Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1919-12-12
A. M. E. Churchmen Seek Return of
 Bishop Conner

The second days session of the African Methodist Episcopal con ference in St. John A. Nj. E. church was full of interesting incidents yesterday, and some strong ad- dresses were delivered, and by unanimous vote the delegates cleo ted to the general conference to be held next May in St. Louis, Mo, were instructed to work for the re- turn of Bishop Conner for an addi- tional four years.
 The search light was turned or each member of the conference yesterday morning when Bishop Conner asked the question in the discipline of his church, Are all the preachers blameless in life and conversation 2" The religious. official and moral character e each ministers came before the conference for scrutiny, and it was rejoicing times when all passed muster. showing that all had walk ed in the straight path during the past12 months.
 Charles Stewart. A. M. D. D. general missionary of the Nationa Baptist convention. addressed the conference yesterday speak ing of the good work being done in the state for racial uplift.
 In the election of delegates there was a tie between Dr. J. ! Lowe, and W. T. Pope. They were at the head of the ticket. and the other delegates elected were Rev A. H. Hill, John Clayborn, w. W Harris and E. c. Foreman.
 Dr. J. l. Lowe, after reading ni' report, showing that every man ig the Clarendon district of which h. is presiding elder had an increa s< over the previous year He placed upon the table over $500 raised by the women, the largest amount ever brought to conference by anN enc presiding elder for mission: and education.
 Minnie Davis, Preceptress o1 Branch Normal college, whose father was a character in Uncle Toms cabin, and widow of ar A. N. E. preacher was introduce, to the conference yesterday af ternoon, and made a short talk q am working for highest possible standard of womanhood for ou1 girls" she said land I am proud tt be connected with this great wor' here in Arkansas. I find tha1 the people in Pine Bluff want the negro to build himself up, and they give us all possible encourage ment."
 Dr. A. H. Hill. the choice of Ar kansas for the Episcopacy, and 2 man who has been well trained flo, his work, spoke expressing thanks for the encouragement which he had received at the hands of his brethren, and declaring his inten- tion to put his life on the altar fot his race. He was proud of his peo- pie. If elected, he will be the frs, man of his race elected to the bishopric from Pine Bluff and al the people of the city are behind him.
 Education" was the theme dis. cussed last night, and the church was crowded. Bishop J. M. Con ner presided, and the choir of St John A. M. E. church furnished special music.
 The Rev. Dr. w. I. Pope, made the opening prayer, and then fol lowed the. first speaker, the Rev w. w. Harris, who denounced ig' norance as a breeder of crime, : destroyer of life and property anC a menace to civilization.
 Dean Montgomery of Shorter college, spoke for the theologica work being done there and urgec the young men who desired to ad vance, or even to keep page wit! the moving intellectual army tt become a part of Short theological work. J. H. Clayborn of the ex tension work. also spoke.
 Conference will resume business today. There will be a big increase in all departments over the pre- vious year.
 Rev. William Winston was ap- pointed transportation agent fol the state yesterday.