New-York tribune., 1874-08-15
THE BUSINESS MEETING.


THE FXASfISING COMMITTEE REQUESTED TO REPORT
As SOON AS THEY CAN CONSISTENTLY
After the prayer meeting a considerable num-
Der OF the members of the church met for business
meeting the adjourned annual meeting. ID. II. Hawkins
presded After the reading OF the minutes, T. G Shear
man made reference to the work OF the Investigating
Committee which he called subcommittee OF the
Examining Committee of the church. He said that
he thought their testimony was about all In, and
it was serious question whether that Committee should
make an early report deferit for time. He offered
resolution to the effect that the Examining Committee
Of which the Investigating Committee is subcommittee
he requested TO report next Friday evening, unless
they think It expedient to take further testimony or
have other reason for delay. Mr.. shearman re-
marked that he had no hesitation IN saying
that he expected some OF the vilest and
alsest statements would be published containing docu
ments some of which probably genuine but all ar
ranged so as give false impression. Among these
documents said he, there is letter which | know
never reached the person for whom 1t is claimed. 1t was
written Il was written to be intercepted, and 1t was
intercepted but there will be such an arrangements
made that it will appear TO have been received and
70 iniure the fame OF the person to whom 1t
was addressed. Iu my judgment, tho per-
son VINO will make this statement will
not consent to come before the subcommittee or the
Examining Committee This person has stated to me
that pastor l. good man. ana 10 others ne mas sam
that he is without fault on Monday next aug ~ OUT i
pastor is sure have his annual attack OF hay fever
ii ne cannot he in the mountains but Is detained mere
for examination his health VIII DC 80 IMPAIRED s
ehearman said that he thought the Committee should
not wait for such statements az lie had ieeIieu o o
should close its work ana make It's report as sVon as
Consderable discussion followed Mr. shearmans
proposiions Il. Il. Raymond said that the church nad
now cot something to rely ON IN the words OF MT.
Beecher II had touched bottom ana l5s ined9oTrs IN @
did not propose u Keep themselves III sdte vi suS
pense "tl every blackguari IN the United states s.ll
vent his spite 9ut a Of
the case, should not be hasty III making tne re-
port - ,,,,,,. .ho. ,ho f,or,n,i,.aa rvouId renre.
seut the wisdom Of the church, and was trusted I'M
pctly aud should be left 10 make Its own decision
II NJ Cleveland of the Committee said that he had no
objection 10 the passage OF the resolution Dut ne mus
tell the church that the Committee bad great deal or
work TO do. There a great amount or evidence. he
said, and it will take much time to arrange
10 for pubcatiOD-for all the important tes-
timony will he public as all that pertains TO TINS
churcn is public 1t may be possible to nave the report
ready for this church at the time stated ana tue Cou
mittse would he glad be through with It's WORK But
ID was appointed thoroughly investigate the case and
the Committee determined at the start TO DO tue WORK
with idety As to what may occur, sali
MI Cleveland, know nothing We Will slit all
the evidence that comes TO US NO eVdence nas peeh
refused that has been offered from Respectable source
Any one VINO ~ tTk 1ry ward Beeeher or of Plymouth
Church. any interest," but the interest OF ruth and
Justice greatly mistaken We nave never Deeh VIII
lug to accept any compromise Win sIahderer' Vi Win
the world. " A.. A.. o.o,,,ou &,
Mr.. Gilbert was OF opinion that thc resolution II
passed would be criticised an attempt To CUT snort
the investigation. lie moved as an amendment 10 Mr
Shcaruan's resolution the fOllOwing:
ssoei Examining COMMITTEES be requested 10 report
upoa uuder at early DAY as Is consistent
with best interests Of tuth aud Justice
Mr. Gilbert spoke earnest Of the sincerity and appa-
rent truth Of Mr. Beecners defense. which he called
simpe narrative, hearing ON the face OF II the Impress
of solemn truth" and stigmatzed in the strongest
terms the attacks of Mr.. Beechers enemies, winch lie
called Vaccinations of hell" and said that III the Sc
there had been exhibitions Of human 0epravity OF which
Shakespeare could hardly conceive.
Mr.. Snearmau accepted Mr. GllOerts amendment ana
the amended resolution adopted by the church The
meetu. then adjourned