Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1859-01-01

An uac0nnoN CAsss-festeFdsy afteFAcoaan
examination was had before Justice Dom of the
case Of Rev. Pa. B. Meister, LATE pastor Of 81.
PauIs German Reformed Congregation, who
was charged with feloniously taking and carry-
Ing away pulpit bible, twenty hymn books ard
an e2ht-day CLOCK, the property of the congre-
gation. The reverend gentleman was present,
accompanied by Mr.. Uttermuhle, who appe ared
as his friend In the examination of witnesses
The hrst sworn was Joseph ShiIIisgton. who
testified that he had presented to the cIer1vman
book for the use OF the Church. He intended
it a prese nj to the Church. not to the minister
M kGshI testified that the HYMN book, were
bought and paid for by the congregation: wit,
ness bought and paid for them before Mr. Meis-
ter was there; he was treasurer then; he called
on Mr.. Meister aud demanded the HYMN. hooks
accompanied by trustee; he told them thew
could not have them, but never admitted no had
anything; be said II all The congregation would
send the trustees they could have the properiv.
the sexton has the key now, the trustees hsvin1,
possession; witness was president of the conore,
cation meeting, and himself and a trustee were
,he commute; they went on Saturday morning
fI the books Mr.. Meister wo Ildn' give them mn:
he didn't say where hey were; tie cong rrpati1In
authoflzed them to go; he bad nothing unkipd
against MI. Meister, but he treated an honest
man as an honest man. a a ROME as rogue
Justice Dom said, You do rot mean 10 saw that
MT. Meister Is rogue, do you, mean tina,
tfeat an honest man as an honest man.
ML j. Ro6,hson testified that be presented the
clock to the church; delivered it to Mr.. Meister,
who had solicited a sui Inscription from him He
gave him the clock In lieu Of money.
Mr.. REPp sworn.-Is a trustee; the conpre1,
ton have bad much trouble, the church was sold
and Mr.. Meister bough t Il; IL was sold aoain and
we bought il; after we got possession we entered
II and found that the property Of the congrsoa
tion-the Bible, clock, and hymn books were
gene; we suspected that Mr. Meister had them.
we had a meeting and appointed Mr. Kaehl and
another 10 wait on him aud ask for them: thev
could not get them; We then got a warrant and
two officers who GOT the goods and they are be-
now. After We bought il (the church) Colonel
smith gave us the key; don't k:ow who gave n
to him; we then went in found no property. sus
pectsd Mr. Meister had it; sent committee 10
get il, and IL Is here
The Justice had considerable difficulty I'm
straiening the evidence For in addition n the
fIct that several witnesses spoke English badly
thew were frequently interrupted by Others Ne
thu Justice, remarked that he always regretted
those cases where the difficulty was between The
pastor and his congregation. They are uppleas
ant, and never do good He was aware of Inc o.
fIris OF MI vi lister in establishing this congrega
ton and building this church, and he was sorry
tnat now there should be a difficulty of so nm
pleasant achdTacter. In all that had bepn said
there was not word that had reflected upon tbe
honesty of the Reverend gentlenan,s Intention
IL was perfectly proper for him when the house
and lot Were to BE- sold, to take possession Of mi,
property and retain il for its owners and deliver
IL only 10 their authorized agents. He said he
would DISMISS this case, as the property is adj
united 10 be the congregations proper ~ and as
'ne evidence proves the gentlemen present as
agents OF the congregation were authorized tbev
nave the lloerty to take the property
As soon as this case was ended the Justice In -
FORMED Mr. Mrister that he had before him an
account Tor provisions, money loaned &c uDon
winch warrant was issued on the oath OF Mr.
kaehl, who is the plaintiff. The case will Law
over for consideration.