The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-06-01
SIXTH DAY.
WEDNESDAY, May 25.
Special Order.
PROFESSOR OF COLUMBIA COLLEGE.

PROFESSOR OF COLUMBIA COLLEGE.
Rev. John Fl. Rice, D. D., begged leave to have
his name withdrawn as one of the nominees. He
stated that he never had any ambition or aspira-
ton for a chair in Theological Seminary, and
withdrew in favor of Rev. DIR. Joseph r. Wilson.
who had been indicated as the choice of the Board
of Directors of that institution for that Professor.
ship, and who would, without question, he said,
be elected
Rev. Ii. L. Singleton, who nominated DIR. Le-
fevre, rose to express in decided terms his opinion
that it was the duty OF the General Assembly to
elect Professors in the Seminary, and not of the
Board Of Directors. He was, therefore, opposed
to the withdrawal of the other nominees
Rev. DR.. Bullock and Rev. DR.. Robinson, both
warm personal friends of Mr.. Lefevre. while hav;;
ing the highest confidence in the qualifications and
peculiar fitness for his chair, STILL in view of the
nomination of DR.. Wilson, they hoped Mr.. Le-
fevre' name would be Withdrawn.
Rev. c. K. Caldwell, who had nominated Rev.
DIR. I. ID. Witherspoon, asked leave of the AS
sembly to withdraw his name. 1t was granted.
Rev. Mr.. Singleton said the ground is assumed
that because the preference of the Board of d.
rectors of the Seminary has been expressed on the
floor for certain brother, all other nominations
should be withdrawn. Istrongly dissent from this,
and insist upon the nomination of Rev. j. A. Le-
feyre 1t is not right it is not fair for the Direc.
their province to elect, nor to nominate, Profess
sor The very constitution which they have prof.
ferred to the General Assembly, and adopted by
it, makes it the right, our prerogative, our duty
to constitute the Faculty of the Seminary. The
Board have certain specific duties to perform, and
we commend them for their diligence within the
province ascribed to them in the constitution; but
they have no right, neither is it fair for them di.
recty or indirectly to shape the duty or determi-
nation of the Assembly in its province.
have been requested to withdraw the nomina-
ton of Mr.. Lefevre l cannot do it under the cir
cumstances, unless finding that the vote has been
shaped and secured, out of regard to his feelings
will withdraw it, but cannot do so as a concession
to the precedent which will thereby be established.
The constitution of the Seminary distinctly pro-
vided that the Assembly should elect the Profess
sor. He was not willing that few men should
pick out man and insist upon his election. IF
there were chance of obtaining fair expression
Of the opinions of the Assembly-if the members
had not been previously committed to another
mamie would by no means consent to withdraw
his nomination; but in view of the facts, while
protesting against the demand, he would neverthe.
less ask the leave Of the house to withdraw DR..
Lefevre's name.
The house, by vote Of 43 to 80, refused to
grant leave.
Leave was, on motion, granted to Rev. Mr..
Green, member of the Board of Directors, to
reply to the reflection that had been made upon
the board.
Rev. E. NJ. Green stated that the General As.
sembly was the proper party to elect professor,
and that the Board had taken no action on the sub.
ject. Two years ago the directors had nominated
a professor, when vacancy was to be filed, but he
was not elected They were we'll satisfied in the
choice OF the Assembly. He had no doubt the
election of either of the nominees would be &C
ceptable to the directors
The ballot was then had. One hundred votes
were polled. Rev. Joseph r. Wilson, ID. D., re-
ceived 81 votes Rev. j. A. Lefevre, D. D., re.
ceived 80 votes.
The vote was, on notion made unanimous, and
Rev. b. NJ. Green and Gen. McMaster we're ap-
pointed committee to notify him Of his election,
and ask his acceptance.