The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-10-28
UNIFICATIoN, FEDERATION

tied measures looking to practical re- organization of American Methodism to make possible unifying the bodies. south and north, divided in 1S44 Representa- tives have been at work on their prob- lems, but so far there has not been given out any promising scheme of early achievement. The south wants the gen. erel conference kept clear of final judi cial powers, and the colored brother set off to himself, the north seems to wish to elothe the general conference with . picnary judicial functions, and keep the colored brother pars fratrum. Thus the same issues, which nearly three-quar- ters of century since brought the con stitutonal separation of American Meth odlsm, still inger to line up the children of past generation. Meantime unifica- ton waits.
 With federation it seems different; not simply federation of peoples practically of the same general cast of faith and forms, but of those widely divergent in tenets and tests. premium seems set on Protestant peoples getting closer togethN er-minifying point of divergence and magnifying points of convergence- thereby making it possible for denomina- : ions to pool issues and efforts, at giv- en place, in behalf of the larger interest ot .1ee 1hristian cause, rather than in !, Nylialt of the narrower concerns of sec TSranism. Recently was held in Pitts burg, Pa, meeting of representative Christian men from various denomina- irons, federal council of churches, in this particular behalf-a meeting of fine spirit, wide reach of discussion, and large importance in it's conclusions. Rev Dr James A. Duncan, pastor at Norwood, attended that Pittsburg council. The re- port he made thereof to his brethren upon his return was so full of interesting and important information and inspiration, in fh.S1Vu unns-f la 4-fe alAN s report they requested him to Wss tie lead in the organization of such council in the state of Alabama. Dr. Duncan may, at the approaching con- ference session, be ready to put in mo- ton agencies to that accomplishment.
 EDUCATIONAL
 Of course, the conference will discuss education and the college question. Tn all her creed, uttered or unexpressed Meth- odism is fully committed to the cause of education for all the people. Her shib- boleth is an open Bible and spelling book, these standing for the rudiments of an English education and the right to s11S aHG act on Cod $ revealed word, as 7 the inalienable legacy of every prospec- tive American citizen. She stands for the public school in all it's grades, and for 1ke college. But, after gladly giving in general way her cordial support to all the appliances for education at large, Alcoholism deems that is duty rests upon her to do another bit for iper day through the medium of the denomnatiorial col lege; accordingly, through the years her efforts in that direction make up a gen. erous contribution to the sum total of cultural results in state and nation. of which she may well be proud
 And that work is by no means done The question of ways and means. like the poor, we seem always to have with us Beginning more than 10 years ago and continuing with persistence more or less commendable. has come sharp aggitation in favor of the two Alabama conferences pooling issues in their educational enter prises with effort made to get together on some satisfactory basis of union. Tn 1911 north Alabama said We will no more consider this question of union till Alabama makes us a. definite proposition.' In 1e12 south Alabama came with the definite proposal of combining under one board of trustees all the colleges of the two conferences North Alabama did not see fit to agree. And so the matter has rested since.
 Again. however. if report be true, tho Auuestion comes for judgment, and yet Ut the same old question involving the
 kzal colleges of Alabama Methodism: N question. new in that 1t cuts
 eing except such as may af-
 & main issue-the desirability