New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-05-29
DEATH IN THE ASSEMBLY.
JUDGE S. M. BRECKENRIDGE, OF ST. LOUIS,
STRICKEN DOWN.
AN APoPLEcTIC STROKE AT THE CLOSE OF Hye
SPEECH ON THE CASE OF DR. BRIGos-
SOLEMN SCENES IN THE GREAT
ASS DMBLAGE OF THE PRES
RYTERIAN CHURCH.
BYTERIAN CHURCH.

Detroit, May 2s.-" feel that have discharged
my duty faithfully" said Judge S. NJ. Breckin-
ridge, of st. Louis. in the General Assembly to-
day. Slowly and distinctly came the afirma-
ton, followed by this apology: Il ask you to
excuse me from further work" Thirty seconds
later he had fallen PROSTATE on the platform, and
within five minutes the announcement was made
by the stated clerk, Judge Breckenridge is dead
The Fort Street Presbyterian Church was
crowded both morning and afternoon, and the
striking down in moment OF ono
of the most influential elders in the Assembly
produced sensation never to be forgotten by tho
assemblage of nearly 1000 persons who witnessed
the solemn spectacle. The hymn God Moves
in Mysterious Way" voiced the sentiment OF
the audience and it of the halfdozen
hymns which interspersed the prayers and remarks
while the committee appointed TO take action on
the death Of fellow-commissioner were prepar-
ing their minutes The sudden death Of any
member Of the Assembly would cause commo-
ton, but the circumstances attending that Of Judge
Breckenridge were sensational Within forty
eight hours the Assembly had been hushed by
telegram announcing the death in Brooklyn Of
Dr. Van Dyke, former moderator Of the body,
whose recent election as professor in Union Theo-
logical Seminary was in the interest Of peace, it
being thought that his we-known conservatism
would heal the breach in the Church.
1t was hoped by friends OF the
seminary that DR.. Van Dykes death
would soften the blow which they felt the Assem-
bly, was about to direct against DR.. Briggs While
defending the professor and pleading for peace.
Dr. Dickey, of Philadelphia director of the
seminary referred this morning tenderly to DIR.
Van Dyke and uttered prophecy which has al
ready been fulfilled. He said
81 am only responsible for myself, but before
nv brethren l make the pledge that unless God
shall burden me with His care as He has bur.
dencd the brother who has passed away-I believe
DR.. Van Dyke has gone out of the excitement OF
this hour God only knows who more may go,
who carry it upon their hearts as he carried i'll
say, If God shall permit me to abide
for year make my pledge in
public, not to be retracted, that l will
do all in my power to bring about fair and hon
orable reconsideration of this question, and II we
consider it in the light that we have and IN the
light that you may give us it must be reconsld-
cred. If it be reoonsdered, then l say by your
very act of asking us to reconsider IL
you have bound us as honorable men
to hold this compact in abeyanee
until you have chance 10 give your final vote
For three and onehalf hours this morning there
had been discussion, earnest and at Zines ex'
,aeedingly animated, but maintained through
out with the feeling that q solemn duty rested
upon the 500 commissioners who were soon TO
vote upon the question of Professor Briggs's ap-
pointment. After short recess. the Assembly
was called to order and the first man to gain the
Moderators eye was Judge Breckinridge, men,
Der Of the committee that had reported in favor
of the vote of Dr. Briggs. He began with the
statement that he did not believe in long
speeches. but his friends felt that perhaps II he
should give opinion, growing out or his legal
experience in regard to the relation of Union
Seminary to the Assembly, that it might help
bring those who were in doubt as to the consti-
tutional aspects of the case to right understand
ing It was his opinion that the appointment
should not stand, and without any passion, with
out any tone of bitterness, and without personal
alusion, except to avow his belief that the min
istry of the Church should not be trained by
man who held the views that DR.. Briggs
set forth in his writings. He closed calmly with
the remark
Il have discharged my duty faithfully, and
ask YOU to excuse me from further work
Here his voice trembled slightly, and those
sitting near him said that his knees were bending,
and in an instant, before those at
his side could stretch forth hand to save him.
he had fallen to the floor. DR.. Sheppard,
physician was the platform beside him In a
minute, and the Judge was carried into the
pastors study. silence as Of death
fell over the Assembly. The galleries
were thronged with visitors, and scores OF
people were standing. Perfect order was restored,
and while the Assembly was in suspense Dr. Hays.
of Kansas City, suggested that prayer be offered
for the afflicted commissioner. Dr. Green, the
moderator, asked him TO offer the prayer. Hardly
had he closed when the stated clerk announced,
Judge Breckenridge is dead.
A Committee was appointed TO prepare suit
able minute regarding his death, and Dr. Hayes
was made chairman. Arrangements were made at
once TO send the body to ST. Louis. Then came the
question what to do. No one felt like continuing
the Briggs discussion this afternoon, still less did
any one desire TO attend the banquet this evening,
for which extensive preparations had been made.
For perhaps an hour the great audience remained,
now and then a commissioner leading in prayer or
announcing hymn, or making remarks approprl,
ate to the occasion. Dr. Erskine, of the Carlisle
Presbytery, the venerable DR.. Smith. of Balti-
more, and others spoke of the personal work OF
the deceased commissioner.
The Assembly adjourned to meet tomorrow
morning.