Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1915-04-09
Bishop Chappelle Urges Ar kansas Negroes to Insist
 on "Open" Inquiry.
100 MINISTERS AT
 CONFERENCE IN CITY
Presiding Elder James Jones Stresses Needs Of Shorter College, Which May Take Place of Branch
 Normal for Negroes.

can Methodist Episcopal church foi the Pine Bluff district convened here at 9 o'clock a. m. yesterday at tho Allen Temple A. M. E. church. Rev James Jones, D. D., of this city, is the
 presiding elder, and as such is presi- dent of the conference There art about 100 representatives, and severa visiting ministers. Among the visitors present are Bishop w. D. Chappelle D. D., of Columbia, s. G.: Rev. A. R Calhoun. D. D.. general secretary of the Epworth league of the Colored Methodist Episcopal church of Ameri- ca; Rev. J. D. Dennis, D. D., presid- ing elder of the Newport district {; Rev J. H. Clayborn. B. D., presiding elder of the Dumas district; Rev H D. Brown, presiding elder of the Der
 mott district: Rev. A. H. Hill, D. D.. of Little Rock. pastor of Bethel A. M
 B. church: Rev. J. G. Robinson, D. D..
 presiding elder of the Clarendon dis trict: Rev. S. P. Perry of Hope and several others.
 The opening service was conduct
 ed in the following manner: Rev. J, H. Clayborn, B. D., lined the opening hymn Prayer was offered by Rev. II. D. Brown, P. E. The scripture lesson was read by Rev. o. l.. Moody. D. D. Dr. J. G. Robinson, D. D., led the lit urgy Bishop w. D. Chappelle preach ed the opening sermon. pr. F. P. Lytes led in singing For You I am Praying Rev. J. D. Dennis, p, D., consecrated the elements of the Lords supper. which was given to the mem bers of the conference and visitors.
 Rev. H. S. Scott, pastor of Wards chapel church, Pine Bluff, was elected secretary of the conference: Rev. J. G. Robinson, D. D.. was elected official correspondent to the public press. and Rev. H. Y. Woods was selected to re- port the proceedings of the conference to the correctional papers.
 Bishops Message.
 Among the special sayings of Blsh- op Chappelle in his sermon, he said:
 We live in the midst of a legacy and a heritage reaching to where we do not know, and stretching forth to an unlimited future: thus during time, we must prepare for the future en- ioyment of that heritage. whateve: that will be- There are many denom- nations, and as such, and such only. they count for nothing. Christianity is body. and every individual IS member of that body and in propor- ton as we do our part. will that body exercise influence upon the world or mankind. The man who acts for him self and for himself alone, is fail ure hut the man who gives his lire and energies for the uplift Of his rel low man. will make for hlmse1 in the hearts Of those ne leaves behind him. The church IS tired of the ignoramuses, who do notn- ing but Jews harp and whoop, ana is calling for men of thought. me church politician, and former of tricks must go. and the wheel of progress push forward those men who keep apace wit hthe age, and who are coup led with their environments.
 "It is the spirit of Christian prog ress that causes men and wo.nen to take the stand that many have taken in the branch normal college matter. I congratulate all who are standing for the purity of womanhooc' ana the exaltatiOn of character in thls hlatlel: It would be far better tha' this schcol never open, and if the state turp us down. and refuse to give us any ol the higher lessons. We can stand by Shorter college and otEer elementary supporte. by the race You prea ohers and leaders should see fo if that not a single student appear for class work until this whole matter has been investigated, and an honest verdict in harmony with tn' prlnciFles of righteousness has beer gwen, ana at that in the open.
 Justiiies "Valkout.'
 "J would like to meet that young negro man. who dared to stand upj and refuse 10 recite the principal oi the college and secured "walkout. Yes, I want to see him. Any yohng negro man who will dare such. Will become leader in the race. No true white man in the South, where theI white man has put the highest pre- mium upon womanhood of any peo- ple upon the face of the globe IT there is no truth in tbe allegations made by the young woman In ques- tion, what harm can come by havlng a fair, open. fyll investigation. The higher we set the standard of mor- alty, the more respect will be given us as a people. We are going to wipe out the black spots between us, ana all the high things in life. Woman hood should be defended and re- spected, and wherever men rally 10 the protection of virtue and pure womanhocd, both God and man Wilt give their approval
 Ask Open Inquiry.
 Rev. J. w. Whitesides. D. D. pre- siding elder of the Hamburg district, Rev. J. H. Clsyhorn of the Eumas district. H. D. Rrowr. of th+ bern ott district. J. G. Robinson of the Ciar- endon district. J. D. Dennis of the Newport district. and pr. A. K. Cal bonn of the c. M. c. Church all de. |iyered helpfu, addresses. Each 0. hem named any one in personai