The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-09-10
Another Account.
ESPECIAL To THE APPEAL,

LOUISVILLE, ny, Oepl6mDSI o. Az
day the several times called and as
often postponed Converse trial was
again taken up by the Louisville
PfesbyteTy, sud possibly the most
damaging testimony yet heard in the
monotonous church case was given
against the Christian Observer and the
perhaps too JEALOUS brethren who
shape its opinions.
Alter the usual wsste OF time, over
apparent trivia tiles, M. w. N. Halde-
man, President of the Courier Journal
Company, and a leading member OF
the Presbyterian Church 10 this city,
was PLACID on the stand. Mr.. Halde-
mao stated that he had known the
defendants, F. B. and Thomas E. Con-
verse, for many years, ever since they
had been in Louisville. He had met
them in church and in business.
"Are you acquainted with tbs gen
eral reputation of the Christian Oh
servsr in the community in which it
calculates ssked DR.. Daniel.
Il have hi ard expressions very fre'
quently for good many yeais," was
the answer"
"What is it's reputation
81 should think it ia not reliable
upon any matter in which the editors
are particularly interested"
SIS this reputation due to recent
matters or to matters Of long stand
ing?"
II should think it dates back for a
good many years. thought probably
Chey were little cranky and made
statements when they meant no
wong, but in matters in which they
were interested their statements could
not be relied upon"
"Are you acquainted with the gen
eral reputation Of Messrs. Z. and +. b..
Converse ?"
81 have heard great deal in past
years." answered Mr.. Haldeman.
"There was no confidence in them or
no respect for them"
The cross examination was coz
Quoted by Col. Bullitt, who first asked
for the names of some If the persons
who had spoken TO the witness about
the defendants.
IL have heard great many men,
bers of the church and Others express
that opinion about them, one, our late
pastor, DR.. Stuart Robinson. l cannot
recall the names of the others just
now and Id not care TO invoke them. "
Col. Bullitt then asked DR.. Daniel
if his question to the witness as to
the general reputation Of the defend
ants had embraced anything more
than truth and verscity.
81 have no zeal that it should en-
brace ANYTHING else," was the re-
Spouse. at is sad enough that it
should embrace as much as it does"
Col. Bullitt again asked Mr.. Halde-
man for the names of those who had
expressed opinions about the Messre.
Converse.
The mcdera or stated that witness
need not answer the question unles:
be desired.
After wordy squabble the decision
was overruled.
Mr.. Haldeman then answered that
he had heard expressions from numer-
Gus persons, whose names he could not
recall. As far as business matters
were concerned, he bad heard Messrs.
Davidson and Strauss, of the Courier
Journal job Printing Company, who
had printed defendants paper, cav
that they were untrutbful, and could
not be relied upon.
After some further questioning upon
that point, by which nothing new was
developed, the witness was asked al
to whether be was on friendly termC
with the defendants.
81 have tried my best to be on good
terms with them," was the answer
"but it was up hill work."
Mr.. Henry V. Escott, prominent
business man of this city and member
in high standing OF the Presby terisr
Church, stated that he had heard and
read great deal about the Christian
Observer and its editors, and it's repu-
tation was not good.
But it'll furth r testimony Of inter
est was elected before adjournment.