Annual Conference

Detroit, Sept. 21.- The flrst session of the Detroit Methodist Episcopal conference was held Wednesday morning in the Cass Avenue Methodist Episcopal church. It was preceded by the celebration of the Lord's supper, in which nearly all of those present - and the church was well filled- participated. Bishop Bowman presided. Rev. Williara Dawe, formerly of the Tabernacle church in this city, but now stationed in Saginaw, was re-elected secretary and given power to select his assistants. Rev. Mr. Osborn was made treasurer. A long and acrimonious dispute was caused by a resolution to suspend for a year the operation of the "New York east" plan of providing for superannuated preachers. The argumenta betrayed a good deal of dissatisfaction with the scheme under which ministers receiving only 300 a year were expected to contribute as much as those whowere being paid 3,000. The resolution was adopted at last by a vote of 70 to 50. Dr. Potts. editor of the Michigan Chri6tian Advocate, announced that the Methodist Publishing company greeted the conference with a check for 2,253.23 out of the paper's profits. He said that The Advocate had a circulation of 9,378 in the Michigan conference; of 7,693 in the Detroit conference and 2,819 outside, making 19,890 Bishop Bowman acknowledged the receipt of a draft of $2,734 f rom the United States book fund. The conference took a recess at noon nntil this morning. The af ternoon was devoted to committee meetings. One of the important matters which the conference is expected to settle is the pnrchase of the residence on Cass park now occupied by Bishop Ninde. The church holds an option on the property for $18,000.