Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-05-30
ASSEMBLY GOSSIP.
What Some of the Presbyterians Think
of the Disposition of the Briggs Case
Further Action Merely Formal


of the Disposition of the Briggs Case
Further Action Merely Formal.
PORTLAND, OREGON, May 29.-With
the ending OF the Briggs case the Pres
byterian Assembly comes TO the ques-
tion of how II is regarded by those al
fected. The prosecution are jubilani
because they have got all that they de-
manded.
They are satisfied and will return to
New York to renew their work, though
they disclaim that they have any zeal
in the matter.
The position OF the conservative men
is that of partial satisfaction. some be-
ing dissatisfied because the case was
not brought to an absolute decision on
the spot.
In conversation DIR. Briggs called at
tention to the anomalous position whic n
he occupied in the appeal case. The
real defendant was the Presbytery OF
New York, though for reasons entirely
le clinical he was compelled to appear
and defend the action which really dam
aged him.
Being second "original party" in the
case he had to resist the appeal which
was brouhht by the other "original par
ty" although the appeal was not against
him nor anything which he had done,
but solely against the Presbytery's ac-
tion.
He expressed his desire that the Pres
bytery should proceed with the trial
under proper and sufficient charges and
specifications, but 10 those which he
had been called TO plead he had grave
objections.
Expressing his own personal views, a
prominent officer OF the Assembly said:
"a man who is accused of stealing
chickens objects to being tried for
stealing horse" The same man said
that II the Judicial Committee had
troubled itself to read the
real record OF the case in
stead OF relying on printed
copy prepared by the prosecution, they
would have been compelled to report
against the entertaining Of the appeal
because OF its similarity, not to say
identity, with the complaint Of some
parties with others now pending before
the Synod Of New York.
In the vote Of yesterday, Moderator
Young had no voice, being debarred by
the constitution, but he expressed him.
self to-day as satisfied with the action
taken. DR.. Smith, chairman OF judic-
ial committee, declined TO express an
opinion.
The vote to sustain the appeal was so
large that the general sentiment is that
of satisfaction, but those who for consti-
tutional reasons voted against the ap-
peal In toto are preparing formal pro-
test which will be largely signed and
will be entered upon the minutes.
Further bushes in the Briggs case ia
only formal A resolution disposing OF tht
case will be offered early and II Is not ex'
pected thet there will be much discussion
but the wording of IL is regarded as impor-
tant and the interests Of all parties will be
carefully guarded.
The order for 10 o'clock tomorrow is
q supplementary report OF the Theologi'
cal Seminaries Committee. It's almost
identical with the report submitted
some days ago, and will scarcely be con-
ducive OF harmony, which was desired.
1t is self contradictory in its proposal,
and will be assaiIed on this ground.
The rest of the business session will be
hurried through because OF growing
desire Of the commissioners TO return to
their homes.