The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-05-29
DIED IN GODS SERVICE.
A SPEAKER DROPS DEAD IN THE
PaESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.


Judge Breckenridge of St. Louis Sud
denly Expires After Speaking on the
Briggs Case-Ine Remains Taken
home on Gov. Alger's Speciol Car
A Similar Incident Recalled.
DETROIT, MICH, May 2S.-In the Presby-
terian general assembiy's morning session
the hedevotional exercises, in which there was
marked earnsstness in seeking divine aid in
the emergency thrust upon the assembly by
the Briggs case, were closed by singing
blessed be the tie that binds.n DR..
Patton said he would not speak long, but
only word of explanation. "You are no
doubt ready to credit our committee with q
desire to do simply what is best. Recog-
nizing our liability to error, we have had
only desire to do what is demanded by the
exiRencies of the case in spirit of kindness,
and recognizing the rights of all parties
concerned. Our report is unanimous,
although propositions were made for a diff
ferent action, but, after full discussion, we
could see no course but that we took. The
past, present and future were fully
weighed. Ii discussion brings new light We
will welcome it. We are ready to give the
reason for every decision we have made.
though we are prepared for 1t. We hope 1t
will be conducted in the same spirit that
has actuated the committee
TWO HOURS SPEECH.
The debate was opened by Prof. Smith of
the Lane Theological Seminary, who spoke
for two hours in opposition to the action
recommended by the committee.
Dr. Logan of Scranton, Pa, suggested q
modification of the action proposed by the
committee. "They say they have given us
their best Judgment of what is the least the
assembly can do in the premises. 1 agree
with them, with these two amendments:
~. Insert for the present, so it shall read,
the assembly disapproves for the present
the appointment etc.
80 This he moved and it was seconded.)
That committee be appointed consisting
of eight ministers and seven ruling elders to
confer with Prof. Briggs and the directors
Of the seminary"
The debate was continued by DR.. Mackay
Of Philadelphia, DR.. Francis of Cincinnati,
and DR.. Evans, (who spoke two hours in
defense of DR.. Briggs.
THE LEGAL SIDE OF THE CASE.
After the recess the debate on DIR. Briggs
was resumed and Judge S. j. Breckinridge
Of st. Louis. a member of the committee on
theology seminaries and one of the most
eminent lawyers in the south, stated the
legal points in the case. Years ago, he said
Union Seminary was independent, but In
1881 it became Presbyterian, and of course
the assembly from that time controlled the
appointments. If we do not move now, he
said, we never can. DR.. Logan's amend
ment for deferring action is impracticable.
We view the transfer from one chair to
another to be the same as an appoint
ment. We can do nothing wisely except
dlsapprove. l think it is wise, not
to assign reasons. The judge some-
times cannot give all of the reasons for his
decisions on the bench. But without as
signing other reasons, it does seem to me
that the mind of the church for some
months has been anxious, and that we
should relieve it. His last words were
Now, gentlemen, feel that have dis
charged my duty and wished to be excused
from further speaking"
THE JUDGE FALLS DEAD.
Reaching for glass of water he threw
up his hands and fell, striking the back of
bis head heavily on the floor. After the
Judge had been carried to an ante room the
debate was arrested, and when, a few
I moments afterward, the physicians In the
audience who hurried to his aid pronounced
him dead, the assembly voted to do no
further business. and instead of a banquet
In the rink this evening. to hold prayer
meeting in the Fort street church.
committee consisting of President Pat
ion, Rev. Drs. Hayes, C. A. Dickey and
4 d. Z. Smith, and Elders j. j. McCook and
4 4. W. c. Humphrey, to which Rev. Dr.
Eermilye, delegate from the Reformed
church, was added, was appointed TO
make suitable arrangements in view
Il OF the occurrence. President Patton asked
70 be excused because of fatigue. While
This committee were absent the assembly
engaged in devotional exercises and reni-
nlscences of Judge Breckenridge.
n SPECIAL CAR FURNISHED.
1t was announced that Gov. Alger had
s offered his special car and train to convey
the remains and committee to St. Louis.
AS several of the committee had decided to
accept this offer the assembly continued its
n devotional exercises until the COM
nlttee could perfect and announce
a lts arrangements for the journey and for a
s. memorial meeting tonight. The special
comBmlttee n to go to st. Louis was announced
as rev. Drs. Hayes, Dickey,S Erskine and
N Smith, with Elders Rankin and Mont
m gomery. DR.. NicoIls, pastor Of Judge
Breckinridge's church, Is absent, but will
u return in time to take the train.
ID NO GRANGE TO SEE THE REMAINS.
There was no opportunity to see the re.
mains, and after announcing that there
YOU'D be prayer meeting in the Fort street
1nurch at s o'clock this evening, the meet
We closed with prayer by the moderator.
Many will recall the similar aud sudden
oeatn OF ex-Gov. Washburn at the great
Hneeting of the American board at Spring
ield, Mass, which 80 greatly softened the
eated discussion which there, as here, was
gong on over doctrinal matters.
~