Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-05-28
Latest Bulletin
PRESBYTERIANS.
Tho Union Of the Two Church Bodies
Assured.
Rumsellers Can No Longer Enjoy Church
Membership.

PHILADELPHIA, May 26.
| The question of reunion of the two great
bodies of the Presbyterian church, whicl,
was the occasion of such an exciting episode
| in yesterday afternoons session of the gener-
al assembly, again came up Unexpectedly
this morning, and in the twinkling of an eye,
almost, it passed out of the range of contro-
versy and debate, as far as this assembly is
concerned, and long step was made in the
direction of organic union. The result was
received with perfect whilwind of applause
and congratulation among the commissioners
| and spectators, who crowded the galleries,
and who o:swere apparently taken completely
| by surprise by the suddenness of the turn in
| the proceedings. The second order of the
morning, the report of the standing commit
tee on temperance, had just been reached,
and Rev. W. q. Campbell, ID. ID. had mount
ed the platform to speak in favor of its adop-
ton, " hen Rev. DR.. Smith of Baltimore, the
| venerable ex-moderatOr of the assembly
stepped forward and announced that the
| special committee of the conference, to which
had been referred yesterday all matters re-
lating to treating with the southern assembly
was ready to report. A hush fell upon the
assembly as Rev. William c. Young, ID. d.,
read the report. Substantially, it was as fol-
lows:
That this general assembly commend the
fidelity and efficiency of the committee ap-
pointed last year 10 confer with a committee
from the southern assembly, as express in
the report yesterday submitted, and that
while it would be premature aIid improper to
accept that report as definite form of union,
this assembly declares its hearty approval of
all answers in the committees report touch
ing the various questions submitted to it by
the committee of the southern assembly
Furthermore, the general assembly expressed
| the hope that the fraternizing spirit that had
| been manifested in these centennial days,
might prove the beginning of an era of more
cordial fellowship and cooperation between
the two assemblies of the Presbyterian church.
| 1t was recommended that the conference
committee appointed last year be continued,
with the addition of Eve members, to confer
with any similar committee that might be
appointed by the southern assembly respect
ing the corporation of the two branches of
the church. The report concludes by de-
claring that this cooperation in its fullest
sense could be accomplished only by an or
ganic union, and expresses fullest confidence
in the brethren of the southern assembly.
The report recommended the addition of the
following members to the committee of con-
ference: Rev. Henry Darling, ID. D., of
Clinton, N. Y. +; Rev. Charles S. Pomeroy
d. ID. of Cleveland Rev. William c. Young,
ID. d., of Louisville, Ky. Hon. S. NJ. Breck-
enridge of St Louis; Hon. Henry w.
Knox of Minneapolis.
DR. Young had scarcely finished reading
the report when a score of voices moved its
adoption and there was visible excitemen,
among the commissioners and auditors.
mighty volume of ''ayes" answered the mod
orators question. That settled it, and the
clerk, Rev. William ii. Roberts, ID. D., i'm
mediately telegraphed the action to the south
ern general assembly at Baltimore.
As soon as the excitement had subsided
the regular order was quietly resumed. Al
the opening of the morning hour. Rev. DR.
Howard Crosby presented the report of tht
standing committee on theological seminaries
showing general prosperity of these institu
tions. There are eight theological semina
ries under the control of the general assem-
bly,, with roll of COS students. The repor
recommended that church people by no mean
sanction the traffic in liquor, either by en-
dorsing the bonds of dealers or renting t.
them, and that church membership be de
MED to liquor dealers.
DIR. Howard Crosby opposed the adoption
of the resolution denying church member
ship to liquor sellers. The sentiment of th'
assembly was apparently so strongly in favoi
of the resolutions that the debate was no
prolonged, and they went through with only
few dissenting voices.