The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-06-02
THE SINFUL SPORTS.
Presbyterians Strongly Con-
denim Progressive Euchre.
THEATER AND DANCING WRONG.
Christisu Endeavor Societies Not What
They should Be-Reformed Pres
byterians still Quarreling.

prrnorr. June lat the Presbyterian
general assembly this morning the subject
of young peoples societies, which came up
on an overture, was taken up. There was
lively discussion as to the liability of the
Christian Endeavor society becoming too
independent. The special object of the
resolutions which were discussed seemed
to be the formation OF Westminster
Leagues to replace Young Peoples Socie-
ties of Christian Endeavor. Elder Shep-
ard, of Philadelphia, and others took part
in the discussion. They said the Chris
tan Endeavor movement was direct from
God, and warned against antagonizing it,
or attempting to restrict it, within ecclesi-
astical lines. Dr. McKibben thought the
ironclad pledge to take part in prayer
meetings and attend monthly consecra-
ton meetings on established lines are
Systematically excluding those classes
churches are making strenuous efforts to
reach. After some further talk on the
subject. the entire report was adopted
with the resolution favoring a standing
committee on the subject stricken out.
The publication board matter came up.
Mr.. Simmons exonerated the board and its
employees from any blame as to the unwise
and wasteful methods unearthed at Phila-
delphia, but said that they did not know
all they should know in order to manage
such vast business. The committee rec
commended that three experts be put on
the board, each to have control of matters
of which he has particular knowledge.
DR.. Baker reported from his committee
on constitutional plan for bringing to-
gether unemployed ministers and vacant
churches, advising that the matter be re-
ferred to the presbyteries as q recommen-
dation rather than an instruction. Mr..
Lowery reported for the committee on the
revision of proof texts, recommending
that the committee be continued and that
shorter catechisms be provided with the
texts. The report was adopted.
At the afternoon session DR.. Junkin
moved that the committee on seal be con-
tinued until the next assembly. This was
lost, and DR.. Wright, for the chairman,
recommended that the device be an open
Bible, and that the committee have
suitable draft at the next assembly;
adopted.
The assembly decided that it cannot
send delegates to other than ecclesiastical
bodies, and SO cannot send them to the
temperance congress at Saratoga.
The committee on canvass of the answers
from the presbyteries to the overtures on
deaconesses reported that their answers
were not agreed with each other, and the
matter was referred back to the committee
on deacons.
The judicial committee reported on sew
eral matters, the last being the chronic one
of DR.. Nathaniel West against the synod of
Minnesota. The committee advised that
the case of DR.. West be dismissed, which
was adopted
The committee on worldly amusements
reported through DR.. Torrance that they
do not say the theater or dancing is wrong
in itself. but their accessories often are
Cards derive their attraction from
the chance IN them. The committee hopes
that progressive euchre is diminishing;
the civil courts have already decided it to
be gambling. It was recommended that
the deliyerances of past assemblies,
especially that of 1879, be reaffirmed. and
the one against progressive euchre was
adopted, accepted and placed on file, and
after some warm discussion sent back to
the committee to have the clauses recon-
mending discipline for this amusement
eliminated.
The committee on narrative reported an
encouraging general increase in the work
and contributions of the church. The en-
tire present membership is 98,40S, net
gain of q ,445. The total contributions for
home expenses and benevolence were $751;
536, 240. There have been many small revi-
walls, rather than any general awakening.
Young peoples societies and womens' re-
ligious and benevolent work are growing
in volunie and usefulness.
The committee on temperance reported
encouraging progress in view OF the small
offerings for its promotion. Women's
temperance societies are the main factor
in bringing about this result. Agitation
for needed reforms in the laws, and en-
forcement thereof, is spoken of. The presi-
dent of the United States should be re-
quested to secure reversal of the Senate's
refusal to unite in the prohibition of
liquor expectation to Africa, proposed by
the Brussels congress. Greater care should
be taken to instruct the young people sys-
tematically in temperance matters. Chair
man Hatch, of the committee, said the
more he studied the liquor question the
more he wondered at the general apathy.
Any other evil of equal Importance would
provoke a cyclone that would sweep it
away at once. Still there are many and
great tokens of promise. Propositions to
advocate prohibition and against renting
property for liquor selling were tabled. A
proposition to ask the Senate to ratify the
exclusion proposal of other powers was
adopted with some changes.
DR.. Patton read the report of the COM
mittee on theological seminaries. The new
institution at Omaha applies to be re-
csived under the care of the assembly. but
it is not certain that it will have sufficient
resources. 1t was recommended that no
action be taken at present. The report of
the committee was adopted, except as to
the seminary at Omaha. DR.. Gordon. of
Omaha, told of a gift of $4,000 worth of
land, which is the nucleus of the hoped-
for endowment. DR.. White offered an
amendment welcoming the proposed semi
nary, which was passed by strong major
ity. Adjourned.