The following article appeared in several newspapers, including the Washington Post, September 7, 1901:
London, Sept. 6--A stormy meeting of the ecumenical Methodist conference resulted to-day from reading by the Rev. C.W. Smith of Pittsburg, Pa., of a paper on "The Influence of Methodism in the Promotion of International Peace." The five-minute rule was adopted, and the pastors made firery speeches for and against the war in South Africa. The campaign came in for a lot of criticism, and finally the chairman ruled reference to it out of order. Many Americans took part in the discussion, but none of the more prominent bishops spoke. The speeches were punctuate by frequent, noisy interruptions, and cheers and counter cheers. There was a scene of considerable disorder, and the discussion terminated without any conclusion being reached.
The Rev. George Elliott, of Detroit, saying he had often been called a little American, bitterly denounced the war.
The Rev. R.J. Cooke, of Chattanooga, defended the necessity of hostilities to vindicate a principle.
The Rev. J.M. King, of Philadelphia, said the best solution of the question was in President McKinley's sentences, uttered at Buffalo, as follows: "'The period of exclusiveness is past. The expansion of our trade and commerce is the pressing problem. Commercial wars are unprofitable. A policy of good will and friendly trade relations will prevent reprisals. Reciprocity treaties are in harmony with the spirit of the times; measures of retaliation are not.'"
The reading of President McKinley's remarks brought forth loud applause.
The Rev. E.E. Hoss, of Nashville, Tenn., said it would be impertinence for the conference to tell Great Britain what to do in South Africa.
