The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-07-03
Extraordinary Methodist Conference Fears For
 Legality Of Session DEBATE PROPOSAL
 FOR ADJOURNMENT Churchmen Fear Repeti-
 ton Of Cumberland
 Presbyterian Troubles MAY ASK BISHOPS
 TO JOIN IN CALL General Sesion In 1925 Sug- gested To Get Around Legal Barriers
fRv Assnriated Press. ]

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn, July 2. Adjournment of the extraordinary general conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, south, without action on the proposal for unifica- ton wit, the Methodist Episcopal church loomed as a possibility to- night. The situation grew out of an all-day debate on resolution providing for another general con- ference in May, 1925. Its adoption would leave the delegates with noth- ing to do for rules adopted provide that the only business that can be transacted is consideration of the unification plan.
 The resolution, which was intro duced Jointly by Br. A. J. Lamar of Nashville, Tenn, and Joseph E. CoekreIf of Dallas, Texas, follows:
 Text Of Resolutions
 "Whereas, there has been expressed doubt as to the legality of the spe- cial session of the general conference; i; and,
 Whereas, if the plan of unifieation now proposed is finally adopted by a constitutional method, the resS't will involve the title to alI property in the sa.' ssFRsssas. si|f sss csTEsIn that + $ aenefhl conference is called by thc bish- ona by and with the advice of all the annual conferences as the constitution clearly pfogided-prior to 1866, there can. be no question of the legality of gen. eHdI confefel- ce so called therefore,
 Be it resolved, That this general conference requests the bishops and all the annual conferenc, to join in the call for the general confei nee to meet tho first Wednesday in May, 1925, to vote or the adoption of the l la of uuifieation of our church Id the Meth odist. Episcopal church submitted to this general conference by the commis- sion of utilization"
 Dr. Lamar spoke in behalf of the resolution but from the applause his following at the time apparently was small. It grew larger as the day passed, however, and while the con cluding address was being delivered by Judge w. l.. Dean of Huntsville, Texas, who urged adoption of the reso- lution, the speaker was interrupted fre- quently by applause that came from all quarters of the auditorium.
 Cumberland Case Cited
 The troubles that beset the Cumber- land Presbyterian church some, years ago after it had formed an organic union with one of the larger Presbyte- rian bodies was the main point stressed by supporters of the Lamar proposal. When time came to transfer Cumber- land church property to the united body trustees of various institutions attacked the legality of the union and scores of suits were filed, some in state and others in federal courts The courts held the union illegal.
 Judge John s. Candler of Atlanta, a brother of Bishop Warren A. Candler, argued that the confernece was legal and urged defeat of the resolution. He cited decision in a church case where in acts of officials had been attacked but which the court held legal. He drew a parallel between this instance and the action of the board of bishops in calling the special conference and contended the conference was proper. Fl. H. White of Alexandria, La, also an attorney, spoke 45 minutes at the afternoon session along the line followed by Judge Candler.
 Rader Wins Friends
 Judge Perry S. Rader of Jefferson City, Mo, was the speaker who ap- parently won the largest number of friends for the resolution although a layman. He is president of the board of missions, and is regarded as one of the most influential members of the conference. Judge Rader cited the Cumberland Presbyterian troubles at
 (COntinued on Page 16.I