The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-05-28
BRIGGS TO BE TRIED.
He Asks to Plead Before the
Presbytery of New York.
BUT HIS ENEMIES REFUSE.
The Report OF the Committee on Revision
Of Confession OF Faith to Be Submit.
ted to Presbyteries for Approval.

Presbyterian church OF Portland, where
the general assembly is sitting. The
Briggs case is still on. The assembly pro-
noses to gain time by night session, at
which revision of the confession is in or
der. The lines in the appeal case are being
drawn more closely. and men who have no
sympathy with the views of DR.. Briggs
are Joining in opposition to the resolute
effort of some to force it through the
assembly. When such men as Elder
Junkins and DR.. Mcpherson join together
In an avowed effort to conserve the consti-
tutional rights of the individual, that
union is significant. 1t is evident that
there is an effort on foot to. proceed with
the case to an end. This was evil
denced by the remark of promi.
nent. commissioner 1--WE want to
decide this case and set this man adrift in
the wilderness" With others there is a
conviction that the assembly is going too
fast and making presidents with too
much speed and not enough deliberation.
peculiar incident occurred in the after.
noon. DR.. Birch was reading his paper
supporting the appeal and quoting GER
tain words uttered by members of the
presbytery of New York at the Briggs
trial, when a commissioner raised point
of order that 1t was improper to read
these extracts lest some commissioner
here present may be thereby influenced.
When the assembly met the report of
the standing committee on church extern
sion was read, being listened to in per-
functory manner. The board Of church
extension is one which never allows its
expenses to exceed its income. Applica-
tons have been made for Ill church edi-
fees and tifty-thrce manses, at total cost
Of $4,000. The total income amounted
to slO6,0O and the expenditures to $lO2,
Z 0O0 Aid was granted to 252 churches and
ty-four manses. By a wise provision
alLhurches aided are permanently secured
to the denomination. The board has also
an architectural annex, which furnishes
plans for new buildings. The report was
accepted and its recommendation adopted
without debate.
The assembly was then constituted a
court by the moderator. A resolution was
introduced by Judge StruvelI, of Montana,
looking to return of the Briggs case to
the presbytery of New York for a new
trial. Amendments were offered, slightly
modifying this action, but with the same
object in view. The parties to the appeal
we're allowed to withdraw in order to pre-
pare a form of action which would be
mutually acceptable. While they were
consulting the reading of the report on the
revision of confession of faith was begun.
Just before the closing of the reading of
the report the parties to the appeal
returned from their consultation. The re-
vision then went over again as unfinished
business.
Judge Struvell stated that there had
been no agreement reached, and Elder
McCook was designated by DR.. Birch as
the one selected to make known the will
Of the committee. The resolutions were
re-read by the clerk. Mr.. McCook re-
gretted that he was compelled again to adj
dress the assembly.
He said
On November 4, 1891. ii was urged by me that
We should then aud there proceed to trial The
presbytery did not see fit to accept the PROPOSE
ton, but made a decision from which we have
appealed. We are here, prepared to argue the
appeal, and we can do it in fifteen
minutes, fifteen hours or fifteen days.
The assembly has relieved us OF all
questions concerning the past If you say
drop the case we shall gladly do it: but Eve
stand here now prepared to go on. The respon-
sbility must be with the assembly. Wescannot
accept proposal to return and begin the case in
New York, de moro. This might be interpreted
tomean new charges and specifications, whereas
we desire only the privilege OF amending the
former papers if thought necessary. Another
suggestion is, that the presbytery be directed to
Try the case "fairly." This suggestion we most
vigorously deprecate
The moderator then ruled that as the
committee of the prosecution refuses to
agree to the propositions suggested, and to
allow the case to go back at once to New
York, the assembly must proceed to hear
the appeal. The question is whether the
appeal shall be sustained in part, in full,
orpro tormd, after which it is in the dis
cretion Of the assembly to reverse OF mod
lily the Judgment of the inferior Judicial
tory, If errors are found, or to remand the
case for new trial. 1t was evidently the
desire OF very large part of the house
that the case be remanded. but this was
thwarted by refusal of the prosecutors to
consent. The proposition to sustain the
appeal pro formd elected vigorous mega
tive headshaking by DIR. Birch. Colonel
acCook said that as the question. is dis
missal or full sustaining of the appeal pro
!oImd action is not desired. Eleven
Tor the reception of delegates from other
denominations, and the case of appeal was
postponed till o'clock.
DIR. Chambers. OF the Reformed church,
and Dr. Gay. OF the Waldensian church,
occupied the remainder of the time until
noon.
At the opening of the afternoon session
was voted 10 hold an evening session to-
night. Elder Junkin offered a resolution
proposing 10 reverse the decision OF the
presbytery and send back the papers and
uireet the presbytery of New York TO try
The case upon its merits. without preja-
alce to either party. After some argument
on the resolution DR.. Briggs stated that
ne would personally be willing to confess
judgment upon two points in the appeal
ana would do so after consultation with
members OF his preSbytery. On behalf OF
the appellants Colonel McCook stated that
'ae appelleeS should nave an opportunity
70 be heard upon the merits of the appeal
before the house. Three things are
necessary, he said: The appeal must be
sustained; the decision of the presoy.ery
must he reversed, and the presbytery must
ne directed 10 try the case upon its merits.
on these grounds We shall be glad to ac-
eept this proposal. At this point Dr.
Briggs stated that he agreed TO Mr.. Jun
Nc resolution. Objection was onersd py
0e Prosecution. and on the ground OF the
ooleelOn the moderator ruled that the
case must proceed. Or. Birch. for the
Prosecuting committee, then took the moor
and traversed six grounds of appeal and