Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1924-06-18
REV. BIRRELL LETTER
Continued from page u
The Methodist National Conference

The Methodist National Conference
Our journey on the train was un-
eventful.. We were two days and two
nights in reaching North Adams,
Mass, the home of Mrs. BirrelPs sis
ter, where we intended to spend
few days. Thursday, the 22nd, we took
a trip over the Mohawk Trail as far
as Greenfield $50 miles); Friday l
went to Springfield, Mass, and took
in the morning and afternoon ses-
sions of the General Conference OF
our church which has been in session
the whole of May. There were nearly
900 delegates, an equal number MIN
isterial and lay members. Two heated
discussions, one on the consolidation
of certain boards and the other on
the special committees report on war
showed the spirit and trend of the
conference The decision of the con-
ference was to consolidate certain
boards; and the continued discussion
on the war report was how to further
the peace program and how to get
the Christian church out of war. A
desperate problem for the church.
Visiting in Old Boston
On Saturday we set out on a $50
mile journey to Boston by car, hay-
ing been informed that we must be
in Boston before noon to secure clear
ance papers before sailing. 1t was not
pleasant to be told there that we
could have secured the papers at the
wharf on Sunday, as the Federal Of
fees were open to accommodate pas
sengers who needed such papers. How
ever, we got to see more of Boston.
Two nephews, one living in Boston,
and the one who took us in the car
that day, showed us the city And
they knew it we'll, both having at
tended college there.
The Good Ship, Scythia, Alloy!
The boat was four hours late at
Boston having encountered a rough
sea out from New York. 1t was a
great sight to see the boat arrive.
The passengers and visitors were very
excited. AS soon as the boat stopped
loading again visitors were allowed
to go aboard to see the boat, so that
we had our friends with us all of the
time. We left Boston Sunday at 4 p. m.
to the tune of Should Aud Acquain-
tnee be Forgot, etc." played on a cor
net by one of the visitors.
Sea Travel Very Safe
The sea was very unsettled after
a high wind and toward evening we
began to feel the effects of the "heavy
swell" Many were sick and some did
not eat the first meal at 1880 p. m.
There is a minimum of danger at
sea. Since the Titanic disaster the
British government has patroled all
steamship lanes. Besides, the Cunard
captains get no censure from the COM
pany in case Of delay, even to the eX-
tent of being days overdue, if the pas
sengers are the first concern. The
Scythia is a fine boat-20,00O tons, $40
#. long, 80 it. wide and pulls nearly
80 #. of water. She is new and mod
ern in every way
Travel More Formal Nowadays
We found a good deal more con-
vention on board than previously.
There is, of course, freer friendship
than on land but not by any means
the utter abandon of other years. the
spirit of 1--WE are on board ship, let's
be friends right away" is not on this
boat, and I am told no longer exists.
But Good Times Come Anyhow
We have had a good time, however.
Games are provided. There is small
gymnasium with an instructor in
charge. The equipment consists of
row boat exercise, clubs, indoor ten
mis-, automatic horse, automatic cam
ell Ct don't see why they should have
camel on this bOat) automatic BIZ
cycles, fencing, golf practice, etc. The
furnishings, decorations and service
on the boat are of tn every best.
This Boat Must Be ''Wet'
A passenger committee organized
sports. Prizes were given for winning
in csontests-quoits, Switchboard, rae
es and stunts, etc. We had splendid
passenger talent concert in aid of the
sailors benevolent institutions in Eng
land and U. S. This is a good custom.
There was masquerade party, very
amusing Some dress up affair. very
original costumes. Good time.
We have daily paper, the Allan
tic edition of the DAILY Mail" Am
sending you copy.
We expect to get to Queenstown on
Sunday The Church of England ser
vice will be held on board at 1890
a. m.
We are very anxious to get to our
destination and expect to do so Mon
day night, June 2.
I am sending this letter from
Queenstown. We stop for about two
hours there.
With very best wishes.
Yours sincerely,
TOHN RTPRET r.,