New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-05-23
SPIRIT OF TIE COUNCIL.

PECULiARITIEs OF THE NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
OF DIR. MUsGRAvE-rHE SPEAKERS AND THE
DISCUSSIONS YESTERDAY.
The General Assembly is, on the whole,
very grave and digrihed body but when the members
talk together outside the church. during the recess
tits easily seen that they ioSia aud good-naared
although far from bOistcrous in their mirth The lunch
room in the Lay College building is scene Of confusion
drng the hour OF lunch not only from the rafting OF
plates and coffee cups but especially from the ncessant
talking and laughter which prevail. There dign-
fed clergymen unbcnd and the along faces and
sanctimonious countcnances," winch were condemned
at the meeting of the elders unknown Even during
the sessions the Assembly the delegates take every OPP
porunty that presents itself for exhibiting their appre-
citation of the ludcrous. Two announcements from the
platform Just before tie close of the morning session
produced considerable amusement One that a
very large hat without name, had been taken by some
one instead OF small nat containing name and street
number, and an exchange respectfully solicited in
the vicinity of the platform. small vailse was also e4-
hbited in connection with the announcement that who
ever left it in street car IN the morning could have IL
on demand. member went forward and took 1t, and
returned to his seat amid loud laughter and applause
Incidents Of this nature, which serve TO diversity the
onotony of the regular proceedings, received with
eagerness by the members. although applause occurs
rarely.
There was an interesting az the recess when Dr.
Musgrave assembled the platform TO converse with Dr.
Guilty in seeing When he started to descend the steps,
Dr. H. Cox stepped forward assist him. The latter
Is 81 years Of age and Dr. Musgrave said That's right
that's right to help boy down" When asked his age,
Dr. Musgrlve said, "Tm only in my 72d year, but I'VE
been before the people for good many years and good
many think I'm good deal older can tell you good
story about my age In about 1855 secretary of
one Of the boards and day old man, between 90
and 100 came in and inquired for Dr. Mugrave Throw
down my PEN and after several minutes conversation
he asked how soon Dr.. MusTave would come in why
said You have been talking with him for the last 10
minutes you Dr. MuSgraye z he replied. Il have
heard Of You the past 80 years. and expected TO see
ayenerble man. But you see" continued the Doctor,
al don't grow old like sOme for have that matter under
my control; don't grow gray any faster than wish
L" referring 20 the VIE wbichh He says he has
attended general assemblies probably than any
other living minister and yet, with one exception he
has never been the recipient Of private hospitality Dr.
Musgrave was present during the morning session
yesterday lie attended meeting Of the Judicial Com
mittee. "And I tell you" he said 1--WE had some hard
cases there, but every thing out as wanted IT,"
A bouquet OF flowers placed on the IodcratoTs
table during the morning session yesterday The attend
ance was larger than the previous days OF the session.
aud about twenty ladies among the spectators The
important question Of the reduction Of the size Of the As
semby was brought before the body for The first time by
the introduction Of resolution, which was referred to
standing committee without being discussed plan
having this object in view, recommended by the Assem-
bly, last year. was defeated by the Prosbycres to whose
decision radical changes be submitted. This plan
proposed that the Assembly be composed OF repre-
sentatives from the syEods rather than from
the Presbyteres. DR.. s. I. Prime, who appears
TO take special interest In all matters connected with
the Centennial suggested that the Assembly devote an
hour at Some time during the session. to giving thanks
for the Divine goodness 10 the church and the country
during the past century, and resolution 10 that effect
met the approval OF the members.