The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-05-27
show FOR BRIGGS
The Presbyterian General Assembly
Decides to Put Him on Trial
at Once.
Prosecution Upheld In It's Action
Skipping tho Synod OF New
York.
Appeal Directly From the presbytsry to
the General Assembly-A Big Major
ity Against Briggs.

PORTLAND, May 26.-Au of to-day waa
consumed in tho general assembly of the
Presbyterian church by the Briggs case.
and the end 10 not yet in sight. The appeal
OF the persecution committee has been en-
tertainsd and the assembly sst itself the
task for tomorrow TO hear the q peal "a
presented BY the appellants, the com naittss
Of tho prosecution in the case. The ap-
pellee 10 DR.. Briggs. and the members of the
1udicstory appealed from the prssby terry OF
New York. The prospects are for quite a
lengthy debate, but there il also an evident
desire among many members of the
assembly for an ending of the case.
Dr. Birch took ths floor to present. the case
against DR.. Briggs. DR.. Birch gave at
length the reasons why appellants over
leaped the synod of New York. The pres
ent course is taken, he said In order to get
the constitutional advice which the assem-
bly, could give. in order to restore peace in
the church. He wanted to know il tho
committee had not done right to bring the
question before the assembly and in show
ing irregularities in the action of the pres
bytery of New York. The case 10 one of
intense importance. involving as it docs
doctrines fundamental to the church and
OF much more importance than any other
question which ever agitatod it. Further
more the plea of appellants is reinforced by
Presbyterians here represented. who have
spoken to tho number of more than four
score in trumpet tones in opposition to tho
views referred to. If the prosecutor were
an individual some show of reason MIGHT
be presented why regular procedure should
be followed, but the appellant is the Pres
byterian church. DR.. Birch closed with an
earnest p!ea that tho general assembly en-
tertain the appeal.
Dr.. Briggs then took the floor and spoke
entertainment Of the appeal. Strong ~ rea0 sa0
sons. said he, must be given for
allowing any departure from ordinarv
methods. In this cHse hsre are no
exceptional reasons why the appeal should
be entertained. and there are inauperable
reasons why it should not be entertained,
He proceeded to generalize the reasons whv
the assembly should not entertain the APP
peal. The statement of appellants that
TINS ls one OF the most important cases in
the history Of the Presby terian church, is
valid reason why they should not pasa over
the synod of New York, and appeal to the
can sustain their charges the synod
OF New York is the body before
which they should go, or else
assign valid reasons for the opinion that
the synod may not do them justice. Their
second reason said Briggs. is desire to Sc
fendant by the supreme judicstory, but
me supreme judioatory cannot condemn
defendant without trial, for it lacks orig
lnai jurisdiction. and can only act after
verdict has been given in the presbytsry.
The defendant asserted that his address
0Okira 0CcnrA yvit ho1p
and the system of doctrine taught in the
Westminster confession. Again and again
he has affirmed his adherence to the con-
fesslon and the holy scriptures. He is en-
titled to the presumption of innocence
until proven guilty after trial.
As to the statement of appellants that
they desire speedy settlement of the ques-
tion. Briggs asked whv. then, did they not
acquiesce in the decision of tho presbyte. '
OF New York when they dismissed the case.
If dissatisded they should have framed
new charges and specifications. Appellants
have wronRcd defendant by their coarse in
passing over the synod and holding dsfsnd-
ant as though no were guilty of heresy, even
after dismissal of the case by his presby-
toy.
DIR: Briggs argued at longth, saying in
conclusion, that the reasons presented by
appellants why the assembly should enter
tain their appeal are invalid. The assembly
could not admit them without prejudicnR
the cause of defendnnt, usu urping authority
which belongs to lower court, and acting
in hasty. illegal and revolutionary
manner. He trusted the assembly would
dismiss the appeal. and refer appellants to
the synod of New York. where they must
apreaF in anv case to maintain their own
complaint before that judioatory, and re-
sist the complaint of others. in tho presby-
terry of New York.
Col. McCook. of Now York, responded at
length to DR.. Briggs, speaking on behalf of
appellants, arguing on the same lines laid
Briggs address.
The moderator then stated that tho ques-
tlon was whether the appeal bs entertained, |
After considerable desultory debate the |
vote was taken and the motion carried in
the affirmative. The question then was
upon the report of the minority, recon-
that the case be sent back to the |
synod of New York This report was laid |
upon the table by vote of 1856 to 1922 The |
report was then adopted with
out division. Then ntose a question
over tho records of the case.
1t was finally decided that the record in
The case consist of the minutes as written,
md of the official stenographic report as
sent up by the stated clerk Of the New
York presbytery. Judge Strevell, of Mon
tnns, gave notice OF a protest againss the
admission of the stenographic report, be-
cause of his belief that the constitutional
rights of DR.. Briggs had been invaded by
she assembly.
DOWN HARRlSON'S THROAT.