New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-12-03
LOCAL MISCELLANY.
POSITION OF PLYMOUTH CHURCH.

POSITION OF PLYMOUTH CHURCH.
SURPRISE OVER MIR. VESTS LETTER-MRs. MouL-
TONS DESIRE To BRING THE SCANDAL BEFORE
A CoUNCu-THE CHURCH SAID To BE INDIE
FERENT.
The letter of William F. West to the mem
bers OF Plymouth Church. which was published IN tue
morning papers yesterday, received with consdera-
bic surprise in Brooklyn and especially by the members
OF the Examining Committee of the church Tie meet
Ing OF that Committee the previous day. at which MT
West had appeared, friendly in spirit and IL was
hoped by some that reconciliation would finally result
No decision was reached, rs IL was deemed
best TO adjourn the meeting order that both parties
might have an opportunity TO consider the subject
further Mr. shearman said yesterday that he did not
REGARD IL as very courteous Mr. West TO send the
letter tho newspapers hours before ~ was ueh'ereu
10 the church He, Secretary OF the church. received
the letter yesterday morning some time after ne hau
reached his office In this city. lie did not Know wha'
action would DO by the church The letter womb
be officially presented at the meeting ths evening" anu
some action would probably he taken.
Mrs Mo!lton's reply TO the answer 20 her from the
church is now In preparation by her counsel Roger A
Pryor and will be sent TO the church to-day ana come
before the meeting this evening. welknown C"hSte
saonal clergy Of Brooklyn said yesterday that inc
reply will very strong in its spirit ana II is under
stood that IL will contain matter pointing 10 the dlscos
ure Of facts the 1t was asserted 10y the sae
gentleman that Mrs. MOultons object in THIS matter
was not so much the purpose OF testing ue
question OF her right to remain in The church.
as an effort 10 bring up the question involved
I'm the late trial This opinion ia shared by many Other
persons both friends and enemies OF Mr. Beeeher He
reny ii rs believed viii be sharp and severe in ITS
method 81 answer and will involve the merits OF the
scandal She will probably insist that they be considered
by the council and this clergyman thought Plymouth
Cburch would e forced accept that issue In case 1t
sbolld decline AIRS MOuOn might call an ex pGTte
council and would probably do 81. That having been
dome the church would still be invited 10 come IN al that
late ,av and make 1t mutual council If the church
sheuld refuse, the council would proceed, ana get
the best lght possible and make It's verdict Ihe
evidence in such case. would necessarily be largely IN
Mrs tons interest. II the church should pay no at
topton 10 the verdict. the Conversational churches
Syoud probably consider Plymouth Church as ndepcnd-
emit No formal condemnation would he made but other
Congregational churches would be likely TO drop
Plymouth Church by not inviting IL to councils by not
Exchanging members with 1t, ana by not having any,
thing 81 - 10 do with 1t church This clergyman SAID
he Thought that Mrs Monitor and Deacon West should
Ia i'm getting mutual council, there would be other ap-
nIjcafl0us for Them inside the church. All these
ments said this gentleman, point III one dlieetOn-a
rounc must come which shall investigate the question
of Mr. Beechers guilt II ii does not come now II must
come time in the future. But Mr. sheaIinah sAld
Yesterday that the church indifferent whether or mol
The scandal should be introduced in the council but IL
did not propose TO be insuitcd with offensive language