The morning call., 1893-10-03
PEACE PREVAILS.
Presbyterian Differences
Settled.
CONFIDENCE in MR.. DUNCAN.
Rev. DIR. Hemphill and Ex.Judge
Thornton Shake Hands Over
the Bloody Chasm.

The principal matter of interest at the
adjourned meeting of the San Francisco
Presbytery, which met in the Howard
Presbyterian Church yesterday morning.
was the case of Rev. K. j. Duncan,
whilom pastor oil that congregation. IL
was not until all of tho regular business
of the presbytery had been finished tnat
the committee appointed to investigate
the charges against MIR. Duncan was cailed
upon to report and its entrance was Inc
signal for rather warm discussion.
DR.. Hempnili rose at once ana moVeo
that the presbytery should go into inter-
locutory session and his motion was
seconded.
Many of the clergymen present, together
with the moderator and Mr.. Duncan him
self. strongly opposed. the action on the
ground that it would create an impression
that there was mysterious something
TO be concealed. They wished the report
of the Investigating committee to be as
public as the charges had been..
Rev. D. NJ Ross, chairman OF the com
mittee, urged postponement OF III.
Hem phill's motion until after the reading
of the report, when, If discussion ensued.
it could be voted upon and outsiders be
asked to withdraw.
Mr. Ross was, however. forced to yield
to small majority OF timid brethren VINO,
notwithstanding his earnest assurance TO
the contrary. were evidently afraid that
there were to be some new and startling
developments in the case which must be
skept from the papers" at all hazards.
Rev. Mr.. Woodwork asked for an open
session on the ground that the re-
porters will get 1t all anyway; If they stay
in they will get it straight. if they are kept
out they will get 1t crooked" but vote
was taken which excluded every one not
member Of the presbytery, even to Mrs.
Duncan, who had accompanied her hus-
band to the meeting.
AT the end of about fifteen minutes the
doors were opened again, and every one
was smiliDgly assured that the report of
the investigating committee had been ac-
cepted, and everything was satisfactorily
settled.
From remarks heard on the outside, how
ever, 1t was learned that there had not
been perfect concord of feeling in regard
10 the matter. and that there had been
quite lively tilt between Elder Roberts
and Rev. Mr.. Russ during the ''nterlocu-
tory session" Elder Roberts, it seems.
indirectly conveyed the idea that there
were certain facts withheld by the COM
mittee which should rigbtfully have been
brought out In its report, and this brought
the chairman to his feet with fiat and
somewhat warm denial Outside of this,
which caused some little discussion, the
matter went quietly through. and the re-
port was adopted in the following form:
Your committee has had the matter of Rev.
Kenneth j. Duncan under Investigation, and
find no Ieliable proof of anything further Than
disclosed to the committee by himself and be
by his frank acknowledgment OF his error,
merits the continued confidence of this presby-
tely. ID. NJ. Ross.
". e. SMITH.
SAMUEL IRVING
A pleasing incident of the session was
the fraternal reconciliation of ex-Judge
Thornton and Rev. DR.. Hempbill. DR..
Hemphill extended his hand, stating that
his heart was in It," and Judge Thornton
accepted 1t. stating that he regretted the
past controversy, and would hereafte E
treat the reverend gentleman with kind
ness, hoping that ''tne whole matter would
end forever-right here"
The report of the committee on the death
of DR.. Mathews was read bT the Rev. j..
q. Adams and contained brief history of
DIR. Mathews life aud work, together viii b
a warm eulogy of him as man, a schola
preacher and a friend.
Reports of various committees were re-
celved and accepted. that of the chairman
on the Young Peoples societies being of
special interest. The recommend tion
therein that.the Young Peoples societies
should be consolidated Into a Presbyterian
Union was received with much favor and
adopted
Rev. Mr.. Doane was made chairman of
the committee on narrative, vice j. O.
Adams, resigned. Mr.. Doane was also re-
elected treasurer and permanent clerk for
the term ending July, 1894 vice DR.. Farris,
resigned.
Rev. Mr. Rhoda was appointed mo6er-
atof Of services at the Howard Presby-
terlan Church. and on motion of Elder
Roberts allowed to fill the pulpit for the
time being.
Rev DR.. Hemphill extended an invita-
tion from Calvary Church to the presby
terry TO meet there for its December session
and the invitation was accepted with
thanks. The presbyterY then ad ionrned.