The Twin City star. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1910-19??, 1915-09-04

DIR. JORDAN'S PEACE PLEA
Secretary Of Foreign Mission Board 10
sues Open Letter In Which He Offers
Remedy For the Present Disoord
Among the Lsaders--Explains Laws
Governing the Convention.
Philadelphia. The thirty-ffth annual
meeting Of the national Baptist con-
vention will be held In Chicago begin
ming on Wednesday, Sept. g. With the
view Of harmonizing the leaders of the
various departments Of the work, the
Rev. DR.. L. G. Jordan, corresponding
secretary of the foreign mission board
Of the convention, with headquarters
at 6A South Eighteenth street, this
city, has issued the following open let
ter to the members Of the organization.
DR.. Jordan says:
In the exciting controversy about
the commission form Of government
and "chartering Of the national conven-
ton" now going on our brethren have
said some hard things about each other,
and that in print too. "Liar, breaking
in jail" "deceivers'' and such like we
have called one another, but no one
has suggested that we pray. Like a vul-
ture tugging at the vitals of Its prey,
oh, how we have torn each other!
Shall 1t be said that ut is In keeping
with their racial traits2" There are
two sets Of brethren, holding opposing
opinions as to the best method Of run
ming the affairs of the national Baptist
convention-both meaning well Know
ing we are all here to stay until death
doth us part" why not think first before
harshly judging one another? Read
and consider these seven facts; do
what Is best for the cause: -,
Fact LAS for the commission, there Is
none. It Is the executive board Of the
national Baptist convention with all the
rights, powers and privileges Of an execu-
tive board. Its creation and power were
given by the national Baptist convention
at Nashville and Philadelphia.
Fact 2.-This executive board h compos-
ed Of the vice presidents of the various
states, most Of whom are presidents Of
their state conventions and are usually
the best men Of the states; the officers Of
the national convention, chairman and
secretary of the various boards Of the
national Baptist convention. These men
have no personal ends to gain; In fact,
they are our brethren and only hope to
have transmitted to our denomination for
religious purposes. property and good viii.
accumulated by these boards as planned
by the national Baptist convention, for
carrying out the purposes for which 1t
was organized. ~ s
boards known as national Baptist
boards" Others, including our women,
are the board or auxiliary Of the national
Baptist convention. Those known as ma
tional Baptist boards are the creatures
Of the national Baptist convention also.
The officers and members Of the two ma
tional Baptist boards never intended dis
loyalty, but It just happened 80. When
It happened. like confiding children, We
did not correct It r.
Fact L-By careful reading of the
charter 1t win be seen:
? A. The charter says In plain words what
our present constitution implies.
b. At present the national convention
provides for the election Of every MEM
Der OF the boards, through the state dele
cations, at its annual sessions.
= c, The boards so elected when organiz-
ed (and this was intended to be done at
the annual session Of the convention)
elect their officers. This has been done,
followed by all but one board
d. All property owned by the boards is
fhn - khnav kny>
tional Baptist convention-and under our
constitution the convention can order it's
disposal In the interest of any debts owed
on any work 50 controlled by said board. ,
Fact 6.-The charter does not provide
Washington as headquarters as has been
stated by number Of writer's but the
convention ''shall meet anywhere the
body may decide by vote or bylaws, just
as IL has been doing for thirty-four years"
B. The charter IL not $50 drastic that 1t
does not provide, after all, that the ma
tional convention shall have constitution
and bylaws; telling how Its officers are to
be elected and how place and time Of
meeting shall be selected. =
Fact 6.-The seven interpretations are
not perpetual; they die when we meet and
adopt our constitution and bylaws. With
US. the directors will be known an the ex-
board Of the national Baptist convention.
We can let the selection Of the board re-
main as It In; hence when man fails of
election byshis state delegation, as vice
president Of the national Baptist conven-
ton, whoever succeeds him. by the vote
OF his state. becomes q member Of the
executive committee, 80 with officers Of
the convention and boards; failure Of cleo
ton win Ill their places with those who
succeed them. Is not this fair? Then
why should our readers lose their heads
over thoughtless articles from the pens
Of what seems prayeriess men7 'sIn your
patience possess ye your souls" are the
words Of Jesus.
Fact 1.-THE convention can decide In
its new constitution that no president shall
succeed himself at all, or not moro than
twice. or they can agree that he may
succeed himself four times and q new MAJ
be elected. The national Baptist conven-
ton at Chicago can enact that the ex-
-cutive committee shall consist of twenty
one members, seven Of whom shall be
elected every year, thus allowing fourteen
to hold over from year to year. The ma
tional Baptist convention can say by its
new constitution. No money given BY the
people for one purpose shall be diverted to
another. And, indeed. to do otherwise
will be dishonest.
Now, brethren, let us cease biting and
deyouring each other. Let MS prayer
fully TASK wisdom Of God, who giveth
to all literally and upbraideth not and
go to Chicago. not with carnal weap-
ons nor In our own strength, but as
servants Of the Most High-go as men
serving the interest Of our people: as