Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-10

7SBURG DISPATCH, WI
iectionable matters privately 1t would have
been wrong. The ground taken was against
the law of the chuEch and synodical decisions
for 100 years, and the least the accused could
do was to confess their error.
Prof. Wilson put on more paint and referred
to magazine publication: He wanted de-
fendants to keep cut OF tine discussion, but
sides were "a little out of order" There were
some noes on tho vote to substitute the word
''disavow," DR.. R. !. George contending that
they should be REQ QuIred to publicly declare
their withdrawal from the East End organiza-
ton.
Dr.H.H.George thought man who could not
agrce with such harmonious proceedings had
something inconsistent in his makeup. He al
luded to the ridicule of the church by the pub
lie prints. and wanted to have all COvenanters
give testimony in mnre uneu uivocal language.
hut the Moderator held that 1t was but a ques-
tion of phraseology.
EVERYTHING DEBATED AT LENGTH.
The charge that the accused should not pro-
pagate the Objectionable views complained of
while ministers in the service of the r. P.
Church was, like all other propositions, de-
bated at length.
Rev. W. J. Coleman thought the whole busi-
ness an attempt TO reconcile the irreconcilable.
He held that mans convictions could not be
controlled, and to Ileuge HIM not to talk was
merely to gag or HluZZle him. and silence In
the pulpit on the subject meant the final end
of the Covenanter Church. A man cannot
preach what he does not believe.
Prof. Wilson insisted that IT the accused
we're TO Keep their standing in the church they
must carry out its Instructions. He would not
have so much ink shedding and the constituted
church authorities must he Obeyed.
Rev. Mr. Crosier thought the young men
sound at the core, expressed hope that
compromise would he reached, but Prof. Will
son, Laymen Joseph Wallace and Morton were
hear of no compromise. Finally the paper as
whole was adopted, though some of Its sections
had failed, the Presbytery preferring an alo-
pathic dose. and the members under fire being
refused vote. 1t allowed no loophole ut eS-
cane.
The Presbytery was interrupted by a petition
from the Rev. o. b. Milligan's congregation,
asking that proceedings be dropped. because
they believed that such action would promote
the honor and glory of God, and because he
had done good work and they did not believe
the charges against him. There were 70 names
attached to the petition.
Some one moved to return the petition to
where it came.
Prof. Wilson moved to amend by receiving
and filing, as he said it would amount to the
same thing. He seemed to think the last the
least offensive course.
The Moderator held tn the sanctity of the
right to petition.
HEARING THE COMMISSIONERS.
Rev. MIR. Gilpatrick moved that the commits
sionerS of the congregation be heard, and after
opposition by Rev. H. II. George and others
the motion prevailed. and Messrs. T. c. John
ston, ]. A. Douthett, T. A. Rogers. Mr.. Ewing,
Joseph Adams and w. ]. Barnett were heard.
After speeches against receiving the petition
by Messrs. r. j. George, Wilson, ID. o. Brown,
Sproul the petition was rejected.
Prof Wilson next suggested that those who
had given oral consent to the East Liberty
platform should be asked to orally retract. and
those who signed it should rctract under sigma
ture.
Rev. Mr. Crozier, after the terms of capitula-
ton had been read again, said his conscience
forced him to offer an amendment to them ad-
ding, I'VE sincerely regret our connection
with it."
DR.: R. ]. George opposed. but the amend
The Moderator then called up the accused
one by one and each stated that he did not sign
the platform, and each also stated that he did
not accept the proposed recantation, but pre-
ferred tn go on trial.
The Moderator then stated that, inasmuch
as the libel had been sustained and that
Preferences quored), he went on to put the
regular interrogatorieS. Rev. Mr.. Temple
stated that he was not conscious of wrong
doing Gn And preferred to be put on trial
on the main charge. Rev. Mr.. Reed ad-
mitted the facts, but denied their sufficiency.
and the ans 1ers of the Messrs. Milligan were of
the same tenor but in all there was more than
the frmncss of Galileo.
ARGUMENTS FOR THE PROSECUTION.
The Moderator stated that the charges had
been sustained relevant, divisive and others,
technicalities connected and about o'clock
Rev. Mr.. fitzpatrick opened his argument for
the prosecution and was followed by Prof
Wilson, the two occupied, with the exception
of and hour and q half for refreshments. the
time until after o'clock. when the latter con-
cluded and the prosecution rested.
The defeuse will begin at o'clock this morn
ing, and As it is expected that each of the de-
PENDANTS will make an argument. and as each
is fluent and loaded to the muzzle, it is ex-
pected that the trial will take up all OF to-day,
possibly more.
1t should be said. in justice to the ministers
on trial. that the report of Rev. E. NJ. Millgan
being applauded by his fellow defendants when
he flung his def in the face of the Presbytery,
existed only in some persons imagination, as
the trial, from morning to night was marked
with universal courtesy, and had nothing of the
back alley style of warfare about IL, though
each side has strong backing-so strong that
Prof. Wilson said it was repetition of 1853
There was a grim-Scotch- -Irsh-stick-till- -you-die
sort of expression running all through the pro-
ceedings, but nothing turbulent.