The New York Herald Newspaper, April 17, 1860, Page 4

Question Resamcd—Specches of Rev. Messrs. Wakeley, P. R. Brown, ML. P. C. Orawfotd, Dr. McOlimteck, aud Ochers—The Erie Resolution ama tne Comacrvatives, &e., dic. . \ ‘The Conference met on tionday moralng, and after the weuat religious exercises the ‘wes engaged in re- Oclving the reports of the presiding elders of the various Giatrigts relative to the character and labors of the minis- fers during the yew. Bava Gaorvo, the agent of the Tract Soslety, report- 04 his operations during the last nine months. There had ‘oem dintributed 226,743 pages of tracts, in the English Jangudge, tsi the city of New York daring the last nine ‘months; 30,584 pages in the Ger nen language; 25,443 pagevin the English tongue in the coyntry, and 8,169 in ‘the @érman during the same period ‘The epeaker, in an. interesting address, advoosted the utility of the Tract Booiety as an efficient instrumentality to promote the sal- ‘Vaiton of szuls. Ho urged the ministers to cooperate ‘with te oMcors of the society in furthering the objects of the association. SPRECH OF A COLORED BROTHER. ‘The Buwor introduced a colored brother named Cyrus Snapper, who desired to address them in behalf of rais- ‘og money to purchase one of his sons. But, said the . Bishop, ‘‘let him tell his own’ story.”’ Brother Kyarrzn Proceeded to say that he was born in Virginia and labored hard to secure his freedom, for which he paid $1,009, He Wid not like to live in a slave State, and went to Ohio, since which time he bad raised $8¢0, which caabled him $0 purchase one of his sons. Ho left his wife behind him im Virginia, and she had been carried so far South since Ghat he did ot know where sho was. Ho was now on, to raise $900 for the purchase of @ younger Bon, Bad succeeded in procuring nearly the whole ‘@moups. The {nes fe verge us hats around and raised which was money de- Bired by the colored gentleman. * CONTINUATION @F THE DEBATE ON SLAVERY. On motion ‘of Rev Mr. Nicuois, nw Rey, J. B. WakELEY contiaue:! bis speech on theslavery question. Lamariiue said of Wilberforce that be wens ‘0 the throne of grace with a million human fetters in his hand, and so dia be plead yesterday in his prayers for the boncman, as being bound with them. He believed fat Congress would attend to the affairs of the nation, and ali that they bad to do was to atiend to the interest of the M, E. Chareh us they were ailectod by slavery. Pro- e68 Was ibe Orcer 0! the day, but they should remem- er that reform was not al Progress. The speaker ‘was opposed to Mr. Ferris’ substitute, because it pre- tended to be conservative, whereas it gave all to the ra- ical and nothing to the conservative. The voice of the Teeolution was the voice of Jacob, but its hands were the ands of Esau. Hv preferred volcanoes to subterraneous Gres He was oppored to the subatitute because it pro- feesed to be & peacemaker and to allay agitation, whea u appeared to be to promote agitation, if Lot re- It requested the General Conference to devise Macasures to Secure & new rule on slavery, when its de- ‘Bigd was to promote agitation, if not revolution. The Bpeaker oppueed the substitacc because it was inconsis- tent with iiecif. Rav. Mg. fxxnrs eaid that bis substitute did not necessa- Fily imply the panage of a vew rule. It might simply be &@ note of explanaiion or & resolution expressive of, the views of the Genera! Conference, without putting it in the form of & new ruie. Rey. Mr. Wann asked brother Ferris if he did not Mean to advocate the adoption of auew rule? If he did Bvt, they woulc be saved agreat deal of discussion. Dr. MOCLNTocK asked the same question. Mr. Fexuis replica that before the yote was taken, he ‘Would expiain (uiiy bie position, Mr. Wakscer contivucd—He was opposed to the substi- tute, becauee it was m substance the eame as the Eric Tule; also, because it was variously interpreted. Men on {tbe Conference floor saw its sense very differently, and ‘thas was 8 suffictent reason to voie against it. The sudsu- tate cid mijustice to the Discipline and to the fathers of the eburch. ere were thoes who desired a new rule, be- cause the present rule was indefinite. According to’ that they would require different systems of philosophy, and a new constitution for the country. Toey would require new articles of faith if tne principle contended for by the Mover of the suoatitute were recognized Are you Bure, asked he, if your new rule will be clearly Understood? He thought the prevent ruie was sufficiently explictt, and a uew rule w destroy the pence of the church. Those ministers who were acquainted with the Condition of the border churches, teil us that it would rend the church asuucer. The adoption of a new rule ‘would be a breach of faith with their border brethren. ‘They might bave united themselves witn that portion of the church that did n0% recognise slavery as @ sin, and therefore the North was pledgedto respect their rights, Rev. Mr. Wheatley and otbers haa said they would help tho border churches ous rather unceremoniously. As for beeeri he did not fee: liko treating these brethren impro- perly. Rey. Mr. Wueattxy corrected the speaker. He said that im his speech on Friday, he remarked toat be would Bay to those who bad imbued their bands in their bro- ther’s Dlood—Ir you do not favor the pew rule, gojor in the name 0/ God we wili make you.” He (Mr. wren) then added that those who held slaves for rely bepevelent purpores would be held in the church. po we owe nothiwg to the border? Robert Swawbriage and others bad labored faithfully for the church; Mc- Kendrick, George, Emory and Waugh, ail bishop, were originally from the border, and many of their most faith- ful members bad grown grey in the service of God in that of our country. Bishop Asbury aud a bost Of bright lights owed their success to the sympathy and Protection of the border Christiaos. lo the address of ‘he bishops to the last General Conference, four years ago, they said that they had six annual conferences, who had | white membership of 143,000, and a colored momber- sbip of more then 28,(00. fhe poor members and the Blaves were strovg!y attached to the church of their choice, and looked to it for religious sympathy aod all the Offices of Christian kininess. The whie members, in Fespect to iateligerce and attachment to the church, ‘woult compare iavurably with cther portions of the cburch. In regard to ine opinions of the bishops on the Slavery rule, they ears that in their judgment the exiat- ence of the conferences and churches under the present Circumstances did not tend to extend and perpetuate Slavery. Such testimony, said Mr. Wheatley, was con- clusive om the subject. The speaker oriticized the remark made by Mr. Brown, would not eat with a slavebolder, observing that Jesus Cariet and the Methodist bishops eat and drank with sinvers. The advocates of the new rule said too thin, mott be pressed or else the church would be divi ‘The charoh of God was our mother, and he thoaght a re- ark of a minister mace to bim that morning, that none but foo's and babies would whine around their mothera, ‘was very improper. Washington Irviog, and otner dts. dipguished men, wore great ‘foois,’”’ because they loved their mothers. He could not look upoo the probability of & Givision of the church without becoming dizzy in the Drain and affected at the heart. He was reminded of a remark made by @ man when Ustening to the reck- speeches of the anti-slavery men, who said, “Let her slide; I'll take the responsi! 7? They took the responsibuity of diviaing the charch, and would abut up allyacoess to master and siave. He was reminded by this hasty action of a question propounded to a man by a son of the F.moraid Isle, as they were sailing on thetr voyage, which wag, ‘‘Are you acquainted with tno Yocks in this harbor?’ -‘Yes, sir;”’ saia he, “there is one ‘of them,’’ as the ship strack. Could the advocates of the new rule look back with pleasure upon the ruins of the noble edifice erected by oar fathers? Sach a rala would do a great deal of harm. The laymen bad been alluied im the discussion. I¢ did appear to him that if thochurch were rent aseunder, they ought to permit the Jaymen to have a hand in the business. The ministers ‘Were not the church, for they only constituted a small portion of it An election would soon take place for delegates to the Geueral Conference, aud some might thnk thst he desired to “slide in.” He prized their friendship, but did not seek ministerial honors. SPEBCH OF REV. PAUL BR. BROWN. Rev. Pau R. Brown, Presiding Elder, was the next Bpeaker. ‘The wubstitute contemplated the leaving of this juestion for the preseat, but requested tne General Con- rence to take 2 olding. He trusted that that body would hi wiecom to devise proper measures. It was thought by men well acquainted witn the gudject that the Goneral Conference was tho proper place from which at impor- fant changes in the discipline should emanate. The gene- Fal op‘nion amozg the church on the question of the age was something should be done. He wasin favor of the substitute offerea by Mr. Forris. The spoaker pro posed to consider the question of slavery accord- Cing to the slave code itself. He would show how abborrent the system of slayery was, and its consequences 10 the slave, acd in so doing Would qnote from the laws of the Southern States. According to the laws of Louis‘ana a siave was one who ‘was im the power of a master to whom he belonged. The | master could sell him, dispose of his person, his Industry snd labor. ‘The. slave could do’ n>- thing, possess nothing, nor acquire anything, but the may correct him, though not’ with unusual rigor. The sdvertisements in Soathera papers stated that the sisves were “chastised” so as to make scars on their backs. The laws of South Carviias say that slaves are chattels and things to ali intents ant pur- poses, They were nothing but property according to their own laws. In Louisimme and Kentucky siaves were | held te bo real estate property, and could not be sult from | the piantations; but the law was not recognized, and they were pold there the same asin otber Souihera Staves, Judge Gloud gave it as bis opinion that slaves wore not to E | which prevented » number of five persons meeting for | tanding the efforts of public What a pity that Mr. Kettoll’s eon based upan facts! why facts so clearly allowed were noted from the Quarterly Review to show rity had followed, aad did follow, emanoips- ‘Weat Indies. He road the cloning paragraph of Ys article to show wat negroes occupted din- Posts in the government ant in professional jerefore refuting tbe charge made by Mr, Kotull egroes were an inferior raco, He (tho speaker) aeked if they should persist in refusing to take any steps in this matter when the infidel world wore favoring the abolition of slavery. They were making some progress; for twenty-two years ago they could uot getamartcle as long as their Gnger ta the Advoate. A few ist breturen went to Uticn amd agitated the subject, at which time ho (the speaker) was repeoved by the Bishop for oo d Is bad been said if action were a wubject the chur:a would be divided. fore “they more attached to than to the Church? It had Bot iy the border but at the North the Church would be divided. It would be sia- i! il i | EF F Rev. Mr. Grivvix said he had heard ‘upoa the sub- ject, and was anxious to vote. If they had speeches on substitute, where would they wind up when they came to talk of amendments. All the talk that had beca made to-day would not tufluenoce a single vote. ‘The Busnor did not wisn the New York Conference te getthe reputation ef being disorderly. He boped the brethren would keep their seats and maintain order. Dr. McCuusrock was very anxious to say a few words upon this aubdject. Loud cries of ‘Vote; vote,” followed by confusion. Bev. Mr: Caawronp suid they were ready wo vole mow, but ff Dr. McClintock were permitted to go on, they could not. Dr. CraRx moved that the Conference should hold an afternoon session, which was emendod by & motion to extend the session. They resolved to hold an afvernon ne permitted Dr. doClintock to go on with his remarks. Rev. Dr. MoCuuxtock then took the floor, and addressed the Conference. He said that it was impossinie for the brethren to talk upoa the question direotly bolero them without impliedly or directly touching upon slavery. For his own part he believed that God almighty had laid upoa man the law of labor. He believed that slavery sprung. from a desire on the part of the human race to frec them- seives from this law by imposing these burdens upon oth- er people. That was, in his ju¢gment, the whole philoso- phy of elavery. Aristotle taught thet slavery was the natural and necessary (oundation of human society. He could not agree with Aristotle on that point, though he wes & very greatman. He (the Doctor) believed that mun was spirit, and that spirit could not be enslaved ex- cept to the curse and ruin of the community. He'wse op- posed to the substitute upon a point of order, which was, that when apy proposition to change the opganic law ot the Methodist rch was brought to tho Coa- ference by @ bishop, 1t wes the right of evory miuister of that body to record his vote upon that proposition, Tho conferences did not vote as conferences upon such propo- sitions, but tren Bicones a8 members of the great body of Methodist mini » and the votes were counted at the General Conference as the votes of individuals. Evory member of every conference nad a right to record his vote bod ered Proposition looking to @ fandamentai rs the organic law of the Methoaist Episcopal Ohurch, and if that right were denied, it was in the power of the majority of ths ministers of the Church at any time to change the funda. mental law, thereby nullifying that essential elementary principle of the orgauislaw of the Methodist Episcopal Church, that a vote of three-fourths of the ministers shall ‘be recordes in favor of any such thing along with a vote of two-thirds of the members of the General Conference. Be cid not beliove that the point of order which 4 Presented had ever been made bofore, and if slavery, but other 5 reason he assigned for ig the substitute was, thet it was presented to avoid a vote on the Erie rule, and at the sume time, to hold the Conference to its express de- cisions of Jast year upon the Cincionati rule. The ques- don natura'ly came up, in the mind of every mombder of the Conference, whetber a change of the rule was desira- ble or not? If the voice of the New York Conference was to be ered in any way atall, they ought to have a fair and honorable opportunity of expressing themseives direotly upon the question. Are we now, at this session of the New York Conierence, immediately proceding the General Conference, in favor of a change of the general rule on slavery? The rule of the Discipline, aa itnow stands, reads thus:— 4. There is only one condition previously required of those who desire to enter into these rocisties—“ a desire w flee from the wrath to come and to be saved from thoir sips,” But whenever this is really fixed in the soul it will be shown by its fruits. It is therefore expected of ‘all who continue therein, that they continue to evidence their desire of salvation. This desire is to be evinced in several ways, such as avoiding drunkenness, putting on of gold or costly apparel, &c., and (the point referred to ip the Erie resolution) ‘The buying and seiling of men, women and children, with an intention to enslave them ” ‘This substitute comes up directly or indirectly upon that point. The word “ prohibit’ im it looked as ifthe brethren desired & change in the general rule, because he could not understond how any measure could be a pro- hibition if it was not a rule. they mean to incorporate © change in the cnapter, there was no othor place to put it in except in the rule. He put it to Mr. Ferris whother there could be any probipition that shodid not be in the rule, Dr. MoCiuwroox turned to Rev. Mr. Paul R. Brown, and in a very stern manner inquired, ‘ Are you in favor of a oh 3 of the rule on slavery? Answer up and down.” P. R. Brown repiied—I am in favor of a change of rule im @ constitatiopal way. . MoCutock—Of course, youall design to change the Tule in a constitutional manner. Tbe Busuor said the bour for adjournment had arrived, thereupon the Conference rose, to resume the debate at three o'clock. AFTERNOON SESSION. ‘The Conference met in the afternoon, Dr. Horprrcn con- ducting the religious exercises. ‘The examination of the character of ministers was pro- ceeded with for an hour, after which the order of the day—the slavery question—was resumed. Rev. Mr. Farnis said his remarks had been misrepro- sented by Dr. McQiintock. He simply wished, by pre- seating the substitute, to make the general ruleread what the framers of it meant. It prohibited merconary slave- holding in its spirit, but he wanted the rule to be altered 80 that the meaning will not be equivocal. Dr. MoCuwrock insisted that Mr. Ferris was really in fa- vor of a new rule, Mr. Ferris wanted achange in the letter of the rule, and he (Dr. McC.) wanted avery man to vote upon the question. The Speaker ssid, openly and fairly, that he was opposed to # cbange in the rule, and he wanted‘every mam to say “yes” or “no,” sad “let the best men win.’’ He boped that the sense of juatice of the New York Conferencs would reject the substitue Hoe thoughs they should have vote on the Krie rule, because the of the conservative conferences had rejected it. The voice of the Conference would be strong against any change of rule, and he was, therefore, anxious to bave them vote egainst the Erie resolution. Every maa who was iv favor of the substitute effectually voted in favor of & change of tho rules, and every man who spoke in favor of the substitute, voted agataet the Providence rule. [The Providence rule prohibits slavebolding.j Mr. Femmis and others corrected the Doctor. ‘They did not do to except Rev. Mr. Wheatley. Dr. MoCustock resumed—He charged that those who voted for the Ciacinnatti rule were in favor of a change of the rule of the Dsciplice. (The Cincicnatti recola\ions pro hibit siaveholding for mercenary parpores.] He was oppored to « change of the rule which would ruake it pro- hibitory. They had all been in the fog about the meaning of the substitute. The utter impossibility of getring at words to frame a law which woold render them lisbie to indefiniteness shoula lead the “ progressives” to panke. When the time came to alter the law, tho words would come trippiegly up as they did to Milton when composing Paradize Loat. Tilt then let them stick to the oid law. He was opposed to excluding slaveholdors from the courch, becavge the disciptine now excluded buyers and selisrs of slaves and women floggers. There was no need, thero- fore, of changing the rule. What had they to do with the Jaws of the Soathern States? No law in Mary!aad pre- ‘vented a slave from reading the Word of God, but there wes such a law in Virginia 4 Brorngr eaid there wes a law in Virginia preventing them to teach people to read the Bible. Dr. Napat seid the only law in the statute book of Vir- givia was one under the head of ‘ unlawful aseemblies,”’ the purpose of learning to read. Dr. MeCiustock—I remember that that is so; but the law Coes not prevent the master from teaching his slaves be ranked among sentient beings. The speaker desired to fix fm the minds of the young brethren a clear concep- tion of what slavery was before they recor:iea tntir vote, ‘The laws of the South were not a dead letter, but were carred out, Tuo slave bad no right to defend himsoif unjustly attacked, and if he did attempt to do 80, he Subjected himself to puaishment. The siave bad no redrvas ‘if he fost a limb, although the master might come for- ‘Ward and sue for damages. The slave could not marry, Scoording to Dr. Eltiott; ne had not a standing of concu- Dinage even, but was a2 low as the brute. ‘Tue Biagor that tho speaker would confine him- discussion bord ie BS the was taking a wide Mr. Brows wished simply to refute the argument of Brother brother that slavery was a great Christianizer. CV iceg—f Go on, go on.””) Ik was penitentiary offene» to teach glaves to read and write. Was this system right ‘or wrong? All the speakers in the Conference, with one exc: ptiom, said it was Could thes ‘wr ng be legally right? Could it ever wa nae ere, ever be moraily right ? nee) not right to hold slave. Devurr asked if what was wrong under some ct commtamoes might not be right undor others? mow coated 1 ght be possible to mke objec donable, Doiding siat ‘would proclaim to the wor! that W wes right to deer jaa Wrong ii abould be banished from the in his own bouse. He was opposod to any new rule, be- cause it was unecriptural. It was con! to the New ‘Teetament ; be knew it bad no warrant in tho letter of the New Testament. Nowhere in the Now Testament could any man find his warrant for a law to excinde all slave ho'ders from the church of God. It could not be foun there. This could be found there, that slaves and slave holders together were admitied into the church of God On that he would stand, and until they got a new testa Tent a8 weil as @ new discipline, he should never con- rent to spy euch change of their rule as the one proposed. The proposed change was inconsistent with the whole current of church history. Brethren that Proposed such a law as that an innovation upon the whole course of church legisiation in all ages of the world, in ell time up to the present day. He opposed the change because it was « deviation from the course of Weeleyan Methodism in England, in the Weet Ladies, and American Methodism. John Wesley received siavebolt. ers into bis church and, ‘be thundered anathemas againet slavery as force and terrible as any that had ever been vttered from that day to this. I: war contrary to the New Testament and to the whole current of church history to say to any alavehoider when be profearet to bo converted, “You shan’t come into thechurch ”” He wes willing tostand bebiad Wesley’s tremendous thoughts on slavery; but he was also to stand beside his clear, consistent, practice, aad te follow that. Tue YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, 4 Voice—Net 0 bit, a Te. MoCunvcK—Whe anys oo? De. McCunrocr Do you diy that Wentey ceosirot Mavebolders? qe Mr. Fenais—We do not propose te exotade siaveholéers. De MoCuntook—I am met : i : the Wesleyans im Engiand, deprecating the was Dow waking tolead the E: tion upon America slavery. Witeman—eaid that the exclusion of 15,000 s! tbe Church would retard rether than cause of freedom. The voice of the three millions oppressed had reached the throne of God, and Pierced btn (the speaker's) ears, and because it 80 be dared not take @ step whieh would shut the ministry of the Methooist church fifteea or send slaves. Another voice cawe up to them from bundred thousand members, only five thousand of whom were slavebolders, and 'y sald, “Let us alone, Let us live under a We played, and God had plentifully watered.” The church might have @ few mea fioggors ia it, but where was the cburch that bad not alnuors in it? Gobad ‘been aseociated with Southerners, but he had not met with @ Methodist slave buyer, seller or flogger. The mass Of them were Americans of the old schoo! of Washiogtoa and Jeffereon, and there was many «@ slavehoider who war betttr than he was. They did not believe in the stem Of slavery, but they were entangled in it; they Could not get out; they could wot change the organic law of the State and do away with existing institutions ia a momest, and with the pressure of a mighty, potent, 1 Ft i Hed ase ieeicse eee efageee alarming public opinion coming do’ pon them What did brethren propose? He could not vote for any oue of the pi changes, for the reason that be was not rOposed willing to go into Maryland and Virginia to execute the law as changed. Hoe would not put upon the shoulders of those dear brethren a burden heavy to be borne. He would not touch it sith hia little finger. (Vo1ces—Never.) He (the speaker) fifteen years ago prowsed a change of rule which was practicable then; put as it was imoract- ble, he was opposed to it now. ‘He was ready to wait for Providence awhile. This intimation was ocontitered & dcughfaced statement. The noblest illustration of a mau’s trust in Goi war that which enabled him to say, “[ have waited patiently for the Lord;” and there was mo grander line ia Milton than that which encouraged 6o many fearfa!, trembling goulg that could pot ece their way out of bristiing and invincible difficut- ties. ‘(They aiso serve who only stand aad wait.”’ was (be time for us to wait, and he trusted that the New York Conference would act upon this substitute clearly and unp‘stakabiy. He hoped they would stand by their brethren of New Jersey, Maryiay’, Missouri and Kon- tucky, and uphold ano pray for mem. Af trusted the members of the Conference woula vote the substitute down. Rev. Mr. Crawrorp replied to the last seit if MoClintock’s logic was a4 angerous as b be dié not know what would become of us. Tho bluster about the moral effect of the original rule amounted to nothing. Tbe author of the Erie rule only designed to make prceent rule more explicit. What they asked was that the General Conference ehonld exctide from the chureb slaveboléers who held slaves for selfish purposes. Be wanted it done ‘ay, but he Was opposed to needless leg ivlati d facta to show that the condition of slavery on the border was different from what had beeu represented by otber speakers. He had been intormed by a member of the Philadelphia Conference, that If a man sboul sell or buy a slave relative of the discipline, & committee might be raised by the minister; but the brethren said they would exercise their right to cloar him. The speaker mentioned an jostance of a girl going up (© a garret snd cutting her throat to prevent her from being told to go South, aud snid that euch occurrences Were sufficient to arouses netion. Ithad doneso. He did not question the piety of Southern methosists, but he desired to have selfish slavcholders exc!uded from the church. The man who beld + slave fora mercenary pur- pore was a sinner, and he denied ‘he right of any person to hols man as property. He denied that chattel slavery was recognize i in the Word of Gout, but servitude was. Rev, Mr. Kerra, asked Crawford the be- tween slavery and chattel slavery. Mr. Crawyorp asserted that God never sanctioned the holding of ren as “things.” Mr. Kerist agked Mr. Crawford if he wanted him to a 9 the queetion? ir. Crawrorp—We have had enough of that. It was 00d—that is to say, good in a Pickwiokian seupe;/but I considered it very bad teaching. The demands mate by the border churches were unjust, aad he protested against ‘uy movement which proscribed the North when they Garod to utter their rentimerts. The voice of tho New York Conference to the General Conference was—do away ‘with slaveboiding as goon and a8 quictly as you can, for we believe it to be asin. There was very little moral significance in the Erie rule, aad therefore he was in fevor wee eee of the General At the conclusion of his epeech there were loud ofies of “Vote, vote.”” Dr. SrRickLanp protested against speech making, for if it were aliowed he wanted to make a epecch. He said he would urge the previous question. Amid great coufusion, ‘The Bistior said it was out of order for the brethren to ceil for a vote tn that way. Rev. W. C. Swimm thought the substitute acked for a chango in the phraseology of the rule, and,deemed is in- ‘reduction ill timed. Rey. Mr. Vincxnt and others asked for s vote. Rev. F. W. Dinger represented the anti slavery ele- ment of the German church. He wana Swise by birth, and in the language of one of tae founders of that repub- lic, “make way for freedom.” He regard that there were some German with slavery, and he could bless the labors of those mon. He had to hear of the first German slaveholder. It bad been astd that the ado; tion of a new rule would injure the German work. did not think so, for the adoption of a change in this re- Bpect would be only like expelling a stoner, who fora long time had succeeded in retaining his connection with the church. Dr. bens the Lr en Mf the German movement, was 0) to slavery, conservative. Dr. (earl asked that the vote should be taken by yeas and nays, which was adopted. ‘Tne Bishop then put the question on ths acceptance of the substitute in the place of the Erie resajution, which, Dy its adoption, would reitle the whole question. Too ‘¥ read the names of the representatives, who answered “yee” or ‘‘no,”’ as they were called. The most intense excitement was exhibited by the ministers and the audience while the vote was being taken. As it was perceived that the vote was very close, the Presiteut was asked if members could change their votes before the decision ‘was announced. He repliet in the affirmative. The vote stood 89 ayes aud 91 vays—thus rejecting Mr. Ferris’ sub- stitute. When the result was acnounced there was an atiempt at applause, which was suppressed. Dr. MoCustock then moved for the ayes ani pays on the Erie resolution, which was seconded. The following Are the names of thos» who voted upon the regolution:— Arts- Aberly, Adams, L B Ardrus, J B Reach, J W Beseh Se ig RD OWN. A nO * Ferrie, Wii Ferro, Peles, Kouter, rats, Hail, Heslon, Be ron, A Hunt. R Bi McXerr, Lindsay, Lyman. MoUomber, Morehouse, McKown, Elbert (vborm, Palmer, Parker, Souby. Reohere, Thompana, ‘Townsend, Whentlay. Whitaker, 1 Nars—Rev Mesers Abo-ly, Afleberg, Emmerman, Rates, Birch, Blake. Wm 4! ir, Brown. Purger, Campbell, (had- wick, chip, Wm F Clark. L Clark, D W Clark, Corbit, Craw- ford. Crippen, Croft, Curtia, Coons A Davia Daniels, Dales, Davy, Linninger, Decker. Dennion. Edwards, 4 Fibott, Bilis, Kvaps, Ira Ferre, W Serra, Kero Ferguson, Fitch, Foss, Foster, Fuller, Genvm, Gibson, Wm Goss. Jno E Goss, Jno W Gors, “bas Goss, 4 Griffio, Grimm, Here, me," Herman. Holmes, Huff, Harris, 1 xi mH Bukersbort, Hea: Jost, Ketell, Kives King, Kinkyg 8 @ Knapp) Ketwht Lamont, T Lamont, M & Lent, Lavia, Lodge. Chas W Lyon, Marks, Molintock, Mend Miller, Molynesuz, Newman. Ni J Ostrander, ©) unsbary, Lats, N Keedo , Mester, Ne Oakley, a WC Smith, W , Bil, Btliwe! Stead, Swallow, Trt, Hale, M Van Deusen, 8 Van Deuseh, Van Gasrick, Vinceot. Waxeley, Ward, Wallow Wardell. Washbourne, Wood, Werk, G Wood- worth, Wright, Winans, Zimmermen—125 On motion of Dr. MoCuwtock the record waa kept open, in order that those who were Lot present might record their votes in the morning, which was carriea ‘The Bishop stated that the Conference could send nino delegates to the General Conference, and their appoint- ment Dake made the special order for Tuesday, at ten o'clock. ‘The Conference then adjourned. The New York East Comference at Stam- ford, Conn. Harrrorp, Conn., April 16, 1860. A8 per announcement Biabop Simpson preached in the Methodist Episcopal church of this village yesterday morning, the services beginning a! haif-past ten. Before the time of opening the service had arrived the church was thronged with people even to the portico, there boing present about nine hundred persons. After the ueual geri vice, Bishop Simpson came for ward to the desk and gave as his text the 17th chapter of St. Jono and 224 verse, read- ing es follows:—“And the glory which thou gayest me I have given them, that they may be one even as we are one.” : MONDAY’S @ESSION. ‘The session was called to order as . Bishop Simp. eon presiding. After preliminary business the Rey. Dr. Fror offered resojations to the effect that this Conference will not vote on any subject concerning slavery, as any such vote ofthis body will not be constitutionally suff cient to place it rightly before the General Conference, as it will require a two-thirds vote to effect euch; and tha the delegates to the General Conference be instructed to act in such manner. : Bisbop Siepaon said that conoeraing the frst resolution it was not in order, unleas they reconsider the time; and uniess it was, we could not take any otber action upoe the subject. Dr. Froy answered, that not wishing to act against the Chair, be would move to lay his resvlations on tho table, until the time arrived for taktog them up Several candidates for admiesion to membership ware ‘voted to be placed on trial, and after a little roating busi- aren, the order of the day was taken uv—anmely, tae slavery question, whereupon Dr. Fioy’a resolutions wore re-read. Several objections wore raised to gail Now: i | : Sere om reek ad Hl al t { i i il i b i E | hl ines ie Fes A B i z i 1 E & relatives be fow. We have been ready to pull dowa the stare and shake the earth for a new rule, and bave bsen fighting for principles that are gone. Ho asked the Coa (creuce whetbor they will not vole on the non-conourreace. Ho was oballenged to come up to take part in this Confer- ence, and will land by Dr. Ploy, as (taotician, dooming pins unt anid that ho could stand a great deal of fattory ie, Fioy bin that Crooks was It on too thick, (Laughter } Rey. G. RB lela 4 wcheme for 7 teem for membersbip is pet only preventing them from progreesing, bus the Church from prog » Whee ou come down on the Church like a thunderbolt, ow oo you think that sey dys succeed? He was willing to treat the delegates to General Conference if they will eubecribe to the primoipies of Dr. Floy’s paper on & con-covcurrence. He says that they do injustice to their by forwarding tho principles they havo ‘tetiansty. discard Bubore ot be church to let her die, because she is a @lavebolder. Rev. Mr. Mitzy arose avd gaid that he bad said but lit. tle on thig subject; thet be would take an antisiavery He does not prefor to question the there ce tares in the church, ket us reot them out with the wheat; if we must lose the wheat, let us rather culti- vate the taresthan to lose both. If slavery is an evil, we must take up with that evil rather than to root out the good by tampering with it Where will they fiud public sentiment im this case? Not in the South, nor ip the North, but must look for it im both. Ho was opposed to concurripg with the Providence resolatioa. The church is not constitutionally a slavebolding charch, God forbid it. Seould they stand by and easy that the doctrines of Jesus Christ and St. Paul are ail slavenolding? He was oppored to the new rule. For, as in politics, so in the church, we will come’to the point, who is pro slavery? ‘We surrender up @ vast number who are not siavehold- ing, for there are but few in the South of this doctrina #bo are slaveholding. We also surrender up our mints tration over # vast number of thote who are s'aveholders, and canpot, therefore, attend the churoh in the South. ‘Thisis the time, above all others, that is most unfitting wo take up this rule ; Rev. R. M Harrap then took the floor, and said thatit was the firet time be has bad the pleasure of listening to Dr. Muley, and was surprised that, in defining his positon, be sbould gay we must deal lightly with sin. Must we, theo, drag down God’s holy standard? Must we permit thie? for it is strange langusge from such a genticman, that we must open the door to such principles. He wished to reply to Dr. Crooks; but his (Hat- ficld’s) time was eo very limited, he szarcety could find place, The reverend gentleman made allusion to the daughter of one of our Orst bishops, ag being ex. pelled from the church. He replied that, if that daughter suffered it was by her own doings. Dr. Croons here begged leave to explain the matter, which was granted, and Dr. Hatriy comtinued—Let this point drop then, for he intended to look at the matter ag itisin 1860. He enid that murcer, plracy and other crimes were not more forcibly depicted than is slavery im the Bible, (Calis for authority.) He could give it if required. No man isa slaveboider who does not trample on his victim and hold bim. (Here Dr. Hatfield read the defnition of slavery given in laws of Southern States, from ‘Elliott oa Sla- very.”) The Methodist dootrines cay that we shall not take a wownn and bold ber body and goul. That is what you shall notdo. Why ought mot the church to say it? Because she hag not said it From our being 10 the end there is nots word that says that man shall not take him and make him a sieve upto death. This isa buman wrong, and when Christian men say fet us put this under tbe ban of the church, other mem say no; let it be as it is. He would rather see bis chiliren to-day laidina Diood grave, rather than be the elaves of man. (Cries of “Amen.”’) Every child born in this world hus the mame right t be freo as has "3 angels. slavery is of the devil, the sum ofallevils. Right well bas it been suid by @ man of eloquence, “ Abolish slavery atonce.”” Paul says, “Render to your servants that which is good and evil,” but Dr. Crooks says that we must not trample upon wis subject. The excitement of Pwd will not stop until this evil is abelished. There is er border than the Southern. There isa Northern, a Western and an Eastern. Dr. Kennapay eaid that in rising it was bard to take a etand against this Conference, that taxes the stops of our brother; but we want the opportunity of saying aye or Day, and that be deemed the proposed alteration unjast. ‘Those who hold slaves hold them by legacy, or those who bought them done it to relieve some one, or have done it im pity. He bas seen slaves in acamp meeting shouting their praives to God, and master and mistreases according. The pioucers of Methoctem held slaves until they sought St to reiease them, and John phn Bove slaveholders Preachers in the West Indies. Mr. Wesley was strongly Opposed to the American revolution, and published just as much as he was jainet. slavery. Mr. Wesley, altuough a man we ail revere, ag a man he can commit mistakes; and he did when he wrote bis work apainse slavery. ‘Many of the friends of this innovation, ths slavery, do not expect their rule enforced, even if it is adopted by the General Conference. He moved then that the order of the cay de takem up. Bishop Suursen cailed for the ayes and nays on the sub ject, to add the word “ slave holding” in the Providence resolutions. Dr. Froy said thet he bad ited bis resolutions in the bope that the Conference would concur in them, but was willing to vote op the Providence resolutions. ‘The Conference then proceeded to vote viva voce on the Providence resolutions. The yeas and nays being taken, resulting a8 follows:— 48 Tointroduce the word “ slave-holding ’” Agaivat such......« seesseeeee 76 —the bellot being Jeft open until the close of the Confer- ence. This, bowever. is mot the sense of the Conference ip geveral, there being o1 ally three resolutions before them, two of which were oa the table, and therefore many did not vote. Dr. Hexperson moved that all further action on the Cincinnati and Erie resolutions {be laid on the table. Adopted. 3 Rev. H, Bancs said that he believed that the delegates should be inatructed to go to General Conference, and therefore moved that the delegates be instructed to go there taking no general action on slavery. Lost. Danreu DivsninG gaid that slavery was dragging down some of the beet members,and that it should be driven from our borders, and if we did not drive it out of this General Conference, it will go on for the next four years, and be felt glad that the young ministers wiil take action ane abomination. a. ” to the pots WBishop Snmrson boped they would atiok it. Rev. M. Perry said that this (Dr 's) motion was to tnetructthe delegates to the General leroace , and sdat it was uncalled for. Dr. Naraan sald that the delegates wore elected ba A asad party, and hoped they would carry out their views. Dr. Insxiss said thatyhe thought he should abide by the opinon of the Conference. In the present state of affairs, the * Bishop jhaving to go away, he moved that any cbange in the general rule be laid onthe tabie. Adopted. ‘The subject of lay delegation was then placed before the seesion. Dr. N. Baycs moved that this Conference conour in the fast Genesee resolutions concerning lay representation in @ general and anoual Conference. Dr. Ciarx said that it may not be appropriate for an old man, over eighty years old, to speak bere; but I asic, who shall elect theee jay representations? The Annual Conference may, but the General Conference cannot. A motion to extend the session was carried. Dr. Cungy eaid that the General Conference had not the power to reconstitute itself for lay delegation; he was, however, in favor of some change; but as there was some sndefiniteness about it, and as there was general difference, he would put it over to a General Conference. Mr. E. E. Griswown said he believed that friends of the laily were distributed. Ho had never introduced the sub- ject of lay delegation in bie district. When the way is opera the next four years he would give his voice in the matter. Dr. Kexxepy concurred in the opinion that four years bence they would be better preparea to act, and act gene- rovsly. The motien of Dr. N. Bangs on the Genceee resolution wae put and carried unanimously. ‘The seevion then adjourned until 8 P. M. AFTERNOON SESSION. At three o'clock P. M. the Conference was again called to order. Appropriations for superannuated preachers were reported upon, amounting to about $5,000. The re- port of the trustees of the Wesieyan Univ arsity, in Mid- dletown, was then read, stating that there were one hundred and thirty-eight students, one hundred and wix- teen ot which are profestors of religion, The flaanciai committee of said University them reported the total value of the property of the college wat $204,581 00 income of past year 11,105 59 Expenditures... 28,224 25 It was annovaced thas the ider, of New Canaan, having purchased @ church there, would con- tinue it ax a echoo! for boys. Dr. D. Corry mace a few remarks proposing tbat there should be an extensive improvement made to the Wes- leyan University, amountiog to the sum of fifty thoosand doliare ut least, which, by a resolution, was adopted. Most of the sfvernvon’s session was consumed in re- ports and suggestions concerning the Wesieyaa Univer- sity. This evening the anniversary of the Missionary So- olety of the New York Gsst Conference, was heid, when the Rev. Dr. Derban, D. D., corresponding secretary of toe Board of Missions, and the Rev. R. S. Maciay, super. intendent of the China Mission, delivered addresses oefore them upon missionary matters in general. United States Circatt Court. Before Hon. Judge Hall. ALLEGED CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT AT RA. Apnit. 16 —The United States os. Wm. H. Adams.—The defendant ts captain of the American ship Susan How- land, an@ in charged with cruel and unusual punishment on Valentine Deveaux, a seaman on board that vessel, when on @ voyage between Liverpoo! and the East Indies. Deveaux Was ¢xamined, Aud deposed thai about the 34 of June last the defendant ordered the mate to tie him up; that Be did #0, and the Captain then gave him seven ‘with @ maaiila rope (ree! point) , ana repeated the dove with ‘nine timea more.” For defence it war proved that Deveaox wen insolent and refused to work. Mr. Tyson, & respectablo merchant and shipowner, and other witneece, Cepoesd that the punishment to have been inflicted tm this care was usual for of: | fonoes, ami’ that it was not ‘cruel or unusual.” Ex-Judge Reber cummed op for the defemos, ter , ond Mr. Molane tae goverument, The jury soquitted the aoguaed. APRIL 17, 1860.—TRIPLE SirNET. on Finance. A lively discussion took place ast adepting the pian fer building a County Jail, the estimates for which exceqied the sppropriauon esked for by nearly one-half; tho from that firat bails. Mr. Buunr said he thought the building might be put up in sections, ag Supervisor Stewart has recommended. the report was recommitte 1 to the Committee on. BOARD OF COUNCILMEN. ‘This Board mot yesterday at five o'clock P. M., Presi- Yent Jones in the chair. ‘The minutes of the last moct- pg were read and approved. ‘Tho Trustees of the New York Infirmary for indigent women and children asked for five hundred dollars, Referred to Committee om Finance. Councilman Costz110 offered # resolution that the City Ivepector be directed to report to the Board the mames of the Acting Superintendents of the markets ana the names of theee to whom complains sball be mace, in case of vie- lation of the ordinance relative to markets. It was adopted. i commitiee was appointed to represent the city at the National Sanitary Convention, to be beld at Boston. ‘The Commitee of Fipence reported taat the application of the Central Park Commission for $833,000 to carry on the pecestary improvements for the preecut year was in reality an application for two and a balf millions. The committee suggested that the amount be reduced to a quarter of a million. After considerable debate the ro- Portof the committee was adopted. ‘The Aldermacic Commiitec in favor of giving the rewards offered for the ayprehenstou of crimioais te the policeman making the arrest, instead of letting it go into the Widows’ and Orphans’ Fund, as it doce at ro ‘This procuced some debate, and the result was Board concurre4 with the Board of Aldermen. An appropriation of $2,500 was asked for to pay the expenses of the Committee to the Sanitary Convention to te held at Boston. It was laid over, The Board adjourned. | BOARD OF ALDERMEN. ‘This Board met last evening, President Peck in the obair. THE DANGEROUS CONDITION OF THE HODOKEN FERRY BOATS. Alderman Starr offered a preamble and resolutions re- epecting the dangerous condition of the Hoboken ferry boats, which are dilapidated and totally anfit for the pur- poses for which they are used. The Hoboken Ferry Com" pany have wholly digregarded the covenants contained in their grants from the city, and as the lease of the ferry as the Phoonix and Newark, upfit for use. In advertising sale of ferry on the 30th inet the Comptroller is dir corporate thosd provisions in the conditions of the lease. Referred to the mittee on Ferries. ELECTION OF FIRE WARDENS. A communication was received trom the Fire Depart- ment, my that the foliowing were elected Fire deos;—Wm. Miller, Daniel Curry, Wm. Brandon and Joba Downey. The appointments were confirmed. Alderman Stake offered a resolution directing the Street Commissioner to cause an examination to be made of the condition of aggre market, and report what repairs are s . A persee tl eta by Alderman Genet, eppropri- ating $360 for a casemate gun for Company C, Ni Tegi- ment, was adopted—the amount to be paid outof city contingencies. ‘The report of the Committee on Finance concurring with the Councilmen to donate $1,000 to the New York Magdalen Asyyum, was adopted. IMPROVING THE NAVIGATION OF HARLEM RIVER. The report of the Committee on the Croton Aqueduct it refunding $565 to L. G. Morris, the ‘amount already expenced by him im improving the navigation of the Harlem, and making a farther appropriation of $500 for the same purpose, waa adopted. A resolution adopted by the Board of Councilmen, to appropriate $250,000 for aditional improvements in jhe Central Park, sent to this Board for concurrence, was Fre- ferred to the Finance Committee. ‘The Board then adjourned to Thursday next, Court of Oyer and Terminer. Before Hon. Judge Sutherland. INDICTMENTS AGAINST THE MAYOR AND COMMONALTY FOR UNLAWFULLY EXTENDING A PIBR; AGAINST THE HARLEM RAILROAD COMPANY FOR CULPABLE NEGLECT; AGAINST HOMER B. HAWKINS FOR FOR- GERY, EMBEZZLEMENT AND GRAND LARCENY IN TBE OVERLAND MAIL COMPANY, AND AGAINST ALEXANDER WAKD FOR RECEIVING BRIBES. APni. 16.—The Grand Jury entered coart to-day, and rendered several bills of indictment, among which were the following :— ‘The People vs. the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonally of the City of New York.—The indictment charges the de- fendants with unlawfully and injuriously extending pier No. 51, North river, beyond the exterior of the pier line there established, cobagsnat the form of the atatute and i Peace of the , &e. ing ~iodo'endants are indicted tor oulpasto, wept pary.—The de‘endants are ind! for in leaving @ cutopen in Fourth avenue, between Eighty-sixth -eeventh strects, into which a man named Dennis Tubridy fell and was killed. The People vs. A ‘fard.—The defendant is late We inspector of sidewalks, and is indicted for reosiving bribes. The People 13. Homer B. Hawikins.—The defentant in this case was in the employ of the Overland Mail Com- pany. The Grand Jary brought in seven indictments against him—one for forgery in the third degres, and the reat for embezzlement and grand larceny of com- pany’s property. the People vs. Heney Karpelz.—Tho defendant in this case was indictea in the“Court of Sessions for the embezzlement of flour in this city, and was brought back from Montreal under the treaty, tried and acquitted. ‘The District Attorney eent otber bilis — the prisoner before the Grand Jury of this Court. . Biankman en- tered a plea of formerly acquitted, to which the District Attorney replied that this was a new offence, committed ata different time and place from the one tried in the Ses- sions. The defendant then pleaded not guilty. Tbe Court directed that the case should go on, and both pleas be submitted to the jury at the came time. © empannel- ling of the jury was then commenced, and when éight jurors had been sworn the panel was exbausted by excep- tionr, &c,,and a new papel was ordered for morning. Drill ef the Seventy-first Regiment. The Seventy first regiment, Col. Abram §. Vosburgh, gave @ public or exhibition drill last night at the Siate Arsenal, corner of Thirty fifth strect and Seventh avenue. Seats were provided for spectators, and about fifteen hun- dred availed themselves of the opvortuntty presented, among whom were quite a number of ladies. Before the formation of the regiment the regimental band (Dod- wortb’s) entertained the audience by playiug a series of | a gd marches, and operatic pieces, with good feot. The ‘‘Adjatant’s Call’ was sounded shortly after elgbt o'clock, when the companice quick- yy aseembled into their proper pl in live. ‘The men were attired in fatiguo dress, white cross belts, &c. Afver the regimental formation the com- Papies averaged about fifteen frout, which, with the olficers, made an aggregate of about two hundred and seventy-five men presevt. The frat movement in the exercives of the evening was a regimental parade and the reception of the regimental colors. The minatise of this movement appeared to give satisfaction to the spectators, especially tbe ladies, in witnessing the unity and any. ‘With which the ranks were opened; the battalion 41 A the movement of the officers to the front, and all wit- Reesed with the moss sutistactory attention The other movements consisted of the exerciss in the manval of arms, by a oe Sey dla cane formation of divisions, ing a 2 ° and be formation of the hollow at y square, reduction of square, &. TT00 many goroehinhes ‘were prese®, who occupied nearly One-baif of the drill room, consequently the movements were materially interrupted. Notwithstanding thie draw- back, the regiment showed considerable proficiency in discipline. Many of the subdalterns, however, appear too young and. ine: A to asaist in the execation of battalion move- ments, or to instruct with succees those under their com- mand, as their drill last night showed. This fault, how- Ried ecansctipematiy sor eat reper el it is e jo among nea Tegimental organtzations. some test of the qualifications of an standard of military knowledge pos- manly of members of the Christian Association, and was Orgenized im ‘1866, amd during tho present winter and apricg the ereociation has given a series of political specches at Cooper Institute, for which they have charged. Gn admirsion feo of twenty-five conte, ‘Te ecems that tho Central Republican Campaign Cis and the Union are jealous of cach ether, cach seokingall =. (he glory ani henors, and se the former pitshed inte the Maer the manner wtich, il eapeer: tho Ines mecting of tho Club, notice having been % Given that John Sherman would speak in Cooper Lastitute & i as i : ‘ll i ; rl Mea’s ‘publican Union; but he was in the Piymovth course, io and to select bis own subj ‘Bot tothe party, and iH £ i. } ! i : Heel i nfs i fle Uh another resolution condemping the course Men’s Repubtican Union by name for tance to republican Mr. SamnMan' 5 tad» support os nn es Promecat weees man exivod money for cling ‘republican speech.” (Laagh- . fr. BUCKLEY to defend the Young Men’s Re- publican Union. He knew it contained many noble young men, and it bad done more than aay other club during the campaign’of 1856. Col. Fremont himself bad eckaew- lecgea this fect. He thought it was not the business g Fa one club what another did. Mr. Sraycer : Be ii amendments, and moved that ‘This was put to vote and lost. Justics WrisH said it was evid Young Men’s Republican Union was he believed, by personal motives. fend the Union. ‘Mr. Srencer di ieee be did not believe teenth Poiitical epeaker charging more than his expenses. After a hot digcussion the amendments were all voted down until Mr. Spencer’s was taken up, which was car- Tied, and thus the action of the Union was condemsed ia Girect terms by the Club. . The Black Republican Idea. THE MATERIAL INTERESTS OF THR PEOPLE MUST BY SACRIFICED TO PANATICISM. the [From the Washington ag (April 11) 9” The New Yorx Hxgaxp repablishes my lottay on the Connecticut election, and mares it the text of — article, in which it indulges in its osual per®rsious. stated what has leng been apparent to oy¢ry thinking man, that in the mutations of our politics © were at lass coming to a natural division of parties, 1p Which the aris tocratic elements of society were being on one ‘and the democraticon the other. It has slways been. swoon the to every reflecting mind that the Foe Mes oN ~ tt i ie He ! i its 3 f ? i | ! | |