New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-05-19
NOT IN FAVOR OF ORGANIC UNION.

THE SOUTHERN GENERAL ASSEMBLY HEARS THE
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY.
Baltimore, May 1s tspeciaD-Thc dividing line be-
tween the Pesbyterans Of the North and the Presby
terans of the South VIII not DO obterated for some
years to como judging from the spirit shown to-day in
the Southern General Assembly. Not the slightest
disposition was shown toward improving the relations
OF the Southern with the Northern Church II IS
obvious that the Southern Church wants the Northern
Church to mako all the concessions and suggest all the
conclliatory measures. The spirit Of the various
Southern Presbyterics easily determined by the
manner in which they treated the question of organic
union in their oycrtures to the General Assembly.
In nearly every instance the sentiment was against
further agitation OF the question The Rev p Strc
Ter, chairman of the Committee Of Inquiry on the part
Of the Southern Church submitted the report and also
read the Jurisprudence that passed between the
mlttces Of the two General Assemblies. Tho report
states that the difficulties in tho way are such that
organic union is ont of the question at this time. c.
". Heskell, of Memphis, said that the subject Of
organic union that ought not TO be lightly
passed. over 1t IS coming ard those who stand in
the way will DO crushed under the wheels OF religious
progress. Tho Rev william Brown, Of Virginia, gave
il as his candid opinion that any action on the sub
cct at this time in advance Of the action to be taken
By the Northern Assembly premature. II was
neither respectable respectful The Rev. Dr.
said he thought the matter should be referred TO
the Committee on BIS ana OVertufeS, IL WaS
ordered. Several Of the delegates, In speaking OF
the objections to organic union to-day, quoted the
Rev. DIR. c. r. Vaughan who, in paper on the sub
ject, echoed tho general sentiment Of the Southern
Church In this way:
IF we go into 1t our autonomy is lost We are
merged absolutely in body Overwhelmingly sUpe-
rior In numbers that shall DO constitutionaly sub
jectsd absolutely to their control They Will have
the settlement Of questions vital to interests not
only the ecclesiastical but in the social sphere. al
together in their hands. Our relations to the negro
race the control of all property the right to deter
mine all questions OF ecclesiastical usage and policy,
the proprcty Of rotary eldershp, the examination OF
ministers, the relation Of women TO the public work
of the Church. the question OF mixed Church of whites
and blacks all such questions viii be determined for
US by the overwhelming maJorities Of Northern body
We have these questions now far our own ecce-
siastical life IS concerned, in own hands. Some
OF them arc vital TO our social existence. Some Of
them involve principles which we have long held with
cordial unauimlty as matters Of conscience before
God. Some OF them vital to our covenanted
creed that shall hs compelled to abandon 1t IL
We merge ourselves in a Church standing on the
present basis OF tho Church Of tho North"
Arrangements were completed to-day for the Visit
Of tho Southern Assembly to Philadelphia The
members of the Assembly will leave Baltimore on
Wednesday afternoon at o'clock and on their arrival
in Philadelphia will DO given reception at the home
of Mrs. Wlstar Morris communication from tho
General Methodist Conference in New-York, inviting
representation a National Sunday school Committee
was referred to the proper committee.