Denver, July 2.--Judge Palmer yesterday found "each of the respondents guilty" in the cases wherein Rev. W. H. Talmage, Rev. M. A. Rader and W. D. Wynkoop, secretary of the Christian Endeavor Union, were charged with contempt of court. He said, however, that in exemplifying the Christian virtue of forbearance, he would consider his decision a reprimand, and would discharge the offenders without further punishment. Mr. Talmage and Mr. Rader were accused of criticising the action of Judge Palmer in granting an injunction favorable to liquor sellers, and Mr. Wynkoop was charged with circulating a letter calling on members of the union to come to Judge Palmer's court to see that the Christians of Denver got fair play in the decision of the saloon cases. Mr. Wynkoop, in his answer to the contempt charges, explained that Rev. W. H. Talmage had written the letter complained of and that he himself had merely mailed copies of it to members of the Christian Endeavor Union.
    The language in Judge Palmer's decision was, to say the least, very outspoken and not calculated to put him on good terms with many of the clergy. Among other things he said:
    "Those who have observed the growing tendency of certain of the clergy not only of this city but through the whole country, to depart from the old landmarks of the church, with reckless impatience straying from the paths that lead by the still waters and through green pastures, ever seeking for something sensational and which they may criticise, have noticed that in their apostasy they have weakened the cause of Christianity, and if they have not disgraced they have lost much of the respect due to a high and noble calling.
    "Instead of following in the steps of the meek and lowly Nazarene, guided by prayer and love, they go stalking through the world like assassins in the dark, taking refuge behind a thin veneer of assumed respectability which is nothing less than a hideous hypocrisy hiding behind the cloth of a revered profession. The reputation of any person who dares express a view contrary to their ideas, and even the sanctity of the abode of justice are but trifling baubles, and with a prayer on their lips these anointed ones go forth charging corruption and base motives without even an attempt to ascertain the falsity of their utterances. Fortunately these narrow-gauged, unscrupulous and intolerant men are few but they seem to exist in every community."
    Directly after the proceedings in court a meeting of indignant ministers was held in Trinity M. E. church, where resolutions were passed unanimously indorsing the work of Rev. Mr. Talmage and the Anti-Saloon League, and a committee of three appointed to ascertain the sentiments of ministers and congregations, looking toward action, that, as one of the clergy expressed it, "will be a fit reply to Judge Palmer."

Source:

Unknown, "Judge Palmer Scores Denver Preachers," Glenwood Post, Glenwood Springs, Garfield County, Colorado, Saturday, 6 July, 1901, p. 6.