The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-05-27

The Alleged Heretic Makes an appeal in His
Own Behalf

tf'Ht Ayttaftis
Portland. Oar. Nay o.. The trial Of Pro-
fessor Briggs. o. New York begun in the
General Assembly yesterday was continued
this morning. The church was crowded at
Birch the head of the prosecuting committee.
sat on the platform. Or. Young. the mod
orator, announced that each side should oc-
cupy an hour and half discussing merely
the constitutional questions. without refe--
ring nj All 10 the merits of the question. Dr.
Birch ia clear. distinct tone. read his ar
gument. lie claimed that the appearing OF
the prosecuting committee at tho assembly
was strictly constitutional. although u was
general to 80 directly from the Presbytery TO
the synod.
Dr. Birch argued further that the case was
OF intense interest 10 OH Christend0m and
that no other question n the history of the
Christian church had been more important or
touched more vital doctrine. VIZ. The
authority of the Scriptures. While Nr. Birch
was reading there was q funereal stiffness all
over the House; not O rustic was beard Till he
had finished
DR.. briggs IN HIS OWN BEHALF.
DR.. Briggs rose at 1910 and also read his
argument In beginning he addressed the
House formally. closing with Ladies and
gentlemen.
This expression was met with cries of
mo NO" as the assembly wac then
sitting IN the form of judicial body. Or.
Briggs argued that there were no reasons Tor
entertaining the appeal and that there were
insuperable reasons why 1t should not be en-
tertalued. Ii their case was o good one. ne
said. they should go directly 10 the synod.
and insisted that grave injustice was done to
the lower body 10y this action. Or. Briggs
next showed that the entertainment OF the
appeal would be an injustice 20 himself. IL
would give o Judgment while no charges were
pending against him. IL had not been shown
that there were errors IN his address. he
assembly could not do anything with the
merits OF the case vet. Turning now and
then 70 the table at which the members 0f
the prosecuting committee sat no SAID they
were responsible for the present disturbance;
If they were desirous OF speedy
settlement they might have acquiesced IN the
acton of the Preshytery dismissng the case.
They had made haste. but not speed. The
case had been begun with great haste, as the
investigation was begun IN ais freshytery
while he was Ill., All laws protect the inno-
cent A defendant might desire speedy
trial but the prosecutor has not such reason
for Fastening the case.
PLEADS FOR JUSTICE.
DR.. Briggs said he stood to-day with his
presbytery behind him and he believed
that his synod would also sustain him. 10
entertain the appeal now would deprive him
of his rights Still another reason was that
III ministers and elders had signed a com
plant against adecision of the resbytery and
ia behalf Of himself and his cO-cOmpiainants.
he protested against any action tnat might
deprive them OF their rights. The appeal can
not be entertained because the complaint "A
filed with the stated clerk Of the synod, and
this acts as stay upon the matter. There ls
Il nH M
the decision as an interocutory. In closing he
pleaded Tor Justice and asked the assembly
% refer the case 10 the synod OF New YORK.
He also asked for time 10 submit objections
of record.
DR.. ,Agnew asked whether the New York
Presbytery we're not the real appellee.
co1o,gL M'cooK's RrPLY.
Or. Young decided that Dr. Briggs and
not tho Presbytery, was the appellee, and at
I1.3O Colonel John j. McCook began his reply
% Dr. Briggs, and spoke until tho hour Of
adjournment. lie answered the statement Of
the defendant that he was III at the time OF
the examination Of his inaugural address by
reading letter from DR.. Briggs, saying be
would decline 30 appear before the original
committee of eXamlnatlan, because he under
stood that the committee was appointed to
examine his address and not 10 listen 20 bis
explanation of IT, lie then took up tho argu-
ment
After further argument the assembly. by q
vote Of 3.C 10 10, laid on the table the
minority report of the judicial committed
Recommending that the appeal be not enter
tanned and the case be referred 10 the New
York synod iy large vote the appeal was
entertained and the trial was begun.
When tie report Of the New ) ork Presby-
terry was presented. Ir. Briggs raised the
point of it's inaccuracy as compared with the
minutes taken by the MON Seminary sten0-
prapher. Ii was thereupon decided 10 re-
ceise both and the assembly then adjourned
rufIl Tomorrow