Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-05-19

THE COMPACT OF loU.
How far the compact of 1870 and the terms
of reunion affected the powers Of the general
assembly which up to that time it possessed
and exercised, We do not deem it necessary to
discrfss or to express any opinion. 1t 10 suffi-
Gent for the purposes Of this report
to say that since the compact OF 1870.
the general assembly has substan tialv exercised
no other control over the seminaries than that
provided for by that compact, and whatever
dormant and unexercised powers it possesses
are limited as herein stated and have not at
fected either the teaching or the property of
the seminaries
The property being held, as We have already
found, by independent civil corporations, in
many cases self-perpetuatlng, it is substantially
free from any direct interference by the general
assembly. The control possessed and exercised
by the synods and presbyteries over such semi
naries Auburn and San Francisco is set forth
! IN the appendix
THE CONCLUSION.
The committee has not yet reached any con-
clusion as to what method should be adopted
by the church, either of securing more effect
i've control over the property and teaching OF
existing seminaries or Of securing con-
troll of the teaching and property Of future
Summaries 1t believes the church should
first be informed as to the present legal status
of tine seminaries, and the control now pos
! sessed and exercised by the church over their
teaching and property, in order that a free dis
cussion may be had on the part OF all interested
in this important subject to the end that what
! ever decision Is finally made may be the result
of careful elaboration and reached with the
free and intelligent consent OF all parties to be
affected by the action of the general assembly.
The committee has discussed at length vari-
Gus plans suggested but in the limited time al
| lowed it, and in view of the importance Of the
subject has not Yet reached any conclusion.
1t has deemed it proper to make
this report Of progress to date in order to advise
| the church of the existing situation, leav-
/ ing the church free to take such action in the
| formation of plans, through this or some other
| committee. as 1t may deem best 1t regards
the subject as so important and vital to
| the welfare Of the church that ample
/ time and full consideration should be given to
| ii. And it believes that the church can af-
ford to make haste slowly in the formation OF
any plan for the management and control OF
/ the teaching and property Of seminaries here
after organized, or of any change in the method
of operating existing seminaries, SO that what.
ever plan is formed or changes made will be
! permanent, in order to that direct and effective
/ control Of the teaching and property OF 1T
theological seminaries which the last general
assembly was convinced the church should
! possess.
/ MR.. N DOUGALL DISCUSSES IT.
Mr.. Thomas McDougall Of Cincinnati, 6
member of the committee, took the floor and
discussed the report at some length. He asked
what protection they gave to the great body OF
i the church whom they asked to give Their
money to the support OF these schools he
referred to provisions In the charter of Prince