Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-05-18
THE BRIGGS CASE.
When 1t is Likely to Come Up Before the
Assembly.

When 1t Is Likely to Come Up Before the
Assembly.
Naturally those interested in the assembly
and the questions that are likely to come be-
fore it are discussing the Briggs case. especially
as TO the time when it will be up
before the assembly. As has been
stated in THE STAR the appeal made
on behalf Of the Presbyterian Church by
the prosecuting committee from the decision Of
the presbytery of New York will be referred to
the judicial committee. That committee will
probably report it back to the as
ssmbly on Monday with some recommends
ton, either that it be entertained or that
1t be not entertained. The former recommen-
dation is the one that is most likley to be made
and then the appeal will be before the
assembly. There are several courses open
in the disposition Of the case. The
did not act in accordance With the rules gov
erning such matters. and may decide to refer
the entire matter back to the pres.
bytery as else the decision may be reached
that the appeal ought first to 60 to the synod.
The assembly can also conclude to hear the
appeal and pass upon its merits or refer it
to commission, the latter TO report to the as
sembly. When the case comes up the parties
In the case have a right to be heard
before the assembly under such conditions as to
time. &c, that the assembly may prescribe.
The parties are the prosecuting committee and
Prof. Briggs. The members Of the New York
presbytery can be heard. and Also any member
OF the assembly. 1t is thought likely that the
time that will be fixed for the hearing Of
the will be next Thursday morning,
| and some think that it may be brought up As
early as Wednesday next II the assembly con-
clude that DIR. Briggs is guilty then q penalty
must be imposed. He can be either deposed
from the ministry or suspended, censnred or
admonished. The New York presbytery may
be directed to impose the sentence
HE PLEADS HIS OWN CAUSE.
As has been the rule in all past trials Prof
Briggs will conduct his own case. There will
be no one to speak for him except himself until
possibly the time comes for the members of the
New York presbytery and Of the assembly to
take part in the discussion, and then no
doubt the voice of his friends will be
heard. DIR. Briggs, however, does not stand
alone in his defense from any necessity, but
from choice. He prefers to be his own spokes-
man. and those who have heard him in the
previous trials of this now famous case do not
have any doubt Of his ability to take
ample care of his cause in the face Of all OPP
ponents. No one questions his brilliancy and
his great intellectual force and it is generally
thought that his case is in competent hands.
Most Of the members of the assembly. in
fact it may be said that all OF them, are more
or less familiar with the main points at issue,
as the arguments made in the former hear
ings have been printed and widely distrib tied.
All the members OF the prosecuting commit
tee are here and are ready for the hearing.
Owing to the regular matters Of business tina,
will claim the attention of the assembly it IL
not though that the desks will be cleared for
the Briggs case before next Thursday morning.