendency to- word worldliness. The proposition as to it's retention or rejection has been referred to a committee. Among the arguments advanced in opposition 60 retaining the present rule as given to the committee, are:
 It violates Christian freedom; it is a source of constant irritation; it puts many in an unjust attitude as dis loyal to the church. 1t cannot be en- forced; as an unenforced law it brings discipline into contempt: 1t keeps many conscientious people out of the church: it breeds hypocrisy; 1t has not added to spirituality in the church.
 Arguments for continuing the rule are given as:
 It voices protest against world iiness: repeal suggests backward step morally; many will avoid harmful things because the church directs; re- peal would be interpreted with great publicity as indicating a moral de- olension.
 It was stated it probably would be several days before the real work of .he conference was reached.