Evening star., 1867-06-06
LOCAL NEWS.

THE DIFFICULTY IN THE SEVENTH STREET
PREsBYTERIAN CHURCH.-The Presbytery OF
the Potomac reassembled last evening at the
7th street Presbyterian Church, when the case
OF Messrs. q. B Church and j. H. Heron in
connection with the Page property. was re-
sumso In the absence of Rev. John Ches-
ter, Kew Mr.. Van Doren was appointed clerk
pro fem Wf
Re. DR.. Baird, counsel for the prosecution,
submitted the following paper:
the undersigned, counsel for the prssecu-
t1on desires TO state that at q late hour to- day
he dis co sered the existence of evidence, tend
ing 10 satisfactory explanatio of misun-
ders landings, and harmonizing OF the divided
sentiments of the parties-evldence, the exis-
tence OF which was hitherto unknown TO
either party. >.f
He submitted this evidence to the prosecu-
tor, who at nee declared that should the facts
prove as seemed to be indicated he could not
in honor, nor with justice to the defence,
maintain the prosecution any farther. The
prosecutor engaged in the investigation with
a candid desire to ascertain the tr nth, and nm
til the discovery of the evidence here referred
TO felt altogether confident in the justice Of his
cause and the adequacy of the testimony
which would be adduced in it's support. But
In the present aspect OF the case he desires to
obtain frem Presbytery the indulgence of a
short arrest of proceedings, with the hope that
bewill thus be enabled to present the case in
such light as willharmonize all parties, sat
isty all the ends Of truth and justice, and to
terminate these proceedings.
q The undersigned would, therefore, respect
fully request that Presbytery would grant the
indulgence here indicated, and has full conf
depce that the suit will be entirely satisfac-
tory to this Presbytery, and to both the par
ties here opposed to each other. and to the
honor Of the religion of Jesus Christ. Most
respectfully, SAMUEL j. BAIRD.
Dr. b. said he hoped the Indulgence would
be granted. The whole matter was the result
of a misunderstanding, and the prosecutor had
good inten tions in bringing the charges. He
could not go on with the prosecution without
the evidence alluded TO- as that would vindi-
on ha n n n n a rtio no
denceT would be satisfactory to both the de-
tense and prosecution.
Rev. A. A. f. Taylor, for the defense, said
he would be glad to reach a final settlement of
the matter, but he would like to be informed
how the prosecution at this stage of the pro-
ceedings had discovered evidence heretofore
unknown to either party. The defense want.
ed full thorough and complete investigation
OF the matter. 1t appeared as if the evidence
proposed by the prosecution would be a VIM
dication of the accused brothers, and they de-
manded q thorough in vestigation to the end.
DR.. Baird said that there should be a full
and fair investigation Of the matter, but he de-
MED the charge that Mr. Campbell, the pastor,
was con cerned in the prosecution.
Mr.! Taylor asked if Mr.. Campbell would
disavow the authorship OF the letter pub
lished In the Star over his signature.
DIR. Baird said there had appeared in the
Star report OF the proceedings which con-
tanned full abstract of the majority and mi-
nority reports. This report was an accurate
one made by reporter for that paper with
so well known. As to the minority report
having been published in pamphlet form he
would say that M. Fowler had few copies
printed for his own use but another party had
a large number printed and circulated.
MIR. Taylor said the report was published in
pamphlet form before it was published in the
,StdY.
Rev. w. Il. Evans.-"Yes, and 1000 copies
circulated"
DIR. .Baird.-"Perhaps the brother is parfceps
cT3nlSa1s.'
The Moderator called the gentlemen to Or
der. .,r-.
MIR. Fowler said after the minority report
was read by him the reporter for the Star got
1t from him and took ii to the Star office. In
a lew days II was returned, button account OF
the want OF room the report did not appear in
the Sfar until several days after it had been
read. The TCr published an abstract only,
which was accurate. but he (Mr. + } had the
report prln ted IN full IN pamphlet form.
DIR Baird hoped the delay asked for would
be iran ted and it would be shown to the sat-
lsiacton OF all how the parties were mis-
taken.
Mr.. Taylor thought all the evidence should
nave been ready before the charges were
brought. He thought, as the case now stood.
the defence would bmit their case without
examining any witnesses.
Mr. Bell thought the prosecution had better
abandon their case.
ed Mr.. Heron asked If the prosecution had any
N ore e evldence to submit.
DIR. Baird replied, there was more evidence,
which would explain satisfactorily the con-
duct of all parties.
Mr.. Taylor hoped the counsel for the prose.
cution weuld Tell something of the evidence
they had TO produce.
Dr. Baird said he could not do so, as that
would embarrass the whole case.
Mr.. Heron said they had evidence to dis
prove all the charges brought against them.
Dr Baird sad be had no objection to the de-
fence proceeding TO examine their witnesses,
prov yiding they would allow the prosecution
to bring in their evidence referred to- when
the prosecution 10 say they had found evil
dence which would justify them in abandon-
ing the case. Their best plan was to enter a
n0lie 1,r0Sequi. .u...
Dr. Baird said they might Withdraw the
prosecution if they should be allowed to enter
on the records statement showing their mo-
lives in bringing the prosecution.
MIR. Taylor could not understand this
strange, mysterious evidence. He thought it
very strange that Brother Baird had found a
witness who knew all things about the matter |
Or. Baird.-Ihe brother may have found the
casket, but not the Jewel
Mr.. Taylor.-If DIR. Baird has found the
Je eWel, he ought to hold it up and let US see it,
u MI: E%vans,Perhaps vans the Jewel is "The
Dr. Tustin thought this was all very funny,
but he dld not know what was before the |
house. .,. ..-s....- 81. r.s... .. ..g,--.
The vote was then taken, and the Presby
terry refused to allow the prosecution more |
time. an ..-..Efs .5T
DR.. Baird asked if the prosecution would |
now Withdraw the charges would they be al. |
lowed at the next meeting to present state |
ment, to be placed on the record, giving their |
reasons for bringing the prosecution, such |
10 be submitted 10 the Presbytery |
and revised -
Ths moderator decided that they had such |
right. ..-..t tr. g. ,.-atTS |
DR. Baird then announced on behalf efythe |
prosecution that he withdrew the charges,
9eing convinced of the integrity of the defense,
Messrs Church and Heron, In purchasing |
he property, and were satisfied that the |
,harges were unsusceptible Of proof /
= Or. Tustin thought hereafter great care |
hould be taken IN bringing charges against |
brethren.
Dr. Baird raised point of order that no one |
lad right to impeach the conduct of the pros |
.cnuon.
Dr. Tustin expressed his qualification at |
eelng the charges Withdrawn.
Mr.. Taylor asked that the defense also be I
allowed the privilege of entering upon the |
ecord statement in yindlcatIon OF their
course. This was agreed to.
Mr.. Taylor also stated that withdrawal of |
he charges was not only legal acq Initial, but
moral vindication
Rev:W.B Evans wanted to hear the views
II the pastor as to withdrawing the charges
The Moderator stated the charges had been
Tlthdrawn, and there was NO motion before
he house. ff.f .-. -, 20 "s.
On motion, the Presbysery adjourned. |
SEVENTH WARD REPUBLICAN, CLUB
Last evening regular meeting Of this club