New-York tribune., 1889-10-17
FRIENDS OF THE HEATHEN.
RADICALS AND CONSERVATIVES.
SILENCE GREETS AN OUTBREAK ON THE
AMERICAN BOARD.

AMERICAN BOARD.
n REPORT ON THE CLOSER RELATIONS OF THE
SOCIETY TO THE CHURCHES GIVES AN
OPPORTUNITY FOR THE LIBERALS
TO FREE THEIR MINos-No RE-
PLY TO THEIR STRUCTURES.
y q. m. todsy-Reports Of committees on the mis-
sscns Devotional exercises and addresses
o 40 n m-Cclebrat0n OF the Sacrament OF the
Lords supper Business meeting, including election
of officers.
745 D. m.-Addrcss by tho president of the Boad
Iperhaps also other addresses
The American Board for three years has had its
Interesting and otherwise harmonious meetings
disturbed by debates that have at times partaken
Of more personality and bitterness than the par
Elephants intended. Apparently the conservative
members and friends of the Board have learned
wisdom by experience, for yesterday animated
speeches one at least partalSing of the nature of
Aerce personal attack on the Prudential Commit
tee were received in silence by the committee and
their friends the wrath being turned away
without even the soft answer III was
memorable discussion; the place, the
occasion and the issues at stake all tending to
deepen the impression that will not soon pass
from the minds of those fortunate enough 10
hear the gentle complaints of Professor Fisher. OF
Yale the logical arguments Of ex-President Patton
of Howard University. at Washington; the herce
invectives Of DR.. Griflis, of Boston; the passion
ate appeals of Dr. Meredith, of Brooklyn, and
the courteous yet decisive, rulings OF President
Storrs
II had been expected for weeks that the gather
ing storm, called "righteous discomfort in
prayer before the Board yesterday morning. would
break at some time during the meeting
But no one seemed TO know whether
The liberals would oppose the reelection OF Secre-
tary Alden criticise his official papers read IN
their hearing or show their hand when the Com-
mttee of Fifteen appointed TO see II closer
upion between the Board and its constituency
were possible should make its report, Dr. Grliiis
reference TO a spirit of unrest in the churches lea
to the belief that the hour was near at hahu
After the morning session the doors OF the laoer
nacle were closed until p. m. F;r more than
an hour before that time the crowd pressed ABOUT
tbe entrances seeking admission. The moment the
doors were opened the great multitude rushed
into the building all aiming for front seats. Men
md women alike forgetful of their age
their dignity and of the sacred character
of the place climbed over the ratings
separating pews in order to get as near as possible
10 the speakers. Only corporate members were
allowed on the large platform. and there were no
emptv chairs DR.. Storrs had been relieved OF
the duty of presiding in the morning, but he heio
the eavel in his hand all through the afternoon
DR. Behrends reported for his committee tn"'
.ho cbnrcbes did not seem to be in condition
a, nresent TO fix on any changes in their relations
90 the Board, About thirty plans had been sug
gasted but many of them were dlametrlcaly
oonosed 10 one another. The committee recon-
,nsndad that the bylaws be changed so that the
president and president should become eA-
oficio members of the Prudential COMMITTEE whlch
acts for the Board between the meetings Oh IiiaU
body This suggestion was approved. Ihen ulc
storm broke The committee desired 10 De con-
,tinued and on this request four or hVe speeoneS
were made crticising the Committee OF fh'eeh
hecause IT, had not done more; attacking the
Prudential Committee because IL hao uonc eo
much and assailing the conservatism OF the board
,.hioh cave so little recognition to its constltu.
ency. DR.. Behrends replied to Professor flsner
with a single sentence, and listened eompiacenUV
10 the speeches from the liberals
DIR Patton's address was TO the effect thaU Ine
Roard was inconsistent. 1t denied peihg sui00iS
CONGREGATIONAL while it continued 10 Dc rePre-
sented at Congregational councils. his arraleh-
mont of the Prudential Committee was puhcuua'eu
with applause from various parts Oh Inc nouso'
During his speech Dr. Storrs allowed 'he eN-
pfeSSOnS OF approval Wllnou"
them but before DR.. Grifhs reached the P'a'ioin
tho president had spoken few words tnlU pre-
vented any further interruption. Inc Boston
rastor had three scandals in his mind, which nc
exnosed to view, and was followed by Dr. Mere
dith who was much more moderate IN MS arsu,
ment for such change in the Board as "oulO
allow all Congregational pastors representation
at the meetings All the speakers favored having
the committee continued only corporate members
have the right to vote, and there was no dissent
ing voice. One of the most lnteresteh spectator
during the debate was the Rev. Dr. Lyman
Abbott. of Plymouth Church and The Christian
Union"
important papers Africa, Japan ana I'M
efficacy of prayer in missionary work were pre-
sented in the morning. in the afternoon delegates
from the Methodist Episcopal Missionary Soclet'
were welcomed. and in the evening several mis-
sionaries home from foreign fields made addresses
Another debate is possible this morning althoug
the experience of yesterday may suffice Tor III
present meeting The election of officers VIII occu
this afternoon, and the feature OF the eVenln
will he the address Of President Storrs In
Nnal meeting will be held tomorrow mornne
Tb. Womans Board of Missions will meet Uni
morning in the Fourth Presbyterian Churcn'
Tbirty.fourth-st, near the Tabernacle