Evening journal., 1917-01-05
Continued From First Page.)

IShed ana are reau touay.
Mr.. Thompson started away say
ing. 4 sympathize with you" where
upon MIR. Cooke retorted, Il don't
need your sympathy. but you may
pray for me-"
Il will pray for YOU remarked
Mr.. Thompson.
Previous TO the reading OF the
statements prepared by him, Pastor
Cooke, addressing the newspaper
men present commented on the slim
attendance, saying. you did not
bring the crowds with you this time
you did before"
The meeting opened with the sing
ing Of the hymn Il Know Whom
Have Believed Mr.. Cooke leading
it. The organist was not present.
This was followed by prayer led by
Pastor Cooke after which he launch
ed into his own statement In which
he referred to himself as a diplo-
mat.
MIR Cooke said that during tho re-
cent trial Of Mr.. Crew on a charge Of
causing dissension in the church, the
impression got about that he tthe
past0r) was on trial and that he had
kept evidence affecting him out OF
the hearing. The trial. he said, was
a sort OF reformation and was ne
cessary for the church TO clear it.
self and to enlighten those who were
in the dark. II was surprising, Mr..
Cooke said, that during the trial so
many ministers appeared TO be
sgainst us"
II was at this point Mr. Cooke,
a u fnF D. T.. ah Ia
thumb inserted in his vest under his
avn. said Il am somewhat OF q
diplomat. although the people think
I carry sledge hammer about with
me-
"At recent conference session OF
this church ] made several proposi-
fions which called forth much tact" !"
Pastor Cooke added. AT that meet
ing which was attended by the Rev.
Robert Watt | made three PROPOSE
tons. Tho first was that / asked
those who had opposed us to apologize
and for us to start anew
THE second was that I would re-
tire from the active pastorate of the
church until the next Conference and
allow those who opposed me 10 run
he church, with the UNDERSTANDING
nat ! receive my salary.
'srhe third proposition was that
he six offending trustees retire until
he next Conference and allow me
md those with me 70 run the church
"Dr. watt was present but he made
no proposition for harmony and
h seemed 10 me time 10 call meet.
ing and 10 invite those who had beer
talking about me TO come forwa I'd
and furnish proof OF any wrong doin;
ia my part"
Mr.. Cooke then issued anothei
challenge for any one to come for
ward and present charges agains
him. No one presented charges
q he then read a lengthy state
ment. He also read the followini
letter to Bishop Mcdowell, attack mi
the administration Of District Super
rtendent Watt.
letter to bishop Mcdowell.
Bishop William r. Mcdowell, y. ID
Washington, ID. G.
Dear Sir and Brother--An unusus
situation has arisen In WiImingto
Methodism that calls for your imm,
dlate attention. / am prepared to fui
nish proof OF misconduct on the pai
Of the Rev. Robert Watt, d D.. sl
perintendent OF the wilmington dil
trict II you Will come to Wllmiugto
and conduct an open investigation
the official conduct OF DR. Watt
Wesley Church, or any church In III
city, l believe can convince yo
that he Is guilty OF conduct that shoul
depose him from Office without VI
necessary delay. He should not |
allowed TO remain IA Office until Cor
ference session. as he has furnishe
evidence to demonstrate his essenti;
nnflfness TO be consulted In referens
10 the appointment or our preachers.
II might proceed under paragrap
25c. Section . OF the Discipline Of 1911
hnd attempt TO get an investigatio
but that would not be successful I,
ihe reason that the preachers al
either afraid OF him or they are SUI
servient to him Or. I might walt vi
til conference time and enter charg
against his character under paragrar
.snsa. 2e6 Discipline 1916, but there is stror
sssi likelihood that he can secure infuen
|sHM Ind following enough 10 prevent
SzaAl rial or have IL secret. In either ca
would be impossible to secure We
@ 1ict against him, no matter what q
W evidence
III there ia a desire on your pa
or on his part TO have this matter d
posed OF with the least amount of c
posure and agitation, ca let Dr. Wa
resign from Office voluntarily witho
further action; (2) you may requ'
his resignation in view OF the serio
charges against him: CD you may G
for an open inquiry, where he "
have opportunity 70 defend hims
and | will have opportunity TO pre-
my accusations.
He may object TO an open invea
cation on the false plea that such I
posures iniure the church. !
nimsy character OF that pretense
easily seen and should be taken
souivaIent to a confession Of guilt
If you do not act in this matter
as to get II settled in quiet mann
YOU viii relieve me OF all responsil
iiy for any exposures or agitatiC
that may come by pursuing such me
DDS as are necessary to secure II
open trial My insistance on an or
Investigation is due TO the antecedi
fact that the evils complained OF
the conduct OF Dr. Watt grow out
ais underhanded methods.
MY accusations are:
First. That be knowingly {
wickedly favored our evil. disrupt
faction at the second quarterly G
ference in Wesley Church, held ;
tember 10, 1916, as against the pas
the stewards and the loyal members
he church
Second. During the preparat