The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-05-28
The Presbyterian General Assembly De-
termined to Push His Prosecution.
One Calyinistic Commissioner Says We Want
TO Decide This Case and Set This Man
(Heretic) Adrift in the Wilderness"
Effort of the Prosecution TO Hurry Mat
tiers Making Friends for the Doctor.
His Desk Yesterday Adorned with Column
of Red Roses-Points of Interest in the
Cumberland and Southern Assemblies
TRIAL OF DIR BRIGGS.


The Assembly in q hurry to Get Through
with the Case-Night Sessions
PORTLAND, Ore, May 27.-'fhe Briggs
case'' is still on. The Presbyterian General
Assembly proposes to gain time By night
sessions. 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 il through
the assembly. when such mon as Elder
Junkin and DIR. Mcpherson join together
in an avowed attempt to conserve the con-
stitutional rights of the individual. That
union is significant. There is an effort on
foot to proceed with the case to an end.
This was evidenced by remark of prom
inent commissioner: 1--WE want to decide
this case and set this man adrift in the
wildernessn With others there is q con-
viction that the assembly is going too fast
and making precedence with too much
speed and without sufficient deliberatio n.
A peculiar incident occurred In the after
noon. DE-. Birch was reading his paper,
supporting the appeal, and quoting certain
words uttered by members of the Preeby-
terry of New York at the Briggs trial. when
O commissioner raised point or order
..that il is mproper to read these extracts.
lest comm ssioners here present may be
thereby influenced"
A floral column of red roses fully FIVE
Briggs when the assembly opened.
The column was surmounted by
white. dove with outspresd
wings. The attendance during the
proceedings was undiminished. The hear
ing of the appeal was delayed to receive Q
report of the standing committee on church
extension, because of the necessary depart
ure of DIR. White. secretary OF the board.
perfunct0ry manner. At the close OF read
ing the report was accepted and it's recon-
mendations adopted without debate.
The assembly was then again resolved
into O court by the moderator. A resolu-
ton was introduced by Judge Struvell. Of
Montana. looking TO the return of the
Briggs case to the Presbvtery of New York.
Amendments were offered slightly modi-
flying this action. but with the same
object in view. The parties were allowed
10 withdraw in order TO prepare form OF
action which should be mutually ac-
ceptable. and while they were thus con-
sulting the reading of the report on the re-
vision OF the Confession of Faith was begun.
just before the reading was concluded the
parties 10 the appeal returned from their
consultation. The revision then went over
again as unfinished business.
ELDER NCoox's STATEMENT.
Judge Struvell stated that there had
been no agreement reached and Elder Mo-
Cook was designated by DIR. 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 TO again
address the assembly. ION Nov. T." he
then proceed TO the trial. The presbytery
did not see lit TO accept the proposition. but
made decision from which we have APP
pealed. We are here prepared to argue the
appeal, and we can do it in fifteen minutes,
fifteen hours or fifteen days. The as
sembly has relieved Us of all questions
concerning the past. If you say drop the
case we shall gladly do il. but we stand
here now prepared 20 go on. The response
bility must be with the assembly. We
can't accept the proposal TO return and be-
gin the case In New York. This might he
interpreted to mean new charges and
specifications. whereas We desire only the
privilege OF amending former papers, if
thought necessary. Another suggestion is
that the presbytery be directed TO try the
case fairly. Inns suggestion we most Wig
orously dcprecste."
The moderator then ruled, as the COM
mittee on prosecution refuses TO agree to
the proposition suggested and to allow the
case TO 60 back at once TO New York. the
assembly must proceed to hear the appeal.
The question - whether the appeal shall
forma, after which it is In the discretion of
the assembly 10 reverse or modify the ludg-
ment of the inferior judicatory, If errors
are found. or To remand the case for o new
trial. Ii is evidently desired by q very
large part of the house that the case be re-
manded, but this was thwarted by the re-
fnsal of the prosecutors To consent. The
proposition to sustain the appeal pro forms
elected a vigorous negative head-shaking
by DR.. Birch. Mr. McCook said that the
question Is dismissal or a full sustaining
of the appeal; pro forma action is not de-
sired.
At the afternoon session Elder Junkin,
of Philadelphia, offered resolution to
bring matters before tue court TO q close.
He proposed TO reverse the decision of the
presby terry. send the papers and direct the
Presbytery of New York TO try the case up
on its merits without prejudice TO either
party. He declared the assembly cannot
try the case. at this session. upon It's merits.
The action of the presby terry had been uD-
just 10 the defendant; he ought TO have
had an opportunity to stand before bis
peers and assert and prove his innocence
of the charges.
DR.. Mcpherson, of Chicago. seconded the
resolution. He said he understood DIR.
Briggs would confess Judgment upon two
grounds OF appeal. These would be suffi-
cent TO allow tue assembly to send back
the ease. Ii the assembly received
the appeal when no plea was entered In the
lower court and no sworn testimony heard,
1t would invalidate the rights of every
member OF the church and these are high
or than those of any individuals.
After n brief argument DR.. Briggs stated
he would personally be willing to confess
Judgment upon two points in the appeal.
and would do 80 later in consultation with
the members of the presbytery. Colonel
McCook stated the appeal must be sus-
tanned. the decision of the presbytery re-
ported, and the presbyt terry directed to try
the case on Its merits. On these grounds
the prosecuting committee would be glad
to accept the proposal. Upon the return OF
the conferees DIR. Briggs stated he ac-
cepted the Junkins resolution. but objec-
tion was entered by the prosecuting COM
mittee. and the moderator ruled that the
case must proceed. Then DIR. Birch went
over the grounds of tho appeal and specih-
cation Hereunder. When the reading was
concluded. DIR. Briggs was heard for an
hour in rebuttal. and recess was taken.