The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-05-22
DIR. woopFow,s CASE.
The General Assembly at Baltimore
Hears Him.

Hears Him.
BALTIMORE, Nd, May 2l.-The general
assembly OF thelfsouthern Presbyterian
church met this morning The announce
ment that the complaint Of the Rev. Dr.
James Woodrow against the action OF the
synod OF Georgia in sanctioning his re-
moval from theological institute because
Of his ideas on evolution attracted large
gathering. Rev. DIR. Smoot offered reso-
luton that the proposition adopted ON
Saturday TO appoint committee ON tenn
perance was meant 10 formulate the views
Of the church on the subject Of temper
ance and not to have any political prohibit
ton effect.
The Rev. DR.. Brooke wished the resolu-
ton amended so as 10 refer to liquor alone
and so made motion. The amendment
was adopted, and tho resolution Us amend
ed was adopted.
The order Of the day, the complaint OF
DR.. James Woodrow was then, taken up
and 1t was agreed to grant four hours To
each side. The record Of the case from
the synod OF Georgia was then read, COW
ering their entire proceedings OF condem-
nation, in all about 10000 words. The
Rev. DIR. Woodrow then presented his case
before the general assembly, first
stating the nature OF the offense
charged against him. The testimony
OF DIR. Adams, his prosecutor, showed
himself to be deeply interested in securing
his conviction, 80 MS TO remove him fro m
his position in the theological seminary
while he remained there as a director. DIR.
Adams was not prompted by his sincerity
for the good OF the church, but solely "a
eject the speaker He said DIR. Woodrow
was good enough 10 preach to the people,
but not 10 remain In the seminary. lie
was willing TO permit any views held by
the speaker outside OF the seminary. The
views OF DIR. Adams were entirely different
when thinking and speaking.
DIR. Woodrow then took up the indict-
ment, declaring that II was deficient
Under the old law il might hold good, but
not under the new law. The ofense
charged had no place under the new law,
The charge was violating the standards
Of the church because Of views on evolu
ton having dangerous tendency 10 the
church. lie charged Rev. DIR. Adams
his prosecutor, with having had an ennis
sary 10 20 from lobby TO lobby in tn,
church bodies TO encompass the ruin o.
the accused. lie said that he did moi
know that the hypothesis Of DIR. Wood
row was the same rs that o
those who use il for infde
purposes. lie denounced such conduct a
unworthy OF any true believer In thu
Bible. DIR. WoodpDw then read the judg
ment Of the synod n Georgia, annullinl
the the verdict OF the Presbytery OF Au
gusta, which acquitted him, and begun hi
opening statement. lie said he had beer
charged with holding doctrines which h
abhorrcd.
At this stage OF the proceedings, ant
before DIR. Woodrow had more than en-
tered upon his address 10 tho general as
sembly, there was an adjournment unit
$50 o'clock tomorrow morning, when III
will resume. lie will be allowed tw
hours for his first address, the respondent
will have four hours, and DIR. Wood
row will have two hours for his closing mr.
gument. The address on evolution, whicl
was presented as the basis Of the charg
against DIR. Woodrow 20 the Augusta Pres
bytory, was delivered before the Alumni
association OF Columbia, s. c., Theologica
seminary on May z, 1884. In 1886, tn
charge OF hercsy was tried by that Prcsby
terry and the defendant was acquitted
The Rev. DIR. Adams, the prosecutor, ther
carried the matter TO the Synod OF Georgia
which tribunal reversed the action Of In
Ppsbytery in 1885. DIR. Woodrow the
appealed 10 the general assembly.