The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1891-08-21
A W. CONNOR's ANSWER TO R. H.
SINGER.
EDITORS OF THE COLUMBIAN.

| GENTLEMEN:-Mr. X. II. Singer ir
| his answer to ID. NJ. Kinter has used
my name and l wish to make few
statements. Singer says "a. w.
Connor claiming to be State Evangel-
ist, who is known to have told several
malicious falsehoods about me to the
elders at Saltwater anu others as
have the documents to show-has
done this wicked work, &C."
The facts are these.
I. am State Evangelist and in
keeping with my rights and duties l
warned the officers of churches against
r. Fl. Singer. affirmed that he was
an immoral man and unworthy of the
confidence of christian people.
2. The Saltwater elders fooishly
disregarded my warning, and when l
offered to prove to them that I had
spoken truthfully, they refused to hear
me and said they had serious charges
to prefer against me.
3. | met the officers and after they
had in writing specified their charges
(as they called them) / asked who was
to form the tribunal that was to try
me. was informed that the elders,
who were both witnesses and accusers,
claimed the right to be my judges
also. The claim was so very absurd
that could scarcely believe my ears.
4. offered to submit the case to
board of arbitrators composed of
three christian gentlemen. For some
time the Saltwater officers refused to
do this after a season, however, they
agreed to submit their charges to a
board of arbitrators provided would
choose my man from Columbia coun-
ty churches. This l refused to do
and to prevent any further delay l
chose Allen B. Philputt of Philadel-
phia, as my arbitrator, and l said thu
l would meet them when the board
was completed in its organization.
5. The officers Of Saltwater then
declared that they would meet July Q,
1891, and try me and publish me. l
placed my protest against any such
action and left them. Before the time
named l sent in my written protest to
their acting as accusers, witnesses and
judges, denying their jurisdiction over
me, and again offered to meet a
board of arbitrators and named my
man. Since that time l have never
received line from Saltwater officers.
Nov Mr.. Singer says che has 0ocu-
naemts' and he has written to parties
that Saltwater officers conyicted me &c.
l class these things among MrNSinger's
misrepresentation. do not believe
the elders and deacons Of Saltwater
would do such mad and unjust thing
as they said they would, i. G. act as
judges in case where they were both
accusers and witnesses nor will l be-
lieve so unreasonable thing until
said officers say SO over their own
names.
Now word as to my "wicked |
work. as Mr.. Singer calls it. If the
earnest effort to expose an impostor
is wicked work" l plead guilty. 1
have never taken back one word l
have said about R. H. Singer.
AS long as IpOssess the information
l now have, and as long as I hold my
present Office l will try to rid the min
lstry of and protect respectable women
from the insults of such men, and I.
believe all fair minded people will give
me their approval.
In the trial Of Singer Aug. 6, '9I,
before the elders of Zion Church a
most partial and unjust and false deci-
sion was rendered, for said elders de-
clared Singer not guilty. The elders
of Zion Church will now have
chance to defend their action, as Sc
rious charges have been preferred
against them. There is not a deacon
in that church that approves of the
action of the elders. So the end is
not yet. The church or officer that
endorses r. H. Singer in face of the
evidence brought against him makes
mistake.
With thanks for your favors, gentle
men, l remain respectfully yours in
the defence of the virtue and purity
of the home circle.
A. w. CoNNoR.
Johnstown. Pa, Aug. IS, 1891.