The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1891-06-05
A Scene of CONSERVATION.

Scene OF CONSERVATION.
DETROIT, May 29.-The suddendeatt
OF Judge 5. NJ. Breckenridge of ST
Louis in the Presbyterian general as
sembly yesterday has thrown depress
ing cloud over the great gathering
The afternoon debate upon the Brigg:
matter was well advanced when the
venerable man arose to speak. He
caught the mOderator's eye and with
vigorous step advanced. Ascending
the platform he began his speech
There was intense interest upon every,
bodys face. The throng sat silent
waiting for the promised speech of the
jurist, who was to speak upon the legal
phase of the action of the committee
against DIR. Briggs.
| The judge was a familiar figure The
night before, clothed in evening dress,
the picture of manhood and intellectual
vigor, he had presided for the modera-
| tor. His clear cut sentences and well
rounded periods captivated the audi.
ence. The judges voice penetrated the
remotest corners of the edifice. There
was not the slightest sign of ailment.
..
he was In the prime of health and had
just come from a luncheon with friends,
where he said he was about to make
the effort OF his life. although he had
prepared nothing. Calmly he scored
his antagonists and DIR. Briggs friends
WINGED. His arguments were unim-
FASHIONED. He believed every word he
spoke, and not murmer vas heard
"a nd 4
For fifteen minutes he spoke, never
hesitating. never waiting for a word.
Clear and distinct rang out: Nov,
gentlemen, | feel have discharged my
duty and wish to be excused from fur
Their speech" There was not a MUIR
muir. He had fired a great shell into
the opposing factions tent and they
were silent under the sting. His own
faction was silent with satisfaction. He
bowed courteously to the moderator
and turned to go down from the pulpit.
One step and he reeled.
He grasped for table near by and
one hand fell heavily upon it. The
other was raised and it fell upon his
breast. For moment he stood. His
frame quivered from top to bottom: his
face grew ashen, and with
gasp. he fell PROSTATE. His
body fell heavily and he lay
gasping, face toward the sky. at the
feet Of the moderator. Those near
sprang to his rescue. The audience
was startled beyond measure. A thous.
and eyes were rivited upon him. attrac.
ted by the sound of the first deadly
gasp. Hundreds sprang to their feet |
He has tainted" came from every.
where, and hundred or more made a |
rush to assist the PROSTATE orator.
Moderator Green kept his presence oil
mind. and raising his voice to a high
key he commanded everybody to remain
quiet, and an incipient panic was calm.
ed. keep your seats. Keep youI
seats" he shouted you can b. No
use here. Jundge Breckenridge will be
well cared for" Gradually the excited
elders and pastors became quiet, and
tender hands lifted the heavily breath.
ing form and carried it to the pastors
room, where it was laid upon new
cushion.
The report spread that he had tainted.
but those near knew differently. His
body become instantly rigid and his
jaws were set, and the heavy breath
had the unmistakeable rattle of an
preaching death. For ten minutes .be
heart kept up the life action, but to no
avail. Two physicians arrived Instant
ly, but no human skill could be oil
service. Soon the reverentia watchers
bowed their heads, dropped upon their
knees and surrounded by a score OIL
praying divineS Judge Breckenridge
breathed his last He was not con.
'cious after the stroke An enlarge;
nent of the heart causing a blood YES
sci to burst was the cause of death.
As the body was borne from the
to the pastors room dozen
men moved 10 take a recess until the
Judge rallied. Others wanted the dis
.usslon continued, believing they could
10 the judge no good by suspendino
business. a wrangle followed in which
t was finally decided to adjourn, sub
ect to the moderator's call. Let lis
'emain in silent prayer until we hear
rom his room" and Moderator Green.
md 200 heads were bowed with silent
petitions. For five minutes the house I
vas silent as tomb. Then q messen.
yer quietly came to the platform. and
DR.. Green whispered, He
; dead" A thousand eyes moistened.
he moderator kneeled, and women,
pastors, and elders SObbed aloud.
Judge Breckenridge represented the {
Missouri synod as one OF the elders and
vas conspicuous figure in the assem-
Ny, as well as a wise counselor and q
ate leader. He was born in Baltimore,
Id, November 3, 1928, and was edu-
ated at the Union college, New York;
enter college, Kentucky, and the Col
eye of New Jersey at Princeton He
-raduated at the law school OF Transvl-
anna university at Lexington, KY, and '
ettld at st. Louis in 1850, where he t