Newspaper Page Text
THE ONSTITLTION PUB. CO
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, FOR THE WEEK' ENDING TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1878.
No. 46, Volume X
TERMS Or TOE COysTlTCTIOA
OAI1.T roinoic. bj Lu, OM T~r no
WEEKLY EDITION, pshitakwl mm Tnasdsyre
"OSS-*» l *=•* M so. rsynbi. la
l lhassou .bom wham the
mmMTlOKfc-
ib. paper; th*
Mb^rjalfio cxpti«a rare, tb. i
racva at loaat one mk la itraca
OONaTlTCTION,
tw
Tab Beecher btuin
ening the country.
fin JossrH £. Juuaaua apent a da,
with Umo. LineMreet recently.
The dniEay ol toe Mew York Tri
bune aUU keep* the Nation in Peril.
Tnitee or tour Biuaian Alabaman
aton'd make it lively (or Engliah com
Tub day* of carpet banging are not
over. Tb* potato bog ia marching
down npon tie.
The (aitblnl Hagers, tbe private aec-
retary and confidential aeeiatant ol toe
adminiatration, never even no much aa
drink* claret.
Job Bb.ulev team* to be a very jnafc
judge—, nice man to bave on tbe an-
preme bench wben fraud was to be
consummated.
It ia mid that some of tbe alack-wada
among the democrat* are really afraid
ol an invutigation. They ought to join
Blanton Duncan’* army.
Adam bad no John Hntrman in hie
cabinet, and consequently hia title waa
not disputed. A professional fabulist
could no doubt pick a moral out of this
historical fact.
The Rpiiorfield (Mass.) Republican
is the only northern paper that baa
had tb* manliness to correct tbe state
ment Hat tbe Colombo* Eoquircr-Sui.
was in favor of lynch Isw.
there waa any danger in these fellows, rpgrj DTgtrrypr.1 A TyTt'O'p'QCi I inured in s firmer compactness and bet-
Q , AJAAi hlODUiu iiJ-fUX\IiOO Ur 00DMrv>tioQ ol the fond .mental
Inp.rl.Dl Herarsllona as ro the Fit
I.* — Tl>. Worn «f III. P„-s — 2*1..
•tm-l'Darrs Urnib-nUp — Ilic
Fre* 141.1* Bides t l ie
It is now discovered wby Bayard
Taylor golped down three hundrea
glasses ol lager beer just pravioua to
leaving tbia country. He lou-d
that be couldn't be elected president o
tbe paragrauhers’ association.
GaxaasL Toons* assert* in hi* usual
fearlesa luabion that Tiia Constitution
ia the bsat paper in tbe roalh, because
it is tbe most outspoken and independ
ent. We have long since .discovered
that a little strssk of audacity now and
then gives a relish to the discussion ol
public man end measures.
IWt ALBANY WAlB.
Tin opening ol the spring fair of the
Southwest Georgia Industrial associa
tion, St Albany, on the 21st and 22d o
the present month will afford the dti-
sens of north Georgia an opportunity
to inspect the products of one of the
most thrifty, progressive and fertile
sections ol Georgia. The indication)
are thrt this, the first fair of the asso
ciation, will be a conspicuous success,
not only as an eablbition of the indus
trial and agricultural possibilities of
southwest Georgia, bnt as n means of
briegiog th* people together and incit
ing among them that kindly, but ener
getic spirit ol competition which always
aocotnp nies real progress. Among the
attraoiiona of tbe fair will be a prise
drill between military companies for
two hundred dollars, and a boat race
on the river.
tMrvitvi.io run national debt.
We bave received a copy ol the
speech ol Hon. Hiram P. Ball on the
refunding of the national debt and tbe
necessity of establishing postal savings
banka An abler or a more exbansti ve
argument has not been mads in con
gress npon the (abject. Mr. Bell shows
conclusively that if our national debt
could be held by our own people—
e hich is one of tbe objects proposed by
the bill he ■ wse advocating—and the
interest thereon paid within our own
borders, it would constitute one ol the
elements of nations! wealth. Mr. Bril
ia master of his subject, and hia speech
will well repav perusal.
A SMKMO.X ros LBDAPASDtma.
We herewith present sn extract from
a letter written by Hon. Willtsm E
Smith, who ao faithfully and efficiently
represent, the second Georgia district
in congress., The letter is iu response
to an inquiry from a friend as to whetb
er be would become a candidate for
re-election, and we give it the promim
ence o! editorial position id order that
we may more effectually cJnl attention
to the manly and patriotic sentiments
contained theism. They will be
endorsed by every true democrat in
the laid. Mr Smith wiitea:
I knew ol ao aoe sow, .fleering me per-
tensity, mat won C ror.nl my sonuuuc* e*
a (1,-mocrsilca.m n*uoc foi.ir.lla th. feet,-
alaih consists it tendered me Indeed, li would
be gislltyu a id reumiu la o-nsiwe end .Id In
■saluting the gueanmenl loll, norma: ccoCI-
Uo:; lo wilnaas c. er, d. p*nmant of ibtacnet
goerrnnaenl lu complete ccc'ld with aU other.,
,0,1 id .erleet harmony wtlh the cootUiuilor.
Pd the Catted Slues.
Itiv.ua bach *' i*< ae gbo lotMatrd «nd aid. d
Id id. Tvto:m neimr ol MIS, .od «lr« ID*I
t'me-measures which ha.e re cst.blutMd the
•uprenuCTof Ih. cfvlt over the ralu.ry.u
ihortiWs. reuvuDItsbed local ssU goven m ol
In Sou lb Carolina mid LmltaUn*. {•monel s >1
u Tor cola. rMORd pewv, lew nod order
thnxubout ibe unld, aad ebecked tb* apolls
itoe acbemmor tbeboodbobirts is redomin
oo.1 leilrioaonr greenhm-k clrralaUon. it n il
appear uassod.a ahooui 1 wl*b ro owUeue
longer in ibla goal werk and wlutcm ibe *nuid
utomoh ltu.1 a.ij await, u*.
«i|>. I do ao wsai w, ptreonsl wwhss lo In-
tortwo witb, or oppcoe Ik* dortns of m, ooomll-
UID. TUey me to bo nprerentad. ond lb*r
moult soleor ittclr nptomaim. Tbalr sc
■toe tball bird me
Tb* .coder majority oo how hsse.in lh«
boom at mproeeniauv*. most not be lo.: m the
Beat- TBo n«at oooue oUl be ours, and It wiU
be . steer mtsfcrtne* to our country It w* let:
retain out pooot Is tbs bonis. To maintain
tbe c.oouinuao, to onforo* tbs tswa. to pot
tery* lb. rights ol all lb. stale. ar.d oeoplo, tbo
democratic party la tally coetmluod To db-
cDars. tbaor lee rt.nl truws. wn most monre
tn. cseenUw JaUcnluft lyUlrUr* dcpait-
meot- ot tb. goweRimauL W. mare base Duty
ao dlwawo, oo shrinking
Tney were, the moat of them, out
work, bat were resdy to give op their *
opposition to capital <m the offer of al *„_*f *._°f.***^ £
job of work, just as the man-haler* for-
awor# them-elves upon ao cflfer of mar
risga. Little attention w a paid to tbeir
indecent and absurd ravings, therefore,
until tbe remarkably rapid spread of
tb* railroad riots last year impreeaed
npon tbe public mind the suspicion
that there was some powerful organisa
tion of workingmen in existence, that
could upon the moat trifling occasion
paralyze the industry ol the oenutry
and throw the republic off its balance
Bnt this unnreaaion soon faded, and
there waa a derisive laugh all over the
onion when Cincinnati booght a Gat
ling gun and placed it in position,
where It could sweep her principal av
enue.
It appears n'w that tl e north hse
been sleeping over s great danger. The
Gatling gnn wsa s wise thought that
many another city will find it neces
sary to duplicate. The discovery
abort time ago in
Chicago, that there were eeverml thou
sand well-armed communists, drilling
certain nights of every week in Urge
halls in d.fferent parts of the efty. The
number was pnt at 6 UOO This repor
led the other large ciiies “to look to
themselves,” and it was very soon dis
covered that they were all in as bad •
fix as was Chicago. In Cincinnati it
ass fonnd that folly 9.0W men, armed
with the beet of nfles were perfecting
themeelves nightly in the manual and
in the skirmish drill. These we/e no*
volunteer organization and did not ap
pear upon any public roster. They
were communists, pore and aimjle,
armed at private expense and drilling
iu secret. The same was true of the
other cities. It wss shown that agent*
of the French and German commune*
were in the conntty in large nombere,
aiding with harangues and cash, tht
infamous movement. An agent, sent
to New York to purchase a large qoan
tity of arms, made the following state*
raent to the reporter of one of the Nea
York papers:
Tht discovery, yon aay, has Juat been madt
Jst our men m« drilling nizbtiy la Chicago
Wby, sir, the truth la. our men have been drill
log public!y there for ovar two years. Thorn fa
nothin* secret at all about It, and It I were de
alroua ot coming on to Now York on my present
mission is a secret manner, there waa cothl. ?
water in tbo world. The dispatch you refer to
1* full of errors, a*d you can rectify U if you ao
•dasrre Ina ead cf & 000 men drilled in varioae
purr* of Cb'csfo sifhtly, you may aay over
twenty thousand- And you may also add that
th*je la not a ringle old pattern rifle in uao to
day's tbe organ!! itlous The members ma>
pomlhly h ive some, but they are not used in 'h»
drill- ooma, for It ia contrary to the rules By
aJdea, I am free to admit thalthere ia not a ward
the city tint dcei not contain a -vend drilling
balls, but wby con flue U to Qblcag'jf Why, In
^au FnncUci, Clodnnstf, Milwaukee, acre,
land. Indianapolis and Philadelphia, our organ.
isitlOLa are complete, and have txwn for aomt
ima. The clergy and thoe- who douot under*
stand na laugh at un, call tu fanatic?, idiots and
blood thirsty know-nolhinga Wall, let them
think what they please and call us what they
choose. Our strength is hourly locreaa
ing, to-d*y our rolls contain members • I a!mot
every creed and nationality. We areof the peo
ple and for the people, ard our strength may b«
found overwhelming when put to the teat 'ert
many years rol! by. Tbo anna and ammuni
tion about to be purchased are not intended for
any particular dty or branchea of the organ s
tic n They an fur dl»tritm*.ioo all over, free
the far west to your own dty as well aa all
along the Pacific elope, wherever a branch of
the body has lately been cotabUtfced. A ex-
oentratloool PnlladdpbU and New York, I
abk.ut to be effected, and tbe branchea of tin
organisation In this dty placed npon a proper
beat* F^raomo time past the dergy and moo-
opo lati throughout the state of New York havt
opposed our progre as la every conceivable way.
now we are all right and mean to get to work
It la our Intention to district tbiacity.as San
Franctico and Chicago are. intodrilUrg hall*
or armories,for you see there ia no law prohibit
ing such a atepi Wo commit no breach of t ie
peace, and as long aa we conform with tbe law*
have nothing to fear.**
•Bat." interrupted tbe reporter, "what ia lb
object of all th a anoint? What do you meai
by such systematic drillingf It certainly locks
though you contemplated an attack on some
body.
Mr. Laffor.—“Taere la exactly where the mtf-
takela. Instead of attacking any
simply pr« paring to repel any atti ck that may
be made npon us. In New York, Chicago anc
many other c tie*, our meetings, although pub
lic and free to every orderly person bave been
br ken up bv the police, our member* Illegally
Ipciicfrated for days, and some of them dabbed
almost to death.or driven from th* *:reet at tbe
pr int of the bayonet by your mlllUsa Our arm
In* Is purely for defend'# purposes, and aa
New York ha? been deemed tbe weakest east-
eru dty of the orgacisttioB, whereas it oogh
to, properly speaking, be the great stronghold,
it has bees determined to place it upon, if I
may so express mysdf, a war footlrg. A mra
bet of tredesHiuions and soetoMs la the sta e of
New York had heretefora ranged ihemselvcs
avatnst us. but a racorcUUUon has beau arrived
at 'hrough tbe medium cf kindred uoioes and
nreudatlona, who approve of our plana, ao tha
before many months Naw York state and c ty
will take their proper placet f n the organisa
tion- Arms and per per drill oflkxrt will com
ae here, and neither money nor time will be
trend to place tbe eastern section in a position
lo be able 10 respond promptly to any call made
a poo if. 1 am on my way to M*a*ac v usetts.
where the necessary arms will be purchased and
shipped to Now York, not in any leeret or dan
doatlno manner, but openly and above board
and if tbo authorities mo fit to itte fere.tbcugh
I cannot ate how tney can, we shall oonteai our
rigk*. w
The dueger that in contingent upot
these de|fbra!e organisetions cannot be
fairiv estimated. There is, of course,
no danger of their ever getting perma
nent pcfesefsion of tbe goveroment, or
even of eusteiLirg a prolonged conflict
witn the au'horiUet But they can in
fl ci in a few hoars incalculable damage
npon the property end the intiostrief
of oar greet cities. Twenty thousand
armed men for instance, rising in Chi
cago et e given signed might very easily
take possession of the city end
hold it for e day, or pcsaibly e week,
especieV.y when tbe neighboring citi«s
were engaged in putting down insur
rections of the same eon within their
own limits. The shortest time men'
tioned, however, won.d be plenty long
enough for them to destroy millions of
Dka* Brethren -After the Upee of
four eventlul jeers, yon beve per
mitted, in the good providence of (aod,
to convene rs repesentRtivee of the
Methodist E. church, south, in its
highest constitutional assembly; in
vested witb **fnll powers/* under cer
tain specified “limitations and restric
lions, to makes rules and regulations,”
•nch as in onr godly judgments will
best promote its mission in the world.
We greet von in tbe name of enr
common Lord. We congratulate yon
upon tbe diguity which has been con
ferred upon yon by your respective
annual conferences, in tbe exercise of
their electoral rights; by whose choice
you have been elevated to positions in
the only legislature ar d in the supreme
jndic ary or onr church. And we es
pecially acknowledge with gratefnl
hearts the auspicious circumstances
which attend on* quadrennial gsthe-iDg
On no previous eccasiona of this kind
have we enjoyed richer evidence ot
divine favor, or possessed greater ele
menta of p wer and prosperity as a
church.
Since tbe adjournment ot the lan
general conference, strange and instruc
tive events affecting the forum* and
destiny of the Cnnriun religion, have-
occurred in the history of the wo? Id.
To some of these we may briefly refer
ab pertinent to this occasion. They are
“signs of the times’* which it is our
duty, aa officers of the church, to con
aider and improve.
The providential government of God
is instituted to subserve toe behests of
the kingdom of C irist. “He is head
overall things to the church.” “AU
.udgment is committed to the Sjn.”
Sveiy department of evangelical
Christendom is an integral portion of
tbe commonwealth of Israel; and the
prosperity of each is more or lens in*
volved in ail those historical stages
which sivnaiize the coarse of human
affairs. Contemplated on this wider
scale, we are-better prepared to real z
the relations of our Methodism to the
universal church, and to humanity,and
to project plans for oilier p aces and
other limes than those with which we
are more immediately occupied. The
connection between these general facte
and our prerent responsibilities, ia
neither obatnre nor visionary. Tbe ap
prehension of it is a part of wiedom It
will enlarge the circle of our hons m,
aud animate onr zeal for huger con
quests.
The financial collapse, for example,
which commenced four years ago, and
which has sirce pervaded, perplexed
and paralyzed the commercial world,
contains a lesson for the church. As a
matter of fact, it has r ere ted with cor
responding force npon all those sgenciet
of Christianity employing the use of
money in their operations, tiach a
crisis ought not to retard, much les-
arrest those operations. It is a radii a;
mistake to snppote that the progreta
of Christ's kingdom is dependent upon
tbe laws of commerce, or is necessarily
a fleeted by the contracuon or expan
sion, the scarcity or repletion o' the
currency. Its abnuoance, though
rarely ever dedicated to God,
oght always to be snb
aidized and sanctified by its consecra
tion to His cause; but the oeficiency ol
the one ought never to hinder the ad
vancemeni of the other. It is a pretex
for avarice and inaction. The resources:
i the Christ iau church, not withstand’
Ing the floe*nations in the markets of the
world, are equal to its demands; too
the combined efforts of its real mem
bers, actuated by the co; straint of
Christ's love, will compensate tbe defi
ciency, and even *rauscena it by the
affluence of tbeir contributions. Riper
screptoral views ci the conditions ol sue
cees, a livelier faith in a reigning ba-
viour, a more self-sacrificing response
to the ca'ls of duty, and a wiser econo
my in the use of money, will correct
tbe ordinary calculations of the ledger,
and leaves a surplus for the cause of
Christ. The question of person; 1 con
venience wilt be merged into one ol
Corisiisn obligation, and a new phase
ol hnance will replenish the revenues
ol the church.
The startling diffusion of new and
imposing forms of unbelief, within the
period of which we speak, had placed
the entire Ohirctian church in the pres
ence of a formidable and aelSconfident
antagonism, which hi forcing upon her
Ibe v;tf.l questions of her true founds
tion, her essential integrity, her legit
mate affairs, and her beat inodes of sue
cemful defense. All alike ate obliged
to accep* this gunge of war. We, too,
must adjust ourselves to tnese ext gem
principles which distinguished the
great Wesleyan movement; and the
aggregate retulfii, we bave reason to
believe, have counterbalanced the
incidental evils of that apparently ca
lam i to us event. Nothing has occurred
during the past thirty eight years to
shake onr conviction of tbe stability of
southern Methodism, or lessen onr at
tachment to Its Institutions. A more
homogeneous ecclesiastical community
does not exist on the American conti
nent.
The quadrennial term now expiring
has been characterized by almost uni
versal peac* and harmony amongst cur
ministry and membership, both in re
spect to doctrine and discipline, and in
their cordial subordination to the exer
cise of legitimate authority. Noth
ing has been more decisive throughout
our wide and varied domain, than tbeir
unanimity in adhering to the peculiar
ities of our ecclesiastical system.
What, however, is of unspeakably
more value, and cause of profounder
gratitude, is the blessing of God which
has crowned the agencies ot the church,
during the past four years, with deci
ded success. The gospel, as received by
us, has been faithfully and fearlessly
preached. Revivals of religion have
extensively prevailed. Thousands have
been added to the church, and onr
borders have been continually extend
ing. Houses of worship, in highly im
proved styles of architecture, have
rapilly multiplied, and offered their
comfort and attractions to increasing
numbers of worshipers. Parsonages
bave been erected with onusual fre
quency, and. with better, accommoda
tions for the fsmilies of our preachers;
aud appeals for contributions to benev
olent obj-c a have been met with a
generous response. We rejoice to be*
deve that the cbnrcb is in a generally
healthy condition. Oar statistics will
show a gratifying progress in its growth
and spirituality.
Amidst these cheering evidences of
substantial coherence and prosperity, it
is not without regret, and even appre
hension, that we witnees certain des
par! urea from the standards and genius
of cur system, and tendencies to others,
which compromise its character and
impair its efficiency. Chan ges of mere
economy adapted to the altered condi
tion oi times and places, are sometimes
absolutely necessary and eminently sa
iutorj; bnt those which aflhet the con
stitution and consistency of the system
itself, must be guarded with jealous
vigilance, lest their mcipiency result in
a gradual surrender of its vital forces.
We refer to several admonitory sysop*
tome wh?ch we take the liberty of urg
ing upon your at'eution.
We cannot ofhit from this category,
the insufficient stress, in cur day, laid
upon the doctrine of “entire sanctifica-
tion,” as inculcated m the Wesleyan
theology, and exemplified in the first
age of Methodism. Notwithstand
ing its neglect on the one hand
and its fanatical distortions on the
other, by factious leaders, it is never
theless thee ear testimony of the holy
rcripturee. Its experience is the un
questionable privilege of believers, and
its er.joyment the full-blown flower and
tbe ripe fruit of the Christian life. The
infrequency of its proclamation from
the pulpit, and the irregularity of its
■xperimental power in the church, has
proven a serious detriment to the ro
bustness of our piety, and to the spe
cialty of our mission “to spread scrip
tarsi holiness over these lands/* Lot
us more than e»er re-asaert this great
doc'rine. >
We re er in this connection also to
the decline of an institution, the his
tory of which is incorporated into that
of Methodises and which more than
any other human expedient, contrib
uted to its growth. Tne memory of
the class meeting is fragrant with bie
ing. Its suspension has been a cala
school ins* ruction. It is of suffi- ’ of a term common to b/th, but wholly
cient importance to justify a ppecialen
aerment on the subject by the general
conference.
The subj ect cf general education, un
der the oatronsga of the church, as a
meanfr< f success and apowerful agency
for good evinces its importance with
every advancing year of her history.
The diffused intellectual life of our
times, the rapid advancement of classi
cal and scientific knowledge, and the
inexorable demand for scholarly at
tainments amongst both sexes, leave no
alternative bat to meet the emergency
with comprehensive and energetic
measures, or surrender the well earned
renown of the past and the glowing
hopes of the future. While our litera*
ry institutions have retained their in
tegrity, faithfully discharged their du
ties and manfully sustained the repu-
tat ; on of the church daring the past
four years we grieve to say that no sig
nal success has attended them. Tney
hive not flourished in proportion to
their merits or the hopes of the church.
The majority of them have been em
barrassed by debt, feebly patronized by
the public and have consequently been
unable to supply themselves with the
needed complement of libraries and
apparatus and furnish the desired sup
port lor commanding professional tal
ent. The principal cause for this de
pression has been the general financial
stringency of the country, extending it
self threugh the entire pest quadren
nium. It is a matter of thanksgiving
that they have passed the ordeal so safe
ly, ready to expand witb the return of
more auspicious times. Yet we are not
blameless as a people iu this respect.
The church, though diminished in re"
sources, is not poor. She is rich
enough, with proper effort, to set afloat
and endow every recognized institution
amongst u?. The fault is the want of
intelligent interest and well devised
plans, and not of ability. The glare of
great donations has, perhaps, dazzled
as. We do not comprehend the com
bined value of smaller ones. It be*<
hooves the members of this body to
take hold of this question with a firm
grasp, and arouse the church to appre
ciate the responsibility which it in
volves. We think that these institu
tions require nothing more to insure
their prosperity than a working endow
ment and a generous patronage. We
cannot afford to let them perpetrate a
struggling existence, and to remit the
education of our youth to skeptical or
uncongenial institutions.
The Vanderbilt university, the muni*
ficent donation of whose founder was
gratefully acknowledged by tbe last
general conference, and subsequently
increased by him to $1,000,000 h&a
since gone into operation with gratify
ing prospects. It is fully endo wed, eu*
tiiely free from debt, comprising all
the departments, academical and pro
fessional, of a university proper, and
possessing all the facilities of the higher
education. We tru9t that with its
superior advantages, it will add effi
ciency and lustre to our educational
enterprises.
We regard with deep satisfaction the
opportunities which many of our liter
ary institutions afford candidates for
the ministry in preparing them fer
their high vocation. While the church
does not require attendance upon them
as a sine qua non for admission into
the traveling connection, it ia her im
perative duty to place such opportune
lies within their remc£i, as will better
enable them to enlarge the sphere of
their usefulness, and occupy any posi
tions to which the demands of the age
may summon them. The stern logic
of eventa is happily meeting with a re
sponse. Our colleges and universities
by general culture, and our Biblical
schools, by special trailing, are ccn-
curriug with our estaolisled economy,
in supplying tia with laborers suited to
every poet of, ministerial duty. The
one ought not and cannot truthful!..
ity. Its neglect has not been compen- say to the other, “I have np. j PiVwTTlImffipfr , ....
* thee” We have need of all, of every In accordance WLli the second rose- wntHorizad by the late general confer-
sated by any proposed substitute. It
has not been abolished. It still sur
vives by law. Its resuscitation in some
effective form would vastly enhance
our individual and corporate strength.
Methodism always protested, by ex
plicit warrant of the word of G<d,
against “each diversions as cannot be
ustd m the name of the Lord Jesus/’
especially against those which are de
signated aa fashionable amusements.
The Methodist Episcopal church south,
has emphatically reiterated this pro
test. It is lamentable to what an ex
tent it remains unheaded. Many of
our members indulge in these forbid
den pleasures, and brirg reproach upon
the church. Parents do not restrain
their chi!dr n from participating in
them, and the evil grows by at least
constructive connivance. It shoald be
arrested by more decisive action, or it
will become unmanageable altoge her.
Our ii qmries into the spiritual con
dition cf the church constrain us to
say that a m jorily of our people are
chargeable with a grave dereliction in
respect to family worship. The priest
hood, tbe altars, and the morning and
: .iff 41. A L mi ... a1/1 n.n
grade of ability, whether of one talent, j u tion, Rev. Elward H. Myers, Rev.
or of five talents, lo xcupy until the Thomas M. Finney, Rev. R. K. Har-
Lord comes. grove, Hon. R. B. Vance, and Hon.
We heartily approve of the plan of David C'.opton, were appointed a com
fit the same time, the elements of
evangelical Christendom, whether Iron*
external pressure, or from internal itn
pulse, or from both, have, in a remark
able degree, manifested a tendency to
wards unity in the fundamental arti
cles of faith, and in spiritual fellowship
Tbeir approximation on theee grounds,
is a prominent feature of tbe times in
which we live, and deserves the deep
est attention. It does not appear to in
rolve a surrender, or even a compro
mise of peculiar tenets, or modes oi
polity; bat to seek only tbe affiliation
of two Christians, on tbe basis of ac
kuowledged essentials. Viewed in this
light, t'ie movement enou'd be bailee
with joy, as the exponent and vindi
cation, under diversified aspects,
of the “one Lord, one faith,
one baptism, one God and Fathei
of a'.l,” which, in all ages, and in al<
places underlie the true caiholic church
of Christ. The preservation of distinct
ecclesiastical ojganix uions, and be re
tention of doctrinal pecu iarities, are
perfectly consistent won r.sca tivaiio.i,
;ind,iu ’fact, necessary to its develop
ment.
Bj an unexpected and mjsterioue
process, in wtuch we devoutly acknowi
edge the overruling hand oi God, our
country has recency pas ed into a state
of marvellous tranquillity, eminently
favorable to tbe expansion and energy
of Christian enterprise. Tne coutras
between it and that oat of which, as a
church, we emerged more than twelvt-
years ago, and in the midst of which,
more or lees, our lot has since been
cast, is so astonishing as to justify
special thanksgiving to God, and to
s imulate onr healthiest activity in His
service.
In the meantime, a war of terrible
proportions ard destructive severity in
the east, whatever may be its merit
evening sacrifices of the household are
tne forgotten or neglected duties of
m tny of our Israel. The laxity of do
mestic p'ety is entailing its baneful
fruits upon the rising generation, and
our sons and daughters, unnurtured by
its sanctions are falling into the giddj
’•inks that throng the read to ruin
Family religion is the imperative ads
jnnet to personal piety and the unal
terable condition of its* transmission to
posterity.
Our preachers have, for the mo6t
part, been more liberally supported,
during the four years, than at any for
mer period. In many instances, how
ever, there support has been utterly
in.'deqoHte, and shamefully irregular.
The deficiency in these instances has
been unquestionably due in the main,
to the waut of competent stewards and
rigorous fidelity on the part of the
quarterly conference, ana not to the
want of additional 1< gialation. Oar fis
cal plan is, in our judgmt nt a model of
practical skill, elaborated by the beet
minds of the caurch, from a long series
of experiments and observations. Ail
thflt is necessary to its effectiveness, is
:he conscientious and systematic exe
cution ol its details. Its tcrip!ual an
thorny, its principle of general but vol
untary aesessmem,it8 boards of finance,
its required reports and the regu:
review of them by quarterly and
annual conferences, render it equally
pervasive, uniform and specific in its
operations, while it leaves ample max
gm for the exercise, of Christian liber
ality in providing for the wants of
those who “give themselves cantina’
ally to prayer, and to the ministry
has, thus far, terminated in the hnmil-
dotlars wrorth cf property and stores, . union and curtailment of the greates*
and throw the country into bankruptcy ' anti-Christian power upon earth. We
A* tremendous as this peril is, it is not ““T reasonably hope, ihst nolwith-
. .. ... .. I stsndin* its horrors, it h-a broken, if
of th. question that thus, seouudr. a ■ ^ remoTet j | ooe of the fiercest obs a-
haa made three visitations to the City
,« ...K. of Mexico in behalf of the mi* oaa.
v hMl to h,™ ” ^the Lori Olher doom in foreign lauds are open
3 to us; and the wail ol their perishing .
millions resounds in the w^rds of their Having completed the tour of annual
ancient representative in ^Macedonia : conferences on the P. cific coast, in com
as the fail measure of cheerful labor is I
*.-*.*r*i
should be comprtmiaeu with. They
stand upon a platform of plunder and
pillage, and to temporize with them,
would be to sacrifice the dignity and
destroy the integrity of tbe govern
11 Z2US SOMI MOkM WAX’
Tbe people of the north are just now
enjoying u huge seuaatioo that may be
come B imethimj more than a sensation.
It baa own known for mum
that there waa a number of idle rucaia
in every dty of that part of the union,
who had banded together under the
name ot “communist*," and were watt
ing for a chance to knock thi' gi even
They were supposed to b* in favor of
an equal distribution of ail propertv,
which waa a d.ucedly comfortable ar
rangement, considering that they had
nothing nl ail to distribute. They were
supporters of a number of papers that
were published under something like
des to tbe evangelization of the world;
and that, together with the temporal
disfranchisement of the pepscy, it has
opened a new theatre and started a new
period for enlightened Christian zeal,
tn which a massive and corrupt eccie-
ment. They should be dealt witb ae- I nasticiam »d^i be aabstitntrd by the
Terely and sternly whenever he first 1 church in ite parity, ana the crescent
Sigh Of trouble i* shown. I WMe ° eforc ^ cras8
It ia fortunate that there U o dan- | jn general, the extent to whic^all
ger of each sa organisation in th ■ south
Our people are more conaervat ve and
contented, than those of the north.
Our dtiee bave no inch mob like de-
the nations oi the earth are now acces
sible to tbe gospel, and the manner in
which prophecy and Providence are
blerdi-^ in the history of the wor!d,en-
hsrc t »e vosatii it of the enure church
the following motto: “The ballot when
convenient—tbe bullet wben aoffident j essence of communism, which
—tbe torch wben neosmary.” | to be nothing more nor less than tha
|t was not believed, however, that “cobedve power of public plunder."
meats aa may be fonnd in *U northern | of Christ, and indicate the relation
dtire. And, above all, onr day labor- ! which we. a. a de nominal iomanataui
. ! . ' * . . .. f in ib® grind consummation. Thus has
©re tb© dam that fill the ranks of the j ^ Lord been preparing a highway for
commerce—are, as a general thing, ne- j bunaelf. and training hia militant hosts
gross—who have no disposition toward »; ar the fulfilment of this apostolic rom-
revo unon, and who, if they were to ! mission: “Go ye into all the world^nd
attempt it. would it stantiv rule every ; P«*ch the gospel to every creature.
7/ • ’ 7T ‘ *T y “ ./ Daring the stirring period to which
white mu oat of the ranks. Tne pride „„ amidst all iu changes and
of race ia stronger, and will be stronger complication*, tbe Me hodist Episcopal
lor years to come iff the south than any j church, south, has not only maintained
esprit or comradeship that can be ita ground, but has continued to evince
Af-a«r»n ’the w^| los* «s*ef arm eexiftence and
thought of—even stronger than vitality cf ita independent orgtniz i-
inapproprl.t a to places of domestic des
titnuon, will pass away forever. The
secretary of our board of foreign mis«
sions will lay btfore you a complete and
detailed aocount of ita operationTOnce
th» last general conference.
The disk ict conference has demon
strated itn utility in promoting the
general interests of the church and de*
ve loping its .social elements whenever
it has beenjproperly conducted. Being
an annual new of its practical opera
tions within each presiding elder's dis
trict, its efficiency depends npon con
fining its inquiries strictly to the
schedule assigned it and keeping it
aloof from all irrelevant and irrigating
discussions;. It shoald not be invested
with any other prerogatives than those
which it now possesses, nor complicat
ed with any duties pertaining to quar
terly conferences; and ihebosines3 per-,
taining to it shoald be formulated in
analogy, andfchurch c inferences.
While quarterly conferences shoald
retain their iresent schedule, of duties
it would ooujribute to the complete-
o< theirfunctions to require that
their journ&h be submitted to the re
view of the annual conferences, in or
der to correc* administrative and cleri
cal errors, ahd ensure accuracy and
uniformity in their records.
The church conference, though
operative to a limited extent, yet as a
connectional institution, has not fully
realized the .object of its enactment.
It possesses Elements of great utility,
and we trudt that onr preachers and
people wjll earnestly co-operate to
make it **15Jessing to the church.
We report with unfeigned pleasure,
the success of the measures adopted by
the l&st general conference, with the
view of establishing fraternal relations
between the Me’hodist Episcopal
church, ard the Methodist Episcopal
church setfth. The proceedings inaug
urating these measures need not now
be repeated. They are familiar to all
present At that session the following
resolutions wer© adopted, viz:
1. “Thai the general conference has
received with pleasure the fraternal
greetings of the Methodist Episcopal
church, (bnveyed by their delegates
and that bar col'ege of bishops be, and
are hereby authorized to appoint a
delegation consisting of two ministers
and one layman, to bear onr Christian
salntationa to their next ensuing gen
eral conference/*
2 “That in order to remove all obsta
cles to formal fraternity between the two
churches, our college of bishops is
authorized to appoint a commission
consisting of three ministers and two
laymen, to meet a similar commission
authoriz'd by the Methodist Episcopal
church and to adjust all existing diffi
culties.”
In accordance with the first of. these
resolutions, Rev. Lovick Fierce, Rev.
Junes A. Duncan, and Dr. Landon C.
Garland were appointed fraternal mes
sengers. It was a matter of profound
regret that the venerable chairman of
that delegation was not permitted, on
account of bodily infirmity, to partici
pate in that memorable transaction.
The previous history and the existing
voice of the chnrch seemed to demand
his presence. Tne band of God denied
ns the privilege. Though absent, he
placed hia testimony on record in a
communication worthy of his mission
and his fame. With what fidelity and
honor the other members of the dele
gation performed their duty needs no
commendation from ns. The dignity
and the responsibility of the occasion
were fully met, end tneir response has
been accepted as the utterance of the
chnrch. It casts a shadow of darkness
over these pleasant recollections, that
one of the actors on that occasion, and
one of the brightest ornaments of the
church, did not long survive his
greatest achievement He waa
suddenly Stricken down by death while
v»C V :' ie meridian of his manhood and
district echoois, recommended by the
iast general conference. They meet
the wan t a of onr people, in many lo
calities, for the education of tbeir chil*
dren. They are the only antidote to
that godless feature in the public
fchools, which ignores the holy scrip
tures in the training of re.uth. They
are especially necessary in perfecting
onr educational system, by reaching
all classes, and preparing slndents botn
for our mile and female colleges. We
are happy to say that many have been
established since the recommendation
wp* made.
Oar foreign missionary operations
are comparatively limited. They do
not represent either our history or
capacity with respect to the world’s
evangel ration. The separation of tbe
two principal bodies of American
Metnodism in 1844, has in effect de
prived us of the larger part of our mis
sionary record. Before that event,
Southern Methodism participated pro-
port ion ably in missionary work of the
Methodist Episcopal church abroad;
and cultivated almost exclusively the
vast field occupied by th$ colored peo
pie in the southern part of the United
States. These facta remain in the ab
sence of the record. What we have
done since is in addition to the unre
corded portion of onr labors in that di
rection. Our missions in China, in
Mexico, and amongst the In
dians and Germans of onr own conn-
try, are in a highly encouraging condi*
tion—jus ify all the expenditures hith
erto made in their behalf, and will de
mand larger appropriations in the fa*
tare. The mission in Brazil is jet in its
infancy. It ia jndicioosly located, and
is the nucleus of operations in a vast
and thickly populated regi n, destitute
of the bread of life. It is fall of prom
ise, and deserves your fostering care
Amongst these missions, those in
China and in Mexico are unquestiona
bly of tbe greatest prospective impor
tance. Both of these are located in the
midst of vast populations, perfectly
open to cs, with foundations cf aban-
d-int success already laid. That iu
China has been recently reinforce d. I*
has received a powerful impulse, both
within itself and st home, to the sea
sonable and successful visit of Bishop
Marvin, whose official services and
whose mature and comprehensive
views have placed it before the church
iu a. new and commanding attitude.
The mission amongst the Mex cans ie
scarcely sec-nd to it in its probable re
sults. It already astonishes os by the
richness of its first forts. Since the
preachers, and tarnishing them with
comfortable homes, is a sacred and
para mount duty, and is essentially ac
cessory to our itinerant system.
Our Sunday school department hta
fully kept pace with the progress of 'he
church, in every other direction, if it
has not surpassed it in all others. Its
indispensable connection with church
growth, in the present rge, has been
thoroughly demonstrated in the last
foar years. It has replenished oar
membership with its largest numbers
and its best materials; and has assumed
proportion prophetic of yet grander
results. The last general conference
settled, by law, a principle of pnme
importance, when it defined the rela
tion of Sunday schools to the pastorate,
by conferring upon it tbe right of nomi
nating taperintendents.
Our Sun day school literal are has
go or send. The missionary spirit, Hendrix, he embarked for his destinr-
though operative to the extent tion, at San Francisco, November 1,
indicated, h?s not yet reached that 1876. After a prosperous voyage, he
degree of strength and intensity arrived at Shanghai December 14. At
of interest amongst ns which would a conference held for the mission in
aroute.the whole church to her reapon- Shanghai, December 221, the bishop
sibilities with respect to the myriads preriding, four native preachers were
who “-it in tbe region and shadow oi elected to deacon's orders, and two of
death.” The epirit of missions is the the four were elected to elder’s orders,
life of the chnrch. To repress it isolti- On Sunday, 24th ot December, these
candidates were ordained by the
tion. The original disruption, how
och soever it wss deprecated, at the
fecticn, ej}utl to the most advanced ne
cessities At tbe canse, and ought, with
out exception, to be introduced into all
our schools. Its new phase, happily
inaugupted by Dr. Haygood, has been
successfully developed and improved
by Dr Cunnyogham, both in matter
and f<rm. The adoption of uniform
lessons accompanied with our own in
terprefltiion. is, at the same time, sn
elemest ol Protestant catholicity, and
de-nonina’ional strength. The incul
cation of our doctrinal views, by
the edistant use of our catechisms, re-
tifne, by good men on both rides, has mains to complete our e; stem of Sab
committed to him and his associate by
the college of bishops and the board of
foreign missions, under the assumed
warrant of the general corference, that
they should, on their return, attend the
ensuing session of the British Wesley
an conference, in the city of Bristol,
and represent the M thodist Episcopal
church south, in that patriarchal body.
They were .present at that session, were
duly recognized, and in an able and
lucid address, the bishop set forth the
claims of southern Methodism to a co
ordinate position amongst the Wesley
an families, and requested that a depu
tation be sent from them to the present
general conference. In lien thereof,
we are informed that a written com
munication has been sent, which in dne
time will be transmitted to yon.
With emotions too deep for utter
ance, it is our solemn duty, officially, to
announce to you the death of tne hon
ored and beloved colleague whose mis
sionary tour we have just reported.
He is not t ere, as we hoped, to reconnt
his own labors. He has finished his
course. He has resigned his commis
sion into the hands of his adorable
Master. Endowed with exalted abili
ties, a true soldier of the cross, a faith
ful servant ol the chnrch, he retired,
at noon, from the battlefield, by # the
command of his Captain, and has gone
to join “the general assembly and
church of the first-born, which are
written in heaven.” That so bright and
Bhining a light should bave been so
suddenly quenched, is one of those
problems which await solution in the
world to come. His death produced a
shock throughout the entire church,
and she wjll not willingly let his mem
ory perish.
The interest involved in the publish
ing house, the perils through which it
has passed since the last general con
ference, and its continued embarrass
ment , have mpde it an object of gener
al solicitude. ; The bishops have shared
in that solicitude, and havs exerted
their influence to sustain Its reputation.
Inasmuch as its vicissitudes are well
known, and as a complete statement of
its affairs will be presented to you by
the agent, we will not anticipate his re
port by any detaiik Our remarks will
be genera). We bave never ceased to
attach great importance to the publishs
ing house as the most available agency
for utilizing the power of tho press fo
the cause of ChnBt; for circulating our
unadultergigsLy^re*?.of Scriptural truth,
and for sTrengiliening the Pond of con*
nectional interest amongst our widely
dispersed denomination. We cannot
accomplish our mission, as a church, in
the present age,without it or its equiv
alent. Its loss would be greater than
that of property or financial credit.
With these views, charged with the
oversight of the spiritual and temporal
interests of the chnrch, though not
specifically authorized to co-operate,
we complied with a special request to
meet in consultation, with the book
committee, in the city of Nashville,
December, 1876, npon the pending cri*
sis of the publishing house. After pa
tient investigation, and by request of
thq committee we issued an appeal to
the chnrch to raise $60,000 for its im
mediate relief. At our regnlar meeting
in May last, in the city of Nashville,
not quite half that amount had been
realized. In the subsequent report of
the b jok agent and of the book com
mittee, we reindorsed the former ap
peal. At the ensuing annual confer
ences, we individually repeated our ef
forts in the same direction. We regret
to say that the response has not yet
met the demand and that the embar
rassment has not been removed. The
condition and affairs of the publishing
house will constitute one of the princi
pal subjects for your deliberation. We
earnestly hope that some measure will
be adopted to save to the church that
great institution, and to perpetuate the
benefits of its publications on a firm ba
sis, and a wider scope than ever.
We have received from a committee,
miseioD, on our part, to meet a similar
commission appointed by tbe general
conference of the Methodist Episcopal
chnrch. These two commissions met
by agreement, at Cape May, August,
1876. After a session of several days,
characterized by devout supplication
for the divine blessing, a due apprecia
tion of the pending issue, and the exer
cise of a becoming Christian candor,
they adopted witb entire unanimity, aa
the basis of reconciliation, the true
ecclesiastical status of the Methodist
Epu copal chnrch, eonth. The essential
factor solved the problem of “formal
fraternity,” and led to the conclusion
which was hailed by the churcn as the
settlement of the questions submitted
to their arbitration. The terms author*
iziog these commissions were fulfilled,
and accordingly their action in the
premises must be considered final. The
transaction of those commissions, as
tbe historical and official exponent of
the present reciprocal relations of the
two great branches of American Meth
odism, is invested with peculiar signifi
cance. It illustrates also before the
world the genius of the gospel; and es-
pe ially the filial affection which shoald
ever pervade and animate two families
descended from the same parent stock.
It is one of those inscrutable dispen
eations of Divine Providence which
c onstantly remind ns of the contrast
between the greatness of his design
and the frailty of human instruments,
and which admonishes us to “rejoice
with trembling,” that one who per
formed so conspicuous *a part in the
formal pacification of northern and
southern Methodism, and which em
balms bis memory, should, immediate
ly after its consummation, have fallen
a victim and a martyr to his pastoral
fidelity. Dr. Edward H. Myers sleeps
in an honored grave. His associates
survive to recall his piety and his he
roism, and seem to enjoy the approba
is indispensable to the vigorous opera
tion of onr form of government.
2. That in the formation of new an
nual conferences, by the division of
older ones, not only the ant hoi ity to
divide be granted by the general con
ference, but the act of division be, in
every instance, consummated by that
body during its session, and be not left
to the contingent action of annual con*
ferences during the interval of the gen
eral conference. The evils which arise
from local and personal preferences
would thus, in a great measure, be pre
vented. It would be better to remit
proposed divisions,of doubtful proprie
ty, to a future general conference, than
to commit the result to a lower tribu*
nal, and to the hazards of internal agi
tation, and an unequal distribution.
3 The facility with which annual
conferences create supernumeraries is a
growing evil, and ought to be abated.
The relation of supernumeraries is un
questionably abused, bv constituting it
a mere convenience for disposing of
otherwise impracticable cases and even
patting into it those who have not
reached the eldership in their ministry;
Borne of whom finally pass without
merit, into the legitimate class of the
superannuated who have “borne the
burden and heat of the day.” We
would recommend the adoption of
some measures f ur lessening this abuse.
*"4 It would, in onr judgment, pro
mote the efficiency of the eldership, in
the itinerant minis! ry, to adopt a post
graduate course of reading, to follow
immediately that which now’ends with
the graduation of elders,with the view
of directing the inquiries of our young
preachers, and caluvaiiog their habits
of study. It is a lamentable fact that
many of them, after having attained
the grade of elders, cease to study al
together, or do it at random, and fail to
realize the promise of their etriier
years. This courte could be pre fit* b!y
adopted as a useful directory, without
tbe exaction of examinations.
5. The law with respect to teceiving
members into the chnrch is in many
cases too loosely administered. The
door is not sufficiently guarded. Inas
much as all who are received into the
church enter into full status as mem
bers, the reasons for the precautionary
directions laid down in the discipline
are augmented. Many of onr preach
ers in charge are inexperienced, and
others in the fullness oi their seal, are
too anxious to secure the fruits of
their labors by inconsiderate and un
suitable accessions. By these and other
means improper persons are sometimes
taken into the chnrch, the results
of which are pregnant with evil.
6. In such changes of the discipline
as yon may see fit to make, we would
respectf ully call your attention to the
character of that portion of it which
pertains to the organisation of yonr
own body. The introduction of lay
delegation was a material reconstruc
tion of the general conference, and in
volving, as it Was believed, constitUH
tiocal questions, the whole measure
was subjected to constitutional treat
ment. After receiving a majority of
two-thirds of the general conference
of 1868, it was sent round to the annual
conterancis, and receiving three-
fourths of all the voteg cast, was adopt
ed as a complete system. This fact
places the structure of the general con
ference, by necessary implication.under
constitutional protection and restric
tion. The relative comi>oeition of the
body, and the power of its constituent
parti, can hardly be regarded as statu
tory. The conditions and limitations
with which lay delegation became an
org nic law of the church, may not be
so easily changed as mere statutory laws
are changed.
PARIS PENCILLINGS.
RECORD OJTA.XRir TO THE GKBA7
JFJttUiCH EXPOSITION OX 1878,
Ttie Chaotic Mat© W the Exhibition
—A Word about French Workmen—
The American Colony and Ita Work
—Ihe Exhibition Tickets, etc.
LETTER UL
Editorial Correspondence of The Constitution.
Paata. April S3,1878.
The confusion worse confounded of
the scenes in and abont the exposition
continues and the affair appears to-day
no nearer to completion than it did
when I first arrived. I felt certain that
the extravagant protestations of M.
Krautz that all would be ready on the
1st of May would eventuate in his hu
miliation. Indeed, there is not to-dav
within the vast enclosure of the expo
sition a single department, however in
significant, that is completed and ready
for the opening.
I cannot say that I am surprised by
the unfinished state of the works, after
experiencing for some days the laziness
and stubbornness of the French work
ingmen, or “camions,” with whom we
have to deal. They are, by all odds,
the most provoking rascals I have ever
encountered. No amount of expostu
lation, persuasion, or scolding, can has
ten either their hands or feet, and they
shed the denar ciations heaped upon
their exasperating conduct as easily
and unconcernedly* as a duck sheds
rain.
A QUEER EMPLOYMENT.
One of these “camions,” who is a
“boss” of his gang, was nnder my direc
tion for a short while the other day.
He was as full of talk as a ten year old
phonograph and seemed to have saved
the whole stock especially tor my de
lectation. He seized every possible
opportunity to inject information into
me and finally managed to interest me
in the history of his brother, whom h«
declared wan in America. He wanted
to know if I was acquainted with his
brother? 1 was not. Then he informed
me that this precious brother was a
great inventor and had constructed
some wonderful pieces f machinery
His latest and greatest invention—the
basis of the grand fortune whicl^ he is
make some of these days (perhaps)
is, as near as I could make ont of the
French explanation, “a magnificent
steam cow-catcher, which his brother
is patting to all the bouses in America 1”
The news was very astounding to me,
but perhaps our migratory people—
notably the Georgia emigrants to Texas
-are demanding such prefixes to their
movable mansions. If this great in
ventor comes around and tries to put a
steam cow-catcher to The Constitu
tion office, please tell him that his
tber in France is “well and lazy ae
eyer.”
WHY THEY ARE NOT READY
promised is explained, but not suffi
ciently, by the fact .that the officiate
have had to submit to all manner of
delays and annoyances from the con
tractors, who in their turn, have had
trouble with their workingmen. The
commissioner general is probably not
to blame so much for tbe delay in fin
ishing as he is for his de*ay in com
mencing. The workingmen, in the
exercise of their republican privileges,
have boldly declared to the ministers,
follows:
“Si nous nous depechons, nous n'au-
7. By the blessing of God, besides roQ8 bientol plus dp travail!” (If we
attending a large number of district dispatch matters, we will soon have no
conferences, we have been enabled to more work 1)
hold all the annuil conferences daring Many of the contractors are in des*
the last four years. If we should not p tt j r| notably the one who has charge
be expected to attend so many of the Q f the American preparations and who
district conferences, as heretofore, we gigned a contract to have everything
see no reason why, with one aaditional finished at a certain time, or to pay 250
tion which their services deserved.
Tne whole church mourns his loss
Blessed are the peace-makers, for they
ehali be called the children of God.”
Tne report of onr commissioners will
belaid before you in dne time.
The most impressive duty devolved
upon the college of bishope by the last
general conference, was contained in
the following resolution, viz:
Resolved, That the bishop who
may visit the Pacific conference daring
the' next quadnennium, if deemed
advisable by the college of bishope,
also visit our mission in Qhina, and
ordain any native preachers who may
be recommended by our missionaries
in the field.”
ence Of the Methodist Episcopal
chnrch,a communication which can
not fail to arrest your attention* and
awaken yonr interest. That commit
tee was instructed to consider the sub
-ject of an ecumenical Methodist con
erence. They were empowered to
speak for and *n the name of the
Methodist Episcopal chnrch in the
United States; to correspond with the
varions Methodist bodies in the world
and endeavor to arrange for said con
ference, to be held at each time and
place as may be judged most advisable,
in order to consider topics relating to
the position, work and responsibility
of Methodism, for the world’s evangel
ization. This communication comes
to you from the general coni erence,
through its committee. It proposes a
call for a representative council of eve-
2 Methodist organization throughout
e world. It assigns the reasons and
sets forth the advantages of such a
pan-Methodist convention in forcible
terms, and solicits a favorable res*
ponse.
We confess that we are impressed
with the moral grandeur and the pos
sible utility of such a movement.
There are not less, the document as
sures ne, than twenty-four different
ecclesiastical organizitions of Method
ists, numbering upwards of four mil
lion of members, thirty thousand itin
erant, and sixty thousand local preach*
era, holding the trne Arminian doc
trine, and maintaining, more or less
the same usages. It would be an
inspiring and profitable occasion to
meet their representatives on the grand
platform of a common Methodism,
and consider the relations of these or
ganizations each other to tbe universal
chnrch, to the conversion of heathen
nations and to the times in which we
live. It wonld strengthen each others
hands, cement the bond of denomina
tional brotherhood, and consolidate
the methc distic forces for their proper
position in the sacramental host of
God’s elect.
The communication referred to will
be transmitted to yon by the prenident
of the college of bishops and we invoke
a careful consideration of it.
We avail ourselves of this occasion to
offer yon several suggestions in res pec
to your legislative functions. We are
much more concerned about tbe recog
nition of a great principle ot trne policy
than about additional enactments: that
bishop, the present number of bishops
would not be able to discharge all tbe
duties of-the general superintendency
during th* next four years. With this
statement, we leave the subject to your
godly judgment.
Allow na to urge npon you the pror
K ety of abbreviating your session.
t os observe the apostolic maxim:
“Not slothful in business, fervent ip
spirit, serving the Lord.” There is, as
vou are aware, a marked distinction
between burry and baste. What yon
do, do well. Let os waste no time, but
redeem it, because tbe days are evil.
Patiently performing your duties, the
church will be benefitted. Delay will
We bave discharged that duty.
Bishop Marvin was selected to fulfill
is when the existing form of government
is salutary and successful, the less tne
legislation the better.
Our economy, as a whole, is so thor
oughly the result of careful experiment
and diligent stndy, and, withal, so ho
mogeneous that little ot nothing more
is necessary than to give it consistency
'O extend its adaptations and to increase
its executive efficiency. It behooves
us to guard against that reckless spirit
of innovation, so characteristic of our
age, which, in conformity with captiva
ting tb»oiiee, invades Uven the sanctu
ary of God and strives to upset estab
lished maxims and cherished convic
tions, as though government had no
foundation in the authority which
created it, and is nothing more than
the aggregate opinions of those who
r present times in which they live.
Above all, does it behoove a chnrch
distinguished by each a history as oars,
.. MAA.Inm In thn anlirl
Robert Paine,
George F. Pierce,
Hubbard H. Kavanaugh,
William Wightman,
David ti. Doggett,
Holland N. McFyeire,
John G. Keener.
"BILL A.RP.»
We had the pleasure of a call on yes
terday from Major Charles H. Smith, late of
Rome, but nowol Cartenvllle, whoiafamoui
all over tbe union aa tha writer of thoee bt at
and spiciest ol all the humorous papers cl the
They we printed by the bank
of France, and on bank-note
paper and each ticket hae
the watermark in the center, “1878.”
The complimentary ticket, have not
yet appeared, and therefore I cannot
deetribe their.
There is so little that i« in a state
warranting description, that a letter
written at thi, date must necessarily be
meager in details or points of interest.
Dr. H. F. Scott, of Atlanta, is the only
Georgian registered here since my am.
val
General Yonng has not yet pnt in an
appearance, bnt is daily expected. _
— -»~y &W.8.J
TBE a ALLAH! VlBEXCy. ~
Their Annual Dliplny Yeuterdajr—
Conteata or Skill—Prises.
The annual parade of the Atlanta
lira teputm :nt wa? celebrated jester !«j Th©
atrof at as earlj boor In the morning prwentej
q-lte a lively appearance, while here and tbe e
coo’d be seen the boy- In red hnnyinc to tha va-
ri -me engine houses of onr department.
Pursuant to announcement the depar:ment
Membled on Marietta street at 9 o’clock in the
morning tbe right of thelm rearing on B oil
street. The bright flashing uniforms oT the
members of tbe eeverml companies attracted
much attention and before tbe precision
COMMENCED ITS MARCH
Marietta street wss crowded with onr dtlsens
who seemed to hue tamed ont cn mas a
The ptooeaalon was head:d ty the superb
band from McPherson bvrtck*, the music of
which was admired by every one. Nfxicsme
the MArietta Are company. No. 1, with forty
members ia uniform. Mr JH Boston foreman
of the comrauy, handled hia men with ease,
causing them to win many admirers from the
Directly In their wake wu the Hook and Ltd*
der company with twenty ooe men, under the
command of Mr Frank B Wadsworth, first aa-
ilsiant foreman. The truck wss pulled by four
magnificent horses, and was driven by Mr A
Hart The members presented a hind some ap
pearance, and were the favorites wl h the
girls, who admired their bmntilnl uniforms.
Tha truck was profusely decorated with wreaths
aud garlands, nestled among them were two lit
tle girls.
No. 1 steam fire company came next Their
handsome eegine waa pulled by asnperb pair of
greys. This c wnpauy showed twenty/jour men
—the command ol Mr Jerry L ^ ~foro-
The engine looked bj&tUu- -bright.
rcmiA-Tv. It WSS de
corated with many wreaths and garlands, which
went to show that many of the yonng ladies of
onr city feit proul of this fine company, andaa
evidence of their appreciation for their
. fforts as firemen, had seat them many beauti*
tn> flowers and evergreens.
The next company In the procession, waa
steamer No. S with a force of twenty ^en, Mr
Henry Gullett, for foreman. Tnis fine steamer,
with those peroeding It waa perfectly smoothed
with sweet flowers.
Taiullah, No. * c»me next with fortnight
teu. undsr command of Mr Andrew Boos.
This company hvi om the greatest number of
tne precision. ■ Tho steamer waa cov
ered with wreathes and onr choicest fliwers.
The hose carriage of each company sooom-
pauied the steamer. Each ©J them were beau*
tlfully decorat d with flowers.
The hose reel company No 4, with It men
came next. Mr Jamea Ful ton in command. Hose
reel No 6 followed, with 18 men. under the
charge of formnan B C J Jlodltn.'
The precision, at tho coaclmlon of the pa
rade, formed iu Hue again on Marietta street in
front ot the caplloi building. Here they were
reviewed by Chief Joyner with his assiatacta,
the city council of Atlanta and tha officers of the
department.
francs per day for every day’s delay
over the limit. He now has forty
thousand francs dne him, and is six
days in default, but ail bis efforts to
push matters seam to retard the work
rather than to advance it. Happily, a
force of marines, 6eamen and carpen
ters from the government ships at
Havre arrived yesterday, and with
their aid we are now sure to be ready
for the opening on the 1st ol May, or
any day thereafter.
ALL THE 8HXP8 ARRIVED.
We have just received in office the
telegraphic intelligence that the “Con
stellation” reached Havre last evening,
curtail the benefit, and deprive'yonr and the “Wyoming” this morning. The
charges of a portion of your valuable news gives great satisfaction through*
time. out the American section. Many oi
And now, dear brethren. M we com- the important exhibits are upon these
mend you to God, and to the word of shipe, and in a few days they will all
his grace.” Great responsibilities rest be in place, as the cases are generally
upon you. You have assembled, not ready foi their reception. There are
as secular bodies, nor as political parti- behind only three hundred tons of ex-
sans, but’ under the solemn sanctions hi bits, and they will be here on the
of Christ's kingdom. Not the affaire of “Pereira,” which should arrive on the
state, but those of thft church of God, 27th. Some harsh cnticisin has been
are in a measure committed to your indulged in by newspapers because of
hands. The spiritual welfare of tho the apparent delay in forwarding ex-
present and coming generations is the hibits, bnt those journals, I am
subject of yonr delibsrations. Heaven, sure, forget that there were
eartn, and hell, are spectators of yonr nearly 2 200 tons of exhibits b
proceedings. You need an eye single be forwarded and that the law of con*
to the glory of God, and a body fall of gress designated government vessels
light. You ne d the presence of Christ for the service. When it is remem-
and the unitv of the Spirit in the bond b.red that government vessels are not
of peace. “’If any of you lack wis- built for freighting principles and that
dom, let him ask of God who giveth the largest of them can only ship oOO
to all men liberally, and upbraideth tons, the difficulty in properly trans
mit, and it Bhall be given him. But let porting tnis large American display
him ask in faith, nothing wavering; may possibly be appreciated,
for he that wavereth is like a wave of as to the opening .
the sea driven with the wind and
teased. For let; not that man think
that he shall receive anything from the
Lord.”
We are, dear brethren, your servants
for Jesus’ sake
When the review was conclude 1 the contest*
commenced. The first on the programme was
the trial of tbe Hook and Ladder compiny, to
HO yard*, with truck drawn by horeea
take off ladder, place to building; man to as
ccud and descend. Ladder to be replaced In
bhorteat tlma.
Th a trial of rp«ed was snocesafnl y done In
1-5 seconds. The horatu ran beautlfally, bat
not with as much speed as last year. Mr. Sun
Protleau, one ot the moat acilre members of
the company, ascended tbe ladder while it was
in tne hands cf the members of the company
who were placing it agalctithe drug store of
Mr. W. H. Wimberly, which was the building
■ehet dby the company to place the ladder
there is a rumor prevailing in the ex
position to-day to the effect that the
“inauguration, bnt not the “opening,”
will take place on the 1st proximo
will be before this letter reaches
mate pa alysis and death.
A new element of success in cur for
eign missionary operations, of great
promise and peculiarly adapted to x the
exigencies of heathen nations, has re
cently been developed, by a special
providence, amongst onr pious ladies.
We mean the “Woman’s Missionary
society.” It should by all means, be
incorporated into onr present laws on
the “support of missions.”
Restricting the management of for
eign missions exclusively to a general
board, remitting the oversight of do
mestic missions to annual conference
boards, and separating the collections
for each were steps in the right direc
tion. It was a disentanglement of two
very different operations, both in the
ory and practice. We deplore, how
ever, the encroachment of the claims oi
domestic missions npon those of for
eign missions. The collections for the
former are frequently in advance of
those of the latter. The number of the
bishop to the respective orders to which
th6y had been elected.
This solemn event waa a memorable
epoch in the history of the mission. It
reminds us of apostolic times in its
simple grandeur and spiritual power.
It wss the seal and benediction of the
Holy Ghost upon the far distant chil
dren of the mother chnrch, through
one of hei general superintendents.
Bishop Marvin visited the several
mission stations in China. His pres
ence and counsels .were of incal
culable benefit to the missionaries
and to the converts) and the in
formation which he has imparted to the
church at home concerning the special
field of bis visitation, and various
there, during his tx ended tour, has
enriche' the annuig ( f the chnrch with
larger conceptions and a more hallowed
appreciation of foreign missionary en
terprise. H proved himself fully
, . . -- • equal to the ex raoxdinary embassy as-
domestic missions is fortunately dimin- signed him, and his name is inscribed
«hing by their erection or absorption j upon its imperishable monument,
into circuits. And we hope that the It is eminently proper that we shoald
to maintain its moorings in the solid
stratum of ita well-tried polity, and not
to seek anchorage in the uncertain
aanda of some tempting hypothesis.
The great want of modern Methodism
is, not new laws, but *he new life of its
original baptism, retained and perpe»*
noted. Were its government to reach
ideal perfection without this requisition
it would be but the ghostly shadoV ot
the extinct reality. To subserve this
behest, is the great object and end of all
ecclesiastical legislation.
In strict conformity with this funda
mental principle of construction, we
commend to yonr consideration the
following special suggestions:
L That the law restricting the num
ber ot charges in a presiding elder’s
district to fourteen, be so changed as to
admit of a larger number, when in the
judgment of the presiding bishop it
shall be deemed expedient. In the
majority of instances the present limi
tation is entirely snfficienL In some
eves it could not be judiciously
reached at aU. In others it coaid be
transcended with advantage to the
church without invalidating tne true
intent and efficiency of the. presiding
“the sox. Azr".FArata.
Major Smith is in be tier health th*n we hive
•sen him for come yearv. He 1m vow engaged in
planting, h vlng bought a fine farm in Bartow
county. He u ibe very type of a Georgia gentle-
mm farmer, and ia fuller of quaint, (Lliciooa
hamor ihan he ever we*.
The major baa been devoting modi of his
me to literary pursuits of late, and we are glad
to be tb e toannom cethat he will lu something
leas th»n two weeks deliver for the benefit of
the Young Men’s Library, of this city, a lecture
prepared in bis delightful ayle. The title of
the lecture la,
“A COCilN IN BZaUN ••
This la a provcklEgJy nneeraln title, and
nothing can be said of the lecture farther than
that it will be one of the rarest trea a ever given
to an Atlanta audience. We expect the date of
the lecture wui be announced very aoou.
We are pleated to be able to announce
that Ms j Smith will write a series rf articles
FOB THE ATLANTA CONeimjTION,
the first of which will appear very soon. The
m«Jor says that he will write npon "Farming,'
and we predict that those who read bis articles
will find that he has quite sa mash wisdom and
■ease, aa he has humor He aays that be
feels that "bp ioat thirty years of hia We bv - *
SiH. to farming when he commenced b
(which
yon,) and thrt then tbe expoeition will
be doeed until, the 12th, to complete
the work of installation. This an
nouncement does not surprise the
Americans, whose recent exneriences
at Philadelphia have taught them that
everything cannot be safely left until
“the last day in the morning.” That
this announcement shoald be made,
strange as it may appear, the French
exhibitore are the leaatdUappointed.far
they are the tardiest of ail in get
ting their exhibits in order. Joat now
they are working like beavers, in con
sequence of the intimation that all
cases not prepared for exhibition on
the 1st prox. will be declared forfeited.
A SPLENDID eCXHX.
tux non u.l cobteit
then followed. Th. tpec.fic.Uooaot theco.ttjt
wore s» follows:
E»eh reel to carry 250 feet of ho«i, (connected )
j be welshed. »nd one m»n allowed lo every n
pounda (oo friction! ) all work to be per
formed by the number of men allowed to each
net. Eicheomptny to ran *00 yarda. Done
from carriage 100 feet of horn, attach to
hydrant,atuch pipe,and play Waterloo fe,t
The hydrant, la a’l cate., tobe lo ord n ry con
dition: Tlx-. ctpped and ctamd, and impacted
by the Indgea before tuln* No second trial to
be allowed, except tn fallare of weter-worka
Time lo be taken from ihe drop of tho etartlna
rhe company mi kin, the qalckest time to
be declared tbe winner
Hem reel ot No Z led off and made thedia
tar ce in 47J. reconda.
No » went thronih tbe same moTemcnta and
come cut in 64 arooeda.
No 6 then made the race tn 6S.conde.
No 1 ran next and mnnd nmoreolsl record*.
No 4 made a (ond race, but mimed the neaxto
connection, which brew them ont ot the con-
teat
The JlarietU company then ran. Two mem
ber. ol ooe ot om Sre companlea aeal ted them,
as they had no on. with them who underatood
making connection! with the hydrant Thla
company made an excellent run, and would
probably have done well, bnt a failure to con
nect tho nexale with tho bom threw them far
oehlod. A new trial waa had. The run waa
made In 61)4 mcooda.
THtsraaaaacntTOtNO. 1
then announced. The content waa aa fol-
Uniting at earn and playing water 100 feet in
quick eat time, bummer to take place on claern,
lay out 100 feet ol hore. and play water 1™> teet
Time to be taken from flrat appearance ol amoke
from auck to drop ol water flag Comoanyma _
Wn, beat lime to be declared winner.
Steam Are engine No. 1, took the datern fltat
and oomp-eUd the trial handaomily la reran
minutes and forty-five reconda.
Steamer No 1' followed, and comp'eted the
feat beautifully in Are minute, and forty-afx
Major Smith • mat pari of yemerday afternoon
r'.th tbe member, of Urn preaa ataoUallon, who
Lookout Mountain, and go op with th. boja
ftcaodoi z.
All Dcntridces had their drawbacks,
until the salubrious Bark ol the Soap
Tree was brought from the Chilian val
leys to perfect the fragrant St ZODONT,
tbe mcs*. wholesome, reliable and de-<
lightlol article for the teeth tha* a brush
was ever dipped Into. may 15 wit
A Correct View.
Valdosta Times.
We think Tbe CosernunoN ought
Tbe ceremonies determined upon to
mark the opening are arranged in a
style befitting the grandenr of the ex
poeition and the importance of the na
tion. The privilege of participating in
and witnessing them is conferred by
special invitation in the name of the
French government. The list ol invi
ted guests amconta to tbe eDormons
figure of 30,000! This looks as though
the jam npon that occasion would be
fearlul; bnt, in reality, thirty thousand
people will find themselves not at mil
crowded in the avenues and gardens ol
the Trccadero and the Champ de Mara
We have not yei had notice of the
official programme, bat will receive it
to-morrow, wben I will send you tbe
the most interesting features. It
will, I am asenred, include
very elaborate round cf ceremonies
ADMISSION TO THE EXPOSITION.
The pri ce cf admission is fixed at one
franc (20 cents) lor each person. Those
who leave the grounds and desire to
re-enter will be required to pay again.
Season tickets for the six months can
be had for 100 francs ($20) and are per'
sonal and are non-traoslerable.
The tickets have been on Bale in all
the tobacco shops and news
stands since the 15th. They are in tbe
following form:
No. a then polled op to tha detain and went
to work. The teat waa made In Are mmols!
aud twenty faoonda.
The popularity of thla company broufht
[Orth loud applause.
After hall an hoar spent in clearing away
and gelling reedy, the
THO iTSAMES COMTEtT MO. 1
waa called with the following regulations:
Each steamer, aa soon aa the itcam gauge
shows 80 pounds or steam, with closed safety
Tilte, will be allowed 10 minute, to play, ai d
tha engine throwing water the fonherest dla-
rance shall be declared winner. Each steamer
bring allowed 20 mlnulce to raise tbe 80 pounds
Any company falling to conform tothe rales
Win be rnlef oat, end no time recorded them.
Steamer' No. 2 pelted ap to ihe etstem Ant
A distance of 218 feet end U lnchee, waa reach
ed without truu! >
No. Z took tbe cistern next, end did the work
handsomely, throwing a stream of water 224
feet. 2 Inches. T'.ls distance. It wee thought,
wonld not be beaten, but the winner la this in.
stance eeemed to be on the alert.
The old reliable No, 1 palled up to the cistern
end the bore pot themaetvee to work to win. It
possible. Tula they did by throwing a Bream
ot water 2 9 teet. 2 inches. A tremendous burst
at applause rent the air at the result, and rx-
dtement reigned In every quarter. The eogl-
waa borne on the eutmlders of hie brother
flremen nas distance, while hats were toeaed
in the tlx. and hands wen grasped on all aidia.
The' day's sport waa then at an end,
with the exoep'lon cl awarding the priest.
The de irunent wit brought Into line and the
palaes presented by Captain Henry B Jackaon,
wh > did the thing op handiomtly-
The prices were as follows:
Hook and Ladder, cake ticket IS2 SO
Hoee BeeL UUtaapUcner...
steamer Coe teat No 1, peach boat.
StritAO-Xo 01.032 -
ZIPOIITIOI
USIVEBSXLLE.
Bn Franc * On Franc :"c
v i
eoniaiiou of idea^ arising from tbyn^o refer, in thifl conqtciiOtt, to A IraM elder’s office, the fail forco ‘of to be wad ^ 'everybody,
C A locomotive, leprwenUEg tnduvtry.
D Miniature p'emre r f the Troeidero palace.
£ A Plow representing agricolluxe.
The border is a garland of laarel and
oak leaves. All the above ore printed
in blae, the series and number in
... 60 oo
.. ifi oo
Ooaiaai No 8i M»i i a and.... W 00
Mrotivtr Jcnea pat npapecial prize which w»e
a very bulaoxse p tchtr, ca tha prsa lot second
ten time m the has# reel contsat This prize
was curled off by No 1. tbeir reel hariitg made
he tec-mi best time tn 'he contest. Tha entire
da? paaaedeff mo*t pieaaauUy. Tnere were ni
disturbances whatever to mar tha happiness of
each an! every one. The bticoolca and window,
fronting on Mailetia street were crowded with
people the entire time, who looked oo with much
p eature and adm'rmtiou at all that ranspireJ.
Thejboek and ladder truck had two terge table*
covered with auUtantiala during th© entire
morning, with plenty of cool beer and lemonade
to wash It down.
At Tallulah fire company ball there was also a
choice table aeivNl, aud lb® Marietta boya in
vited to partake.
The Marietta boyi ®J that they had a moat
enjoyable time. Their entfae company did not
in Dine, me senes ana numoer in carry away aay prixe,bqt they made fast friends
b} Hi tbe Giber *ude sit ro ud.vub^rm. nun Wp/