The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1915-03-29

mediately after the short address by
the president.
One of the most interesting features
OF this conference Is, that the methods
of procedure which have governed
the southern church for over 100 years
have not changed. Other churches
have adopted more modern methods,
but today the southern branch OF the
Methodist Episcopal church conducts
its conferences Just as it did when
the church was first organized. The
West Virginia branch, which is repre-
sented at this conference. comes
nearer furnishing more representa-
ttves of the original Circuit rider"
class, than any assemblage which
holds its meetings in Washington.
One Of the most interesting ad-
dresses OF Thursdays session was
made by Rev. B. F. Ball. of Waynes-
boro. Va, who has held pastorates
on both sides OF the Vfrginia-west
Virginia lines. and has covered miles
upon miles OF sparsely settled country
in the interests of his church. MR.
Ball. a superannuated minister, took
the privilege OF the floor when his
name was called. and addressed the
conference. giving "reminiscences of
his activities in both Virginia and
West Virginia in their pioneer days,
which proved to be one of the most
delightful events OF the Thursday ses-
sion. He referred to days when he
was a member of Colonel Mosby's
famous command, and how, ~ years
ago, he had ministered to the spirit
ual needs of circuit which embraced
the border lands OF both tho mother
state of Virginia and the later state
80 ~{,.lA at. se~
the war.
Another interesting figure OF the
conference is Rev. Frank A. Strother.
who In spite of his advanced age, has
been an active figure in the work OF
the Methodist Episcopal Church South
in the eastern part OF the state. DR..
Strother has held a big camp meeting
for the past few years at Ridgeway.
W. Va, which have won for him an
unusual amount OF attention from the
members of the Baltimore conference.
The meetings have been addressed by
some of the most prominent pulpit
orators and evangelists of the south
ern church and attended by VAST
gatherings of people from practically
every point along the Cumberland
Valley railroad between Harrisburg.
Pa, and Winchester. Va, and also
other points in Virginia, West Virginia
and Maryland. He served under Col.
John S. Mosby in the Civil war, and
has been chaplain of the Mosby's Men
society. since its organization. several
years ago.
West Virginia. since the state voted
itself dry, has been more or less an
object OF interest for other states.
who were contemplating the same
movement, and, in view OF the recent
dry" agitation in the District, there
has been no greater interest elsn
where than in the District of Column
bia. Scarcely day passes that the
Washington papers have not some
comment on the situation in the
Mountain State, and long ago 1t was
predicted that state institutions would
60 begging when the time came for
the appropriation of funds for their
had time to affect the tax income of
the state. The recent moratorium de-
clared by the state, is being used here
as one OF the best arguments against
prohibition that has come this way in
a long time. Newspaper scribes and
editors brilliantly announce that West
Virginia attributes her present finan-
cial state to the fact that the state
went dry. and fntfmates that perhaps
IL WAS TtpEeuSnSlDle III tue HTSL place
to let the demon rum enjoy the patri-
otto distinction OF paying so large a
portion OF the taxes.
John H. Snodgrass, consul general
at MOSCOW, and formerly a well-known
newspaper man OF West Virginia, has
announced in a letter to the state
department, that there was no imme-
date demand for American cotton in
Russia. Mr.. Snodgrass has. since the
outbreak of the war, found himself
In the position OF many others in the
diplomatic service OF the United
States. over-burdened by work, ana
the effort to keep the department at
home in touch with trade conditions
in the countries at war. According
to the report OF Mr.. Snodgrass. con-
gestion at Archangel and on the ST.
berian lines is paralyzing private bust
ness. while the Russian government
taxation OF shipments removed by
sledge from Archangel Is retarding inn
ports. Large amounts OF cotton were
bought some time ago, Mr.. Snodgrass
added. and purchasers wanted to
await its arrival before making further
orders. He said there was no quota
tion on American cotton. The cost
at Moscow, delivered by way of
vladivostock, is nearly IS cents a
T.. a. r. ~