Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1880-05-14
PUGILJSrIC PARSON.


Rector Franklin Floors Warden Brown.
Aremarkable pugilistic encounter. occur
red in the vestry room of the p. E.church Of
the Evangelists, Philadelphia, on last Tues
day evening. The combatants were none
other than the rector, Rev. Thomas J.
Franklin and the warden, Mr.. George w.
Brown. The dispute between these gen
tlemen arose from a disagreement on the
subject of church finances. 1t is known
that at the last meeting of the vestry
Rev. Franklin, through his counsel,
Thomas J. Read, proposed to resign
his charge if 81, 7C0was not paid him in cash,
this amount being claimed by the rector
as a salary due. For the purpose of
committe was appointed by the church,
consisting of Thomas J. Reynolds, Cooper
McLear, George Chearman and Warden
Brown. At the meeting of the committee
on Tuesday evening DR.. Franklin and his
counsel were present. The committee had
obtained possession of the cash book and
journal kept by the rector during the past
three years, which for some they mad been
carefully examining. After prayer War
den Brown said he could not
understand how the church was i'll
debted to the pastor. Counsellor Read
asked for tic the cash book, saying
that he would soon prove the
Indebtedness. This was granted on con-
dition that the journal be also put in evil
dence. According to the cash book Coun-
seller Read proved that 81, 900 had been
collected during the past year and the
same amount had been expended, leaving
a clear years salary due his client. War
den Brown then brought forth the journal
by which he proposed to prove that the
rector had entered collections to the
amount of 81, 900, and that this sum had
been expended. Counsellor Read imme
diately objected to this statement, remark
ing 1--WE have established our claim and
shall now retire."
Warden Brown insisted that they should
remain and hear the charges of the COM
mittee, saying: "There is a wide discrep-
ancy in the pastors accounts, and we de-
mand an explanation, if one can be made. !"
Upon this remark DR.. Franklin, who
had become greatly excited, rushed to his
accuser, and, shaking his clenched fist in
his face, calculated Sir, you might as
well stab me to the heart as to defame me
with such an outrageous charge"'
Brown, with provoking GOODNESS, replied
to this: 81 have no charges to make !;
but there is discrepancy in your accounts
and this committee, being one of investi-
cation, is entitled to have it reconciled, if
you can do it. We are only desirous that
you should make some explanation. If
you have spent the money admit it"
During this time the PASTORS poltly
frame trembled with rage. The last SEN
tence barely escaped the wardsn's lips
when the reverend gentleman threw him
self upon his accuser and dealt him heavy
blow in the breast. Brown fell from his
seat and was caught in the arms of Com
mitteeman Chairman. The pastor made
all effort to follow the assault with
| another blow, but his arm was arrested by
his counsel and the others in attendance,
and futher violence was thus prevented.
Brown, regaining his feet, shouted ::
This is no place for pusilistic exhibj-
tions, and you cannot have satisfaction
from me in this way here"
The pastor, whose excitement had not
diminished, replied: 'Then, sir, will
give you satisfaction at any time or place
you may mention"
Further squabble was determinated by
the pastor being led from the room. After
this unusual scene the business of the com
mittee was..terminated, but they adjourned
with the determination not to recognize
the claims of the pastor until his claim was
established to their satisfaction.
A reporter called upon the clergyman at
his residence, on South Tenth street, butFhe
refused to give any particulars with refer
ence to the disturbance. With smile he
remarked s" do not recollect hitting any
body. Everything was quite lovely"