standards of physical welfare-though all that is important. It is rather a question of our attitude towards the deeper cravings of their souls. You may recall, in Miss Wald's story of "The House on Henry Street," how a group of foreign-born workers expressed themselves: "It is not money we are seeking here. We do not expect things for ourselves. It is the chance for the children, education and freedom for them!" In the face of such touching self-sacrifice, such idealism about what America means, and the promise she holds out, such trust that their children will realize spiritual emancipation which has been denied to them, it behooves us to do our utmost not to disappoint them, as our commercialism has too often mocked them in the past, giving them stones for bread.

The stranger within our gates! How he humbles us, and how he challenges us! He perplexes us. He teaches us. He drives us to renewed loyalty to the America that now is, and the vital principles of liberty that have wrought the good we know to belong to her. He invites us to a vision of a greater America yet to be, fashioned through our mutual endeavors, if we will be true to the claims of neighborliness, of human brotherhood, of Christ's law of love and service.

Some Observations on the General Con

vention of 1919

A CLERICAL DEPUTY.

T seems to be generally agreed by those whose memories

General Convention of 1919, at least so far as the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies is concerned, is to be regarded as the most business-like in the long history of that body. This view is shared alike by those who disapprove as by those who approve the momentous decisions there arrived at. There was evidenced an electric despatch in dealing with the questions before it which is typical of its meeting place in the "hustling" mid-western city which enjoys the distinction of being the center of the great automobile producing industry of the world. The efficient Chairman of the Committee on the Despatch of Business, though a southern man and thus traditionally supposed to represent leisurely methods, was as keen a promoter of quick action as the House has ever known. The machinery was kept well oiled and the running gear was in good order all the time. Under his skillful guidance the machine made its way with little delay and no accidents. Points of order were seldom raised and when raised were quickly decided. There was an almost entire absence of exhibitions of partisan feeling and no indulgence in unpleasant personalities. Good temper and the spirit of Christian courtesy abounded. Naturally there was an impatience of interruptions which tended to delay the proceedings and an indisposition to listen to speakers who by repeated appearances pushed the indulgence of the House too far.

Criticism that an undue proportion of time was devoted to the Joint Sessions to the detriment of the proper business of the hour was heard on all sides. To give four precious working days out of fourteen to listening to reports and inspirational addresses however otherwise edifying and informing, was generally felt to have been a mistake when so much important legislation was pending. It is a great physical strain to sit from six to seven hours daily in a crowded auditorium not too well ventilated. Deputies are willing to do this to despatch necessary business but balk at the undue prolongation of the sessions in the interest of matters which are entitled only to a secondary place in the time and thought of the House. Where it could control the situation the House showed its determination to cut down discussions to the barest limits. Long speeches were barred, three to five minutes only being allowed even when matters of the greatest moment were under consideration. Of course, this gave no opportunity for displays of oratory or even for the serious presentation of arguments. Speakers could only state one or two points before they were compelled to leave the rostrum. In two or three instances only was the House willing to extend the allotted time. This determination not to listen to much speaking enabled important business to be quickly transacted, but on the other hand unduly curtailed debate on some questions as to which it was desirable that the minority should have had an opportunity fully to present their objections. Murmurs of impatience and sometimes of indignation greeted calls for a vote by Dioceses and Orders when the result was plainly a foregone conclusion. Probably it is true to say that hardly a single vote on any important matter was influenced by the speeches made.

On the great issues before the House it was evident that the members had previously made up their minds what they wanted and did not care to hear any extended arguments on either side however ably presented. For instance the long canon dealing with the Central Executive Committee covering several pages of closely printed matter, probably the most momentous single piece of legislation ever passed by General Convention, was rushed through to a successful conclusion at a special evening session of little more than two hours. Doubtless the willingness of members to forego criticism was explained by the fact that they realized their inability adequately to analyze the measure and trusted the committee which had drafted the Canon to have provided one which should meet the desired end. It was deemed wiser to pass the Canon just as it stood, however imperfect, and thus get the system into immediate operation rather than to attempt to revise it and thus run the risk of postponement for another three years.

The daily press and the weekly Church papers have informed those interested as to the legislation which was enacted as well as that which failed. It is unnecessary therefore to review the same here in detail but one or two points may be briefly touched upon.

Meeting under the chaotic conditions following the greatest war in history perhaps it is not strange that General Convention should have done some things that the sober judgment of the Church in calmer times might wish were otherwise ordered. Along with some measures adopted that seem to mark a real progress there were others which were calculated to cause deep misgivings. If the Church has gained some things which are universally admitted to be valuable it has likewise given its endorsement

to certain radical principles which are bound to create apprehension if not dismay in the ranks of those who prize unity among ourselves above the dubious advantages of conciliating a small group outside our own communion.

Under the urge of sentiment for Christian unity which the war had enormously stimulated the majority voted tumultuously in favor of taking the first steps which pave the way for an approach towards unity with the Congregationalists or rather a distinguished group within that body. The General Convention of the Church through the favorable action of its two Houses has now placed the seal of its approval upon the principles of the Concordat and made changes in the Constitution which if ratified three years hence will allow the ordination of Congregational ministers without exacting any promise from them to conform to "the doctrine discipline and worship of this Church." That this measure should have carried by so overwhelming a majority was doubtless as much of a surprise to its advocates as it was to those who questioned its wisdom and expediency. What however, was even more surprising was the lack of any organized opposition upon the floor of the House. Those who were looked upon to lead were mainly silent or only attempted a feeble protest. What seemed like an eleventh hour defection of one of the most trusted Catholic leaders precipitated a panic in the ranks of the opposition and left them literally speechless with astonishment and indignation. The case for the Concordat was astutely managed by those in charge of the measure, its presentation being delayed until almost the close of the session when the House was tired out and the members were eager to depart to their homes. Moreover proposal originated and was discussed before it came to the favorable action by the House of Bishops where the