The Dallas Daily Herald

WACO.

Proceedings of the Great Baptist Convention Yesterday.

Missions Both Home and Foreign Receive Earnest Attention.

Reports on Varied Subject Matter are Acted On.

The Last Day—Everything Done Decently and in Order.

Ministers Musn't Travel on the Sabbath.

Closing Exercises of the Convention—Solemn Scenes.

Baltimore the Place of Next Meeting.

Waco, May 12.—[Special.]—The convention met at 9 a. m., the president in the chair. After singing and prayer, Dr. Burleson announced there were marshals and pages in uniform willing to conduct delegates to any part of the city.

The report on Kind Words, the Sunday school paper of the convention, was read by Dr. H. B. Hedden, of Georgia. It stated the paper was doing a great work and more liberal patronage was recommended.

Dr. Boykin, editor of the paper, said that for seven years the paper had been a source of revenue to the convention. Over 100,000 copies were published weekly, and 40,000 monthly. He promised to edit it so that all denominations should require it.

The report on woman's work was read by Dr. Williams, of Maryland. The report congratulates the committee on the work the zealous Christian women are accomplishing. It would be helpful to the piety and efficiency of women for pastors to organize them for work as bible readers and teachers. Women are a necessity among the brethren.

Dr. Williams spoke on the motion to adopt, and Rev. J. B. Turpin also spoke on the subject.

Rev. G. F. Bagby, of Kentucky, gave interesting illustrations of the efficiency of the work.

Dr. Tichenor, of Georgia; Dr. William Pratt and others spoke briefly in the support of the adoption of the report. It was adopted.

The report of the special committees on Jacksonville, Florida, was received by Dr. Wharton, of Georgia. The report expresses sympathy with the struggles of the Florida brethren and expresses the hope that Christians throughout the country will give all that they feel able to assist their brethren in building houses of worship.

Dr. Boyce opposed the adoption of the report on the ground that the convention is not engaged in the work of building meeting-houses. The precedent would be unfortunate. Let the Floridians appeal to the brethren, and let all who are able contribute to that enterprise. Dr. Wharton replied with emphasis, and urged the importance of the adoption of the report.

Dr. Burleson sided with Dr. Boyce, and over all opposition the report was adopted.

The report on China missions was presented by Rev. J. L. Carroll, of Virginia. The report speaks of China as the greatest of all mission fields, and encouragingly of the success of Baptist missionaries. Valuable reinforcements are to be sent to China.

Dr. Chaplain, of Texas, presented the report on California mission. The mission is doing well. The complaint of want of room compelled us to turn over teaching China girls to the Methodist on account of lack of room. Dr. Hartwell's efforts were crippled by the fact of exclusive confinement to San Francisco, and the country around abound with heathen.

Dr. Chaplin spoke long and fervently on the report and showed that every third man on the globe was Chinaman. We are doing what we can to alleviate distress of humanity. Preachers are being raised up among them to be used in their native land. Rev. J. E. Carter, of North Carolina, had recently read from the pen of a missionary an account of the death of earliest native Chinese preacher. His dying testimony more than compensates for the sacrifices made by us. The report was adopted.

Rev. W. E. Hatcher, of Virginia, advised the brethren to go forward, lay great plans and multiply agents and do more than ever before. Every man should resolve to do his best. Every member should strive and the $50,000 shall be raised. The mission work has taken a new start and all the brethren should rally around it.

Rev. Nunnally, of Georgia, said every thing looked rose-tinted at this little distance of 900 miles from the home of the board. Time after time the light was dim and we waited with bated breath for the incoming mail to enable us to meet our bank account. Home missions come in with $105,000, church building $50,000, foreign missions $100,000 and seminaries $50,000. All these suggestions have been made, and we want to know where the money to meet those suggestions is to come from. Georgia is pledged for $50,000 and we intend to pay it. Three hundred thousand is just 50 cents for each Baptist and we must raise it. If we fail to raise it we are recreant, we are false, and, must I say it, we are frauds?

Rev. Solomon, of North Carolina, suggested a regular plan or proposition of asking aid regularly, to be kept before the people—a regular system of seeking funds.

Rev. Dr. Williams, of Maryland, said it was a practical question, that if the ministers would train and teach the people that giving is a Christian duty and pleasure, there would be no difficulty in collecting the funds necessary for the accomplishment of the work.

Rev. Dr. Furman, of South Carolina, said he used to have a dubious idea of Texas, thought that the people who went to Texas, went beyond sundown. He discovered that things in Texas, and men in Texas looked just like those of South Carolina. He saw from the train twenty-two oxen to one wagon, and couldn't discover what was the necessity for that number on such good roads. He thought that in time of rainy weather the wagon must run on the hubs. He said that the convention was like those oxen, a large body yoked to a small wagon. He continued, activity and renewed effort was thankful for the work already done, and marvelled at the littleness thereof and the great amount to be accomplished.

Dr. Ford, of Georgia, spoke earnestly on the subject of home missions.

The convention adopted the report.

Rev. Harvey submitted the report of the committee on colored people, cheerfully approving the report of the home mission board with regard to colored people. On motion, the report was adopted.

The committee on the Foreign Mission Journal, report gladly that the journal is almost self-sustaining; approve the missionary matter disseminated by it and note gladly that its subscription is daily increasing.

Rev. Mr. Buckner, a Texas brother, stated he had arranged to publish Buckner's Thirty Years among the Indians, and he would gladly render all the assistance in his power to home mission.

Hon. St. B. Maxey, of Texas, read the report on constitutional questions. He said it was advisable to make changes at present that all needed corrections can be made by calling the attention of the convention to them. He sustained the report in well-timed and forcible arguments.

Drs. Boyce, Broadus, Burrows, of Kentucky, Solomon, of North Carolina, J. B. Searcy, of Arkansas, Judge Stewart, of Georgia, James Pollard, of Maryland, Hon. J. E. Brown, of Georgia, took part in discussion on the motion of Dr. Boyce. The report, slightly amended, was adopted.

Rev. Redden Andrews read a report on Brazilian missions. It shows encouraging progress. Brethren Taylor, Bagby and their wives are winning the Brazilian hearts. It recommends the reinforcement of laborers in the field. Pending motion to adopt the convention adjourned to 3 p. m.

Baltimore was selected as the next place of meeting. At the convention Dr. J. H. Luther, of Texas, delivered a most earnest and thrilling address on the Brazilian mission.

The report on foreign population in our own country was presented by Dr. George Loftin, who urged the wisdom of looking well to the security of our institutions. Mr. Loftin, in support of the report, argued that of all religion Christianity alone is missionary.

On the subject of African missions Rev. E. W. Brewer urged that the Africans themselves are the material for missionaries to their own people.

The convention granted both the home and foreign mission boards the privilege of securing charters of incorporation if at any time they deemed it expedient.

The report of the treasury of the foreign mission board was presented by Dr. J. B. Taylor, of North Carolina, who was most hopeful, but urged that the contributions be sent in promptly enough to avoid the usurious interest which it is sometimes necessary to pay.

On motion of Rev. G. A. Nunnelly, of Georgia, the First church of New Orleans was encouraged to buy the house in which they now worship, and to appeal to the denomination for help.

Dr. J. K. Graves presented a report on Memphis and other points. Memphis had greatly suffered but had marvellously grown and yet was an imperative mission point every year.

Dr. A. B. Woodfin, of Alabama, offered a report on houses of worship, and the importance of placing ourselves in a position to build mission houses of worship, was argued.

Rev. W. C. Barrett, of Missouri, offered an instructive and suggestive report on the territorial field, recommending the appointment of separate society and evangelists for the territories, to be under the control of the convention. Adopted without discussion.

Brother B. B. Davis, of Alabama, read the report of the commissioner on credentials and showed that the convention was composed of 1,104 delegates with 631 present.

Col. Hoyt, of South Carolina, read the report of the committee on nominations, the old members, with no material exception, being reappointed on the board of missions.

Dr. Burleson read a report on Mexico missions. Dr. Burleson spoke feelingly of the report, and said there were a dozen Baptists in the Catholic convent in Waco. He wanted to carry the war into Mexico. How many will carry the gospel into Mexico?

Rev. W. M. Flournoy, missionary at Progreso in Coahuila, gave some interesting facts about the progress of the work in that land.

Hon. S. B. Maxey said that he had been well acquainted with the condition of Mexico for thirty years. The railroads are opening the way to that country. It is a country great in resources. Establish your churches through the Anglo Saxons, who are going there, and they will build up the cause of Christianity. It is the most inviting field on the earth. We must work earnestly in various ways, and the result will be glorious.

Rev. W. D. Powell, missionary to Mexico preached for a few months in the English language, but now preached in Spanish. From the first meeting there had been revival and there were fifteen persons seeking salvation, and he had left these in care of a native preacher. It costs something for a Mexican to be a Christian. The speaker continued at length, announced himself as devoted to the work, after which the convention adjourned to meet at 8 o'clock.

EVENING SESSION.

The convention was called to order by the president. After singing and prayer by Dr. Inman, of Tennessee, consideration of Mexican missions was resumed, and after remarks by Dr. Boyce, of Kentucky, the report as read was adopted.

The committee on time and place reported and recommended Baltimore as the next place of meeting, at the usual time in May.

Dr. Lansing Burrows, of Kentucky preaches the introductory sermon with Rev. A. W. Lamar, of Tennessee, as alternate. The report was adopted.

Rev. H. A. Tupper, of Virginia, offered a resolution looking to the incorporation of a board of foreign missions, and it was so ordered.

Dr. J. P. Boyce, of Kentucky, reported in regard to the admission of advertisements in the minutes of the Southern Baptist convention, and recommended that they be admitted.

Dr. Burrows, of Kentucky, gave some interesting statistics of Southern Baptists, saying that the figures are yet imperfect but enough has been done to discover that the estimate of white Baptists heretofore made is too high, while the estimate for colored Baptists is too low, and it is important that the statistical work be pushed.

Dr. M. D. Early reported on the treasurer's report, and the report was adopted.

Rev. B. Manly, D. D., reported on the report of the home mission board, recommending more thorough plans of organization and an earnest appeal for more money.

Dr. Manly yielded to Dr. Tichenor, who briefly addressed the convention on the importance of the work, and the necessity for more means. He wanted the sentiment of the convention as to whether they should arrange for the expenditure of $50,000 directly to missionaries, or $25,000 for the same purpose. If they spend $50,000 they want the money forthcoming, and do not want to come to the next convention with a debt as a present to the Southern Baptists. The speaker earnestly appealed for help for those suffering and pleading for the bread of life they were not reached by the board and the representatives with the same facility as city possessed; that the people were willing to contribute and brother Stepp, of South Carolina, spoke to the question and said that he represented a country church and that

Prof. Frazier, of Alabama, read a report on foreign missions, and made flattering mention of the workers in Italy. The principal needs of the board were chattels, that they might call the crown houses of worship, etc.

Mr. McDonald, of Georgia, spoke earnestly and feelingly on the subject of Italian missions.

Rev. Mr. Nunnally, of Georgia, offered a resolution dispensing with collections in the convention and pledging each pastor to take up one collection during the ensuing year for each department of the work.

The chair said the adoption of the resolution could have no influence on any subsequent convention.

Mr. Nunnally spoke in support of his resolution, and said that men who visited the conventions were the men who had more devotion and zeal than money; that the money given under the lash of public opinion is the result of impulse and not of a deliberate conviction of duty.

Brother Eaton said that a man who refuses to give can't go to Heaven. Eternal happiness is the reward of the givers and punishment the reward of those who failed to give. He hoped the convention would never meet without having to give, and that he would like to amend the resolution by adding that the time of the convention be not taken up with prayers, for praying and giving go together.

Dr. Ford, of Georgia, spoke against the resolution strongly and made some happy hits in opposition to the resolution. He referred to the appeals of Dr. Nunnally to his own congregation and wanted to know if the money so collected was collected on impulse or conviction of duty.

Dr. Nunnally said if he said anything harsh, the brethren must lay it aside; that Paul had set the example by telling the people to have the money ready when he came and no collection was taken up: that there was a friend on the floor who once subscribed, felt bad over it and begged to be released and was released.

Dr. Hatcher spoke humorously in opposition to the resolution. He said the resolution started out by saying it was the sense of this convention that no collections be taken up and he could not vote for it because they had been taking up collections every day and night, and he did not want to say the convention had no sense. He continued in a humorous vein for some time, the convention frequently laughing and applauding.

Mr. Nunnally withdrew the resolution reserving the privilege of introducing it the first day at Baltimore.

A. J. Hoyt, of South Carolina, offered beautiful resolution of thanks to the citizens of Waco and members of the Baptist church.

Dr. Eaton amended it by adding to the representatives of the press, to Colonel Hoxie, Rev. O. C. Pope, Mr. McCullough and Major Stevenson for remarkable courtesies shown to the delegates.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

Rev. Lansing Burrows said the convention was under no obligations to railroads, that owing to the existence of competing lines the roads were under obligations to the members for coming over them at full fare rates: that the railroads had offered the Presbyterian synod at Lexington, half fare rates, and that they had never offered or agreed to give upon application such rates to the Baptists. After discussion, Dr. Eaton withdrew his resolution in regard to railroads.

A vote was taken on the resolution of A. J. Hoyt, of South Carolina. It was adopted by an unanimous rising vote.

The resolution of Dr. Eaton's was amended by inserting thanks to Colonel R. B. Parrott, and all lines of travel that have extended courtesies in the way of reduced rates.

Mr. Broadlove, of Brenham, after a short talk, moved to lay the Eaton resolution as amended on table, and it was lost by a vote of 108 to 48.

The resolution that secretary of the convention have printed and distributed, 5,000 copies of the minutes, and they receive $50 for their services was adopted.

Of the resolution of Rev. Mr. Rutland of Louisiana, extending thanks of the religious denominations of Waco for the use of churches was adopted.

Dr. Broadus said he observed last year at Greenville that an extremely bad effect was produced by many members of the convention taking their trains for home on Sunday; that the brethren were disposed to make critical observations and remarks about the Sunday preacher trying to learn something, and cautioned them against such ideas, and advised the brethren to stick to self appreciation.

Dr. Carroll, of Waco, followed the line of the second suggestion of Dr. Broadus, and earnestly asked all the convention to stay in Waco to-morrow.

A motion by Mr. Carpenter, of Louisville, to reconsider the vote by which the motion to thank railroads for courtesies, to the ladies for attendance, Colonel Parrott for courtesies, Colonel Pope et al., for excursion, was voted down by an overwhelming majority. After reading the minutes of the day, the convention adjourned.