The national Republican. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1866-1870, 1867-06-06

- Cnuncn DIrFIcuLTr. The case Of Me,srs
Herron and Church, two elders Of the church, wa
resumed last evening, Rev. Mr. McCampbelI
moderator, present, and all the members, excep
rev. John Chester, clerk
On motion, Rev. Mr.. Van Dorm was appointe,
clerk pro fem.
| After prayer by Mr.Van Dorm, Rev. Dr. Baird
Of counsel for the prosecution, submitted the fol
lowing paper: = = - 80 y
The undersigned, counsel for the prosecution
desires TO state that at late hour to-day he dis
covered the existence Of evidence, tending to I
satisfactory explanation Of misunderstandinQs
and hnrmonizing Of the divided sentiments o
tho parties--evidence, the existence Of which
was hitherto unknown to either party.
lie submitted this informn alton to the proseou
tor, who at once declared that should the fact,
prove as seemed to be indicated he could not Ia
honot, nor with Justice to the defence, maintain
the prosecution any farther. The prosecutor en-
gagged In the Investigation with q candid desire
ascertain the truth, and until the discovery Of
tho evidence here referred to felt altogether con-
| hdent in the Justice of his cause and the ada
quaoy Of the testimony which would be adduced
In Its support. But In the present aspect Of the
case he desires to obtain from Presbytery the
Indulgence Of short arrest Of proceedings, with
the hope that he will thus DO enabled to present
the case in such light as viii harmonize ali
parties, satisfy all tho ends Of truth and Justice
and to terminate these proceedings.
The undersigned would, therefore, respectfully
request that Presbytery will grant the indui-
genoe here indicated, and has full confidence
that the result will be entirely satisfactory TO
this Presbytery, and to both the parties here Cd.
posed to each other and to the honor Of tho re-.
ligion OF Jesus Christ Most respectfully,
u SAMUEL J. BAIRD.
WAsHISuroS, jane 8, 1867.
Dr. Baird hoped that the indulgence asked for
would DO granted by the Presbytery; and as the
facts lately coming to his knowledge led him 10
believe that the whole matter at issue was one
Of Misunderstanding, and that both parties
DOUBTLESS had good Intentions In bringing tho
ease before the Presbytery, he could not IN
justice TO the defence, prosecute the matter apy
further Just now without tho evidence alluded 10
IN tho above paper, and therefore asked for A
stay OF proceedings until the new testimony
could DO obtained-the purport Of which was
unknown as yet, to the parties concerned.
Or. Taylor, for the defence, desired to be in
formed how the prosecution had discovered eyi.
dence at THU stage Of the proceedings heretofore
unknown to either party, lie would like to
know what evidence he had that the defence did
not possess and said IL seemed strange to him
that the prosecution at this late hour should hunt
up the evidence Of the character stated. The
defence would be glad to reach a final settlement
OF the matter, but they wanted full, thorough,
and complete investigation Of the charges pro-
ierrod against them. It seemed that the evil.
denco in possession of the prosecution would be
a Vindieation OF the accused brothers and the
Presbytery should ask for II now, and II IL
anu The community should DO satisfied, then
the prosecution might abandon the case; but II
not, the defence would demand thorough In /
vestigation to the end rather than give up.
Dr. Baird said he did not propose to let the
matter die out without either an entire yindioa.
lion OF innocence Of the accused or their oonyio.
lion, and he asked for the delay, that evidence
desired might DO obtained. He alluded to the
reports OF proceedings Of the body as published
70 tho Star as premature and unofficial, but
= 80 =
DR.. Taylor asked DR.. Baird If he disayowod
he letter lately published In tho Star over his
B.'s) signature, and said that much Of tho mat. |
er Published in that paper in connection with |
mis- cause had been printed in pamphlet form |
,reviously. :. 10
DR.. Baird said he was not responsible for any |
u these publications. He desired, for the har. |
nony and peace of the Church, aud glory of God. |
hat indulgence be granted that DO may be able
% explain to the defense his motive In asking
or stay Of proceedings, and the result will |
prove, as before stated, that the whole affair Is
me OF unfortunate Misunderstanding; but IL de-
handed he would endeayor to procure the new
evidence at once: He thought one or two days
hould be allowed for the adjustment of the difi-
'ulty before the Presbytery. ~
Dr. Taylor said the evidence should have been
thoroughly siftod before so much publicity was
Iiven to the affair but proposed to submit to
he wish Of the prosecution IT, after hearing the |
'ase 10y ~ orl-.." -
A motion to grant the desired time for the
prosecution TO produce the new witnesses elected
long running debate; and on the question be.
ng put the motion was negatiyed .uE r. IN
Dr. Baird asked whether, n the prosecution
low withdraw all charges preferred, they would
70 permitted TO make a written statement Of the
ase, and their reasons therefor?
The Moderator gave It as bis opinion that thew
'ad right to do so, If the charges were with
rawn. I'D
DR.. Baird then withdrew all charges entirely.
$, after full investigation, they were unsus,
eptible of proof. - -
This announcement was tho cause Of much
ratification to the Presbytery, as expressed by
AMY members; and, on motion, the Prssbytery
alourned until Monday evening next, at ESQ
clock when the final papers in the case are to
MEETING OF DELEoATEs.--A meeting OF
elegates designated to proceed to Montreal,
anada, to attend the Grand General Conven.
on to be held thore on the 10th instant, was
old last evening at Mstzerott Hall. An in.
'rmal discussion took place among them in
'ierence to the arrangements necessary to be
ade prior to their departure. No definite
elton was had regarding which route would be
ken on their trip that matter will DO finally
iscussed and concluded on their next meeting
ight, Saturday, 9Th Instantly .f.g
The following are the names of the gentlemen
no compose the list of delegates: General @. II
Toward, H. r. Browne, b. +. WinsloW, S. s. |
ryant, II. B. Taylor, s. A. Terry, J. Little, G.
!. Henderson, J. D. Slemau, Rev. @. M. Con.
ron, @, A. White, j. A. Weedesheim, and Rev.