Alexandria Gazette

section_title: General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Baltimore, May 9.—In the General Conference, this morning, Gen. J. B. Weaver, of Iowa, said it was publicly charged on this floor yesterday that a large amount of money had been stolen from the funds of the Church. He asked a suspension of the rules to enable him to offer resolutions providing for a special committee of seven to investigate the charge and report to the Convention. On motion of Dr. Hatfield, the matter was laid on the table. J. S. Smart, of Detroit, submitted a resolution that all papers in reference to the organization of separate conferences for whites and blacks be returned to the Conference from the Committee on Boundaries, and be referred to the Committee on the State of the Church. Bishop Janes announced that the fraternal delegates from the British Wesleyan Church would now take formal leave of the Conference. Rev. Wm. B. Pope and Rev. J. H. Rigg then made farewell addresses and bid the Conference a warm farewell. Dr. Pope said he would carry home an affectionate remembrance of his visit here, and he hoped the apparent entanglements would be woven into a beautiful garment. Dr. Rigg, in his farewell, took occasion to advert to and comment on the school and social question. He said in England they were divided on many things, but by a large majority they were agreed on the point that there was no law of the land which prohibits the use of the Scriptures in the public schools. He then took farewell of the Conference. Rev. E. Loundsberry and John McDonald esq., M. P., fraternal delegates from the Methodist Episcopal Church of Canada, were severally introduced to the Conference. The address from the Church in Canada was read by the Secretary after which Messrs. Loundsberry and McDonald delivered addresses on the state of their Church, and bearing testimony of their fraternal love. A communication from Rev. J. A. Duncan and L. C. Garland, fraternal delegates from the Methodist Episcopal Church South, announcing their presence in the city and readiness to appear before the Conference at any time designated, was read. The letter stated that Rev. Lovick Pierce, a fraternal delegate, and who was the author of the address of the Church South to this Conference would not be present, being detained by infirm health. Dr. Walden said on the 21st of May, a hundred years ago an annual Conference was held in Baltimore, and moved that a special committee of five be appointed to make arrangements for a suitable commemorative service, which was adopted, and the Conference adjourned till 9 o'clock to-morrow.