Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1872-03-12
Case of Rev. L. D. Huston. D. D.

more Conference of the NJ e. Church South.
now in session in Warrenton, in this State, of
the truth or falsity of the grave charges pre-
ferred against Rev. Dr. Huston, will be await
cd with great interest.
In the Conference On Friday last, the third
day of its session, when the name of DR.. -Hus-
ton was called, his Presiding Elder, Rev. S.
Rogers, said there were numerous grave rumors
affecting the character of Dir. H., which had
been widely circulated, but owing to his absence
from the city, and Dr. Ell. s withdrawal from
Baltimore, there had been no opportunity for
official investigation. On inquiry the Bishop
was Informed that the evidence SO far was only
hearsay in character, but was sufficient to war
rant investigation. The Bishop said of course
these rumors must be held baseless until estab-
lished.
DR.. Huston said he desired full investiga-
ton, and that he would refer only to two points
about this sad matter: First-as to his leaving
Baltimore. This, he said, he had done to
shield his wife and daughter; that he did not
wish his daughters cheek blistered or his wife
stabbed to the heart without an opportunity for
them at a distance calmly to view this terrible
matter. That he did not flee from man, but his
impulse was to shield his family, and therefore
he went away. Second-He wanted to shield
the Church and protect himself, and, therefore,
at the suggestion of brother, he had with
drawn from his church. He desired the Church
tribunal to await the result Of the civil process
he had instituted, as civil court could compel
witnesses, which church tribunal could not
and all the facts would then be better brought
out; that Bishop Soule had once ruled thus in
justice to the accused He said he had been
for one-third of a century Methodist preacher
and although naturally INDECENT, chad proven
himself hard worker. Pending investigation
ne would say no more now, but would at some
future time.
DR.. Munsey moved that as there was no evi.
dence but rumor, that the whole case be REFER
ed to the Presiding Elder of the East Baltimore
Conference for immediate investigation after
Conference.
DIR. Munsey said that DR.. Huston did not de-
mand an immediate investigation in the inter.
view he had with him In Baltimore; that be
had been between two fires one party accusing
him OF desire to cloak, the other to expose
DR.. H.; that he did not demand DR.. HIS
parchments, &C.
DR.. REGISTER said, I'VE cannot await a civil
trial; the suspense was painful and must be re-
lieved. On inquiry by Rev. N. Wilson, the
Bishop said that the committee would be only
one ofinvestigation but not of trial, which must
be had at the next annual Conference, but that
this committee had power to suspend Dr. Hus-
ton until next Conference, and that Bishop
Soule had made no authoritative cision, and
that it would be absolutely necessary to try the
case at the next Conference before committee
of nine or thirteen elders, whose jurisdiction
would last only during the Conference appoint
ing them.
Rev. d. Thomas maintained that it was usa-
al to permit civil to GO before ecclesiastical trials
that full justice must be done.
On INJURY by DR.. REGISTER, the Bishop said
that arrest OF character would prevent all Of
fetal action or ministration by the accused.
the sake of the Church as we'll as for DR.. H. s
sake.
Rev. A. Wilson said he was anxious that the
accused have every opportunity for investiga-
ton and defence, but that he doubted whether
the method proposed was the best {; he desired
a committee Of three to inquire about the mat
ter, and it investigation was necessary to refer
it back to the proposed committee; and he
urged that the matter be pressed without de-
lay.
He moved as substitute, and DIR. REGISTER
| seconded it, that committee be appointed at
| once to inquire into the matter here.
| Dr' Munsey opposed this, as there was no
evidence to submit, but only rumor, and as wit
nesses could not be brought to.confront Dr. FL.
that, therefore, said committee could not act
intelligently.
| Mr.. A. Wilson replied that the committee
proposed was one Of inquiry and not of investi-
| CATION.
DR. Head opposed this substitute
| Rev. n. Wilson maintained that the manual
of the discipline could not be always relied on
as law, and that certain portions of this manual
which had been read could not be sustained
| On inquiry, the Bishop said that il. not tried
now, DIR. FL. would fall back under the jurisdic-
ton of the P. T. of the East Baltimore Dis,
trict
DR.. REGISTER urged the Importance of the
special committee being ordered now, as the
Church was In danger and had suffered already
enough that moral courage and nerve were nee
essary to meet this issue squarely and fairly.
DR.. Munsey thought this special committee
would PREJUDICE the case,
| Rev. Mr. Rogers reiterated that Dr. FL. was
anxious for the most searching investigation,
and the substitute calling for committee Of
inquiry now was adopted, TO consist of three.
N. Wilson. John Landstreet and W. S. Baird
were appointed tie committee of inquiry in DR..
| Huston case.