Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1912-05-05
STRINGENT RULE
BOBS UP AGAIN


might be expected. the whole question OF
the amusement restriction came in for
discussion Thus early In the conference
the delegates found themselves plunged
into a discussion Of the tlme-honored
stumbling block Of the discipline Of the
church. However. a motion TO lay on the
table was carried by a small majority.
The matter win undoubtedly be heard
from again in the conference session.
Bnh8p. Agsinst Distinction.
At io.45 the order OF the day was the
concluding OF the reading OF the spisco-
pal address by Bishop cranston. He put
himself and the entire board Of bishops
on record as unalterably opposed 10 any
change In the church machinery that
would bring about a "districting OF the
bishops" He was most emphatic upon
that point citing the traditions Of the
past. the advantages Of the present sys-
tenn and the perils. as he saw them. In
any suggested change. lie also paid his
respects to those who would increase the
number Of bishops and dispense with the
office Of district superintendent. He as
serted that TO do without the district 81.
perintendent in the supervisional system
OF the church would require the election
OF at least 800 more bishops, In answer
TO the criticism that the church Is suffer-
ing today from lack Of leadership, Bishop
cranston urged the emphasizing OF tbs
local leadership now exercised by pas
tors and district superintendents. Under
the head OF episcopacy he conceded that
the establishment of three or four more
episcopal residences and the election Of
a few more bishops might relieve the sit
uation.
In the closing paragraphs Of the ad-
dress the bishop discussed the futlllty Of
many Of the worked up revival ef.
forts. advised little closer scrutiny Of
the methods OF certain evangelists and
closer Identification Of the pastors with
this sort OF work In the church lie de.
plored the increasing number Of public
appeals for money made 10 the congrega.
tons and suggested that the church must
get upon some satisfactory basis for It's
collections. giving every cause Its due
place. or the results will be disastrous.
lie declared that from Inquiries made
people are actually being kept away from
church because OF the frequent and
urgent appeals for money made TO the
morning congregations.
The address commended federation Of
ell Protestant churches aud declared that
this, present Is no time to emphasize Diff
ferences. but 10 find q common meeting
ground. Child labor and the injustice of
hesrtless corporations In their dealings
with their employees were condemned,
During the reading Of this part Of the
address the reader was frequently Inter
rupted by applause
Church snd state.
II was a thrilling moment when in
the address the bishop. discussing the
rights Of free American citizens and tins
absolute separation Of church and state.
took occasion 10 denounce any ecclesiss-
teal system that would seek To set up
its claims for temporal authority In this
new. flee world. and called upon the mil
lions Of Methcdists as loyal citizens OF
the country to resist TO a man every st-
toft ~ eaen npotlous Ciaihe. ~ VI p1
a common impulse the vast audience
arose, cheering. to lis feet and the ma.
tonAl hymn. My Country It's Of Thee. :
was sung with profoundsst emotion. At
the close Of the reading of tho address
hearty vote Of thanks was accorded
the bishops for their procurement. and
the various proposals were referred to
the proper committees.
Just before adjournment DR.. James NJ.
Buckley secured the recognition OF the
chair to speak to question. and a. this
Is the first time In this conference he
was loudly cheered. As the aged mon
arch Of Methodlsm made his way to the
platform the entire body OF delegates
arose out Of respect for the man wh1
has wrought 80 faithfully and so well.
He spoke but few words. but those few
words revealed man broken by tbs
weight Of years and arduous toll. Z. II.