The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1912-05-04
N. + BISHOPS URGE \
LIBERAL STAND ON
AMUSEMENT PLAN
Would Leave Matter To Con-
science of Members of
the Church
PRESIDENT TAFT FLAYED
Resolution Scores Him For Po-
sition On Protest Against
Secretary Wilson

resolution Wnicn III effect places
Methodism on record against Presi-
dent TAFT shared the interest with
the wind-up OF the Episcopal address
and It's declaration for more liberal
amusement policy in the Methodist
general conference today The TAFT
matter came up In a resolution intro
,duced by Rev. j. w. Anderson, OF
Cahoka, Mo.
The resolution recites that Secre-
tary James Wilson had been made
honorary chairman OF the Brewers
congress in Chicago, last October,
and continues:
whereas the president OF the United
States. the secretary OF agriculture and
the secretary of state, his authorized
representatives, were petitioned by
millions OF Christian people or the ma
ton individually and through their re-
spectve representatives to desist from
all national Endorsement OF said brew
crs congress and that the secretary OF
agriculture decline said position OF
honorary chairman because or the In
oorsCment such position would give TO
the business represented and the evil
dent purposein view at said meeting
viz TO increase and extend the sale or
beer and thus encourage the increase
OF drunkenness, and
Whereas. the said United states au-
thorities utterly disregarded the eA-
tian manhood and womanhood OF the
secretary OF agricuAure sent out in
reply u most frivolous, fallacious and
Whereas. -E>nly is an insult to
the intelligence uf Christian people,
iuasmGch as the writer must have
known that the sole and only purpose
said congress had in view was 10 Sc
cure the seal and approval OF the
United states authorities 10 their part
ia the beverage liquor traffic. which is
the greatest curse and blight 10 the
nation;
Thee fore, be IL re solved by the gem
eral conference OF the Methodist Epls-
copal church, IN convention assembled,
that while We pledge ourselves TO re-
main loyal citizens OF the United states
and 10 support those In authority In
every laudable lawful and legal way,
We d. hereby announce as our convic-
ton that in so aiding the beverage IL
quo- traffic by their persistent indorse-
uent OF the said brewers congress In
the face OF our most earnest protest
those in authority have forfeited al!
claim and future franchise OF the
CHRISTIAN and sober manhood OF the
nation.
The reading of this resolution was
Immediately followed by scenes OF
disorder as an attempt was made to
postpone action. The resolution was
then adopted amid cheers. with a
rising vote.
When the excitement subsidized, the
rcading OF the Episcopal address. be-
gun yesterday, was resumed Aside
from matters OF internal interest in
the church. the address made a
strong declaration against predatory
wealth and went on record as return
ing to the general statement OF John
Wesley regarding amusements, In
place of the later church rule speci-
fically forbidding certain amuse-
ments. The establishment OF
definite five-year term for pastorates
was also advised
In the second section OF the Episco-
nal address. which was read by Bishop
Earl Cranston, stock gambling was
referred to as on a par with betting
on the races, and the bishops Mayed
the policy OF accepting contributions
from tainted sources. Bishop Grams
ton, after discussing the futility OF try
ing 10 restrict the people by church
rule on the amusement question, de-
cIared that the rules along these lines
should be abolished and the matter
left 10 individual conscience, re-
turn TO the consistent treatment or
Wesley was needed, he said. and as
church dancing and theater-going
could never be approved.
The statement on the amusement
question, said:
Compulsory good behavior is not
the license OF religion. Just where
persuasion and eXhortation would
give space to statutory law In dealing
with specified amusements is the
crucial point in current discussion on
The subject. For hundred years
Methodism followed Mr.. Wesley's
methods
Your bishops still hold to every
word submitted 10 the general con-
terence through Bishop Foss, In 1904,
and adopted into the chapels of ad.
vices. We would make 1t stronger
il words could do IL. But We cannot
repress our convictions that John
wesley dealt more wisely with the
dangers which he simply prescribed,
such diversions as cannot be used
in the name of the Lord Jesus.
THE liberal element regards the
declaration on amusements as open
ing up the entire question and fore
casting liberal legislation by the
present conference, allowing church
members to enjoy such amusemehts
as are dictated by their own con.
science. lnlS dCllOH Is tue icSuib "
representations by laymen and
.hurchmen. that Methodists should
be allowed to dance, play cards and
attend theaters. There will probably
be bitter fight in the conference
over the legislation to put into effect
Tho recommendations OF the bishops
There is the speculation upon how
many bishops of the church will be
chosen and who they will be.
A sentiment that was manifested
strongly today favors the election Of
active ministers to fill the high posi-
ions in the church. This attitude of
the delegates is believed TO help the
n,ospects of C. B. Mitchell, Chicago,
ard c. f. Locke. Los Angeles. Large
1olIowings have developed In the last
few DAYS for II. G.. Stuntz, New York:
u. q. Downey, Brooklyn; f. S. Triple,
Madison, ~ j., and c. r. Havighurst,
Of Ohio.
VoIcing the sentiment of the colored
delegates, Dir. c. NJ. Schumfert, from
ire south. made an eloquent appeal for
the colored man. He advocated the
election of a colored bishop.